How to get to Macao from Hong Kong

Synonymous with glamour and flamboyance, as exemplified by its faux-Eiffel Tower and an unbridled obsession with flair everywhere you look, the former Portuguese of Macao has been reshaping its tourism to so much more than the gambling paradise it was once known to be. Gastronomy is one pull – with delights ranging from Michelin-starred wonders to Insta-worthy cafes – and so are architectural gems and activities for the family.  

Whether you reside in Hong Kong or you’re a traveller looking to explore other areas of the GBA, visiting Hong Kong’s Macanese cousin has never been easier. 

Hong Kong to Macao by ferry

For those who live on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon South, the easiest way to get to Macao is by sea via two high-speed ferry operators. Turbojet sails to and from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan to Taipa and the Macao Peninsula – or Outer Harbour – with departures as frequent as every 30 minutes during peak hours. Turbojet also services the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui to Taipa twice a day. Cotai Water Jet , meanwhile, works exclusively for the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal Taipa line with similar frequencies.  

Both carriers take you to Macao in around an hour with fares ranging from HK$175 to HK$415 depending on weekday or weekend, day or night sail, as well as the choice between regular and premium classes. The extra dollars will buy you a more spacious seat as well as priority boarding and disembarkation.  

Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal’s sailings to Macao were terminated in June 2021. Residents of Northwestern New Territories can instead hop on a shuttle bus that will transport you across the picturesque Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). 

Inbound air travellers to Hong Kong can opt to transit to Macao Maritime Ferry Terminal (XZM, also known as Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal) at the SkyPier right at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Operated by Turbojet and located within a restricted area of the airport, this service is limited to those transiting. Cathay Pacific passengers can enjoy the company’s Direct Air+Sea service by purchasing their flights and transit as one single ticket during booking through our website.* Passengers of other airlines can simply purchase their ticket to Macao at SkyPier after landing and pick it up at E2 transfer area an hour before departure time  and wait for your ride at the SkyPier.  

Hong Kong to Macao by bus

Inbound travellers transiting to Macao via HKIA can book Direct Air+Land when making their flight booking on our website, allowing them to hop onto a transfer coach directly to Macao without having to first go through immigration at the airport.*

Not an inbound traveller? Public bus transport is perhaps the most economical option, and best fits those travelling from Northwestern New Territories. Find your way to the HZMB and hop onto the Hong Kong/Macao route shuttle buses that run around the clock, as frequent as every five minutes during peak hours for a price of HK$65 for adults and HK$33 for concessionary passengers. Overnight shuttles arrive every 15 to 30 minutes for a fee of HK$35 to HK$70 each. 

Private buses are also dotted around populous neighbourhoods in Hong Kong. One Bus , for instance, picks up passengers from Jordan with stops across various hotels on the Taipa side. E&E , meanwhile, picks up passengers from the likes of Diamond Hill, Kwun Tong, Yau Ma Tei, Nina Tower in Tsuen Wan and Metroplaza in Kwai Fong, transporting passengers to Taipa hotels like The Venetian, The Parisian and Crown Plaza Macau on the main peninsula. Those who want more options to the Macao peninsula can opt for services by Trans-Island Chinalink , which transverses multiple points in Prince Edward and Tsim Sha Tsui to spots like Hotel Jai Alai, Grand Lisboa Hotel and MGM Macau, among others in Taipa.  

Hong Kong to Macao by car

Those who prefer more flexibility can opt for a private car. Chauffeurs are plentiful in Hong Kong, but not all have the valid licenses to cross the HZMB. For those with your own vehicle, you can cruise along the 55km-long bridge to Macao yourselves. The only requirements are that you apply for the quota beforehand, possess a Hong Kong drivers’ license, and own a non-commercial vehicle less than six metres in length with eight or fewer seats. 

The quota allows for multiple re-entries and is valid for three years. Private cars from Hong Kong must be kept at the east car park of the HZMB, accessible with the right vehicle licenses and permits from both governments as well as a car park reservation. Cars can stay in Macao for 14 days without additional procedures – anything beyond this requires a simple and free registration with the Macau Public Security Police Force .  

Hong Kong to Macao by air

Though Macao is only a short 65 kilometres away, flight is possible – not from HKIA, but from atop the helipad at the Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan. The journey is no longer available for individual purchase, however groups of up to 12 passengers can charter the helicopter for a truly breathtaking flight. This 15-minute journey over the picturesque Victoria Harbour and Pearl River Estuary costs HK$46,800 per charter plus HK$150 Hong Kong Departure Tax per head, and bookings must be made at least two days in advance. 

*Available for selected routes on our website. For regions where this service is not available, please make your Direct Air+Sea or Direct Air+Land booking via a travel agent. If you're departing from Taiwan China, please purchase your ferry or coach tickets separately. We’ll arrange your bags to be checked through when you check in at your departing airport.