Getting Around Macau

Just an hour away, but quite different from Hong Kong, is Macau: the mega-resort and casino center that also has interesting historical sights.

It is popular to travel from Hong Kong to Macau. In this article, you will find out how to travel to Macau from Hong Kong and what to see in Macau.

Located only 64km (40 miles) from Hong Kong across the mouth of the Pearl River, Macau is most easily accessible from Hong Kong by high-speed jetfoil, with most departures from the Macau Ferry Terminal, located just west of the Central District in the Shun Tak Centre, 200 Connaught Rd., on Hong Kong Island. Situated above the Sheung Wan MTR station, the Shun Tak Centre houses booking. Getting around Macau. There’s several options for getting around Macau. It’s also nice to walk around in parts like Largo do Senado and the Cotai Strip. There are lots of buses in the Cotai Strip. Casino/Resort buses. One of the best ways to get around are the free buses that the larger casinos/resorts run. For example The Venetian runs.

• Because the peninsula is only 9.3 sq. Km (about 3 1/2 sq. Miles), you can walk to most of the major sights (be sure to get a free map from MGTO). If you get tired, you can always jump into one of the licensed metered taxis, all painted black and beige and quite inexpensive. To overcome the language barrier, MGTO has supplied most taxis with a destination guide listing most destinations in both.
• The Macau Pass can be purchased from various supermarkets and convenience stores and costs MOP$130 at first purchase, which includes a non-refundable fee of MOP$30. A minimum of MOP$50 is required to add money to the card each time. Expect buses to be very crowded.
• Getting Around in Macau Macau is a small but immensely interesting place with plenty of things to see and do. With the many modes of transport available, getting around Macau has never been simpler. Whether you want to explore the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Peninsula or spend the day at a beach in Coloane, we’ve got you covered.

How to Get from Hong Kong to Macau

From Hong Kong to Macau, there are three modes of transportation: sea, land, and air. We suggest that you travel to Macau by ferry, which is the most convenient and economical.

By ferry (most recommended): It takes about 1 hour by boat from Hong Kong to Macau. The one-way fare is about 170KD. The fare for night ferries or holidays will be slightly more expensive.

By bridge (a new and comfortable way): Take the bus over the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge from Hong Kong port to Macau in just 40 minutes.

Getting Around Macau For Free

By helicopter (the coolest): It takes only 15 minutes to take a direct flight from Hong Kong to Macau, however the price is 4,300 HKD one way.

Hong Kong to Macau by Ferry

Hong Kong Ferry Terminals

1. Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (preferred, most frequent ferries)

Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal is near the IFC Towers in the Shun Tak Centre on Hong Kong Island. You can take the subway and get off at Shueng Wan Station. During the daytime, there is a boat every 15 minutes.

2. China Ferry Terminal (recommended, good location)

China Ferry Terminal is in Tsim Sha Tsui. It is about a kilometer north of the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry. You could walk to it through Harbour City Mall, or just take a taxi to 33 Canton Road.

3. Sky Pier at the Hong Kong International Airport (for transiting tourists only)

The terminal is located next to the Hong Kong airport. If you plan to take a boat directly from Hong Kong airport to Macau, you can choose to depart from this terminal.

4. Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal (Generally not recommended, inconvenient location)

This terminal is located in the New Territories, which is not popular for tourists. There are less than 10 ferries traveling between Hong Kong and Macau every day. This terminal is only practical if you are staying nearby.

Getting Around Macau

See more details about Hong Kong transportation.

Macau Ferry Terminals

It doesn't matter which port to go to Macau because Macau is not big. No matter which terminal you arrive at, there are free shuttle buses that can deliver you to any hotel or casino.

1. Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal (close to downtown Macau)

Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal, also known as the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, is the main northern terminal closest to San Ma Lo, architectural attractions, and about 23 mainly smaller casinos.

You can take Bus 3 from San Ma Lo to the Macau Ferry Terminal in about 10 minutes for 2.5 HKD.

2. Taipa Terminal (close to casinos, hotels, airports)

Getting Around Macau By Bus

Taipa Terminal is to the south, closest to the Cotai Strip area with the biggest casinos such as the Venetian, the City of Dreams across the street, and the Macau International Airport.

To go to the Taipa Terminal, take the Cotai Jet from any of the three Hong Kong terminals. There are late night returns (at 1 AM) from the Cotai Terminal to the Hong Kong Macau Terminal.

Ferry Tickets: Costs and Where to Buy Them

Ferry prices are higher in the evening and highest at night, and higher at weekends and holidays.

• For economy class, the prices are from 171 to 211 HKD for a single trip.
• For superior/first class, the prices are from 346 to 391 HKD for a single trip.

You can buy ferry tickets at every ferry terminal as well as online. Usually, it is no problem to buy tickets on the spot except on some festival days. If you would like to skip long lines, you’d better arrive early or buy tickets online.

Getting from Hong Kong to Macau by Bridge

The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, the longest sea-crossing in the world, connects the cities of Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau. This crossing is open 24 hours.

There are shuttle buses going from Hong Kong to Macau at all hours, they cost 65 HKD normally (70 HKD at night: 12-6 AM). The buses take around 45 minutes.

In Hong Kong, there are direct shuttle buses starting from Hong Kong Airport, Tsim Sha Tsui and Central to Macau via the bridge.

Planning a Macau Day Trip

Macau's main draw for tourists are the big casinos and hotels. It is the new gambling resort capital of the world with 5 of the world's 10 largest casino resorts. But there are also old Portuguese sites to see. UNESCO World Heritage sites San Ma Lo and Guia Fortress are popular with tourists. See the Top 6 Things to Do in Macau.

The St. Paul’s Ruins

The ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, which was built in 1580, are now the most representative landmark in Macau. They combine the style of European Renaissance and Oriental architecture, reflecting a blend of Eastern and Western culture.

Monte Fortress

Monte Fortress was built in 1627. The fortress, and the Macau Museum in it, is probably the best place to go to learn about Macau's history and culture. Museum tickets cost 15 HKD.

Senado Square

Until 1999 Macau was a Portuguese colony. Senado Square was an old Portuguese square. Old pastel colored buildings line the sides, and a church is at the back. It and about 20 other old buildings and forts are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Walking around the square, you will feel like you are in Europe, with such a beautiful view and ambience. You can see so many shops selling Macau snacks like Portuguese egg tarts, puddings, and pork sandwiches.

The A-Ma Temple

The A-Ma Temple is a symbol of Macau's Mazu culture. With a history of over 500 years, it is one of the oldest temples in the city as well as a World Heritage attraction.

The A-Ma Temple was one of the first places the Portuguese saw when they arrived in 14th and 15th centuries and it still functions as a spiritual beacon in Macau.

Casinos

The Venetian Macao

The Venetian Macao is a super large resort with the theme of Venetian waters, with 3,000 luxury suites, more than 30 restaurants, more than 330 retail stores, 4 outdoor swimming pools, and an 18-hole rooftop golf course. It is one of the largest casinos in the world, with no less than 640 gaming tables and 1,760 slot machines.

At the same time, it is also a must-see for tourists and one of the most well-known places in Macau.

Grand Lisboa

The building of the Grand Lisboa is like a giant golden lotus flower. It is the landmark of Macau and is very eye-catching. There are not only luxurious suites, but also Michelin restaurants, outdoor pools, and spas.

Wynn Palace

It is owned by the world gambling king, Alan Wynn. It is said that this resort costed 4 billion USD and attracts a lot of tourists not only for its luxurious outside, but even the decoration inside.

Getting to the casinos in Macau is easy. Free casino buses line up at both ferry terminals, and pretty women representing their hotels and casinos stand and hand out coupons and information. Just get on the bus you want for free. You can easily get lost in the biggest casinos eating, shopping, and seeing the shows.

If you have two days in Macau, check How to Get the Most out of Macau in 2 Days.

More Things You Should Know

1. Most nationalities don’t need a visa to travel to Macau. You'll need your passport to travel between Hong Kong and Macau. Foreign tourists to Hong Kong generally have no problem entering Macau with a free short-term stamp on their passport. Check whether you need a visa or not.

2. Hong Kong dollars can be used in Macau. You don’t need to exchange them.

3. If you easily get seasick on ferries, take some medicine or use seasickness band. It takes about one hour by ferry at a speed of 35-50 knots.

Enjoy a Hassle-Free Macau Day Tour with Us

We understand that most tourists would like to visit Macau in an efficient way at a competitive price. Based on these needs, we offer a seat-in-couch one-day tour to Macau from Hong Kong: see below.

If you would like a private tour, please feel free to contact us. You could also see our Hong Kong tours for inspiration.

Hong Kong – Macau Group Tour

Duration: approx. 8 hours
Available: Not Available Now

Note: 1 day before departure, you will get a fax with detailed information about pick up time, pick-up place (and directions if no free pick up at your hotel), itinerary, sightseeing information, and emergency number of the tour operator in your hotel in Hong Kong.

Turbojet ferry

Itinerary

Around 8am: Your guide in Hong Kong pick you up from a designated hotel in downtown Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, or North Point.

Around 9am: Arrive at Hong Kong – Macau Ferry Port and depart for Macau by comfortable Turbojet. Your Hong Kong guide will give you your Turbojet tickets and see you off at the pier.

Turbojet ticket

In the morning: After one hour you arrive at Macau. You will be met by your Macau guide and led to the coach. Explore the Ruins of St. Paul, Monte Fortress, including a section of the old city wall, and Senado Square. See the Border Gate and do shop for local souvenirs at the sidewalk stalls.

Macau tour bus

The Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral

Senado Square

Simple buffet lunch in a local restaurant: Choose from a selection of main dishes, soup, vegetables, desserts, and drinks.

In the afternoon: Continue city sightseeing with a visit to the A-Ma Temple, from which Macau gets its name! Visit the famous casinos for a look around if time permits.

A-Ma Temple

Around 5pm: Your Macau guide will see you off at the Macau –Hong Kong Ferry Pier and you return to Hong Kong by comfortable Turbojet. Guilde and driver in Hong Kong meet you and drop you off at the designated hotel.

Inclusions:

• Transport by air-conditioned coach and Turbojet ferry (hotel pickup and drop-off at selected hotels only)
• English-speaking tour guide and entry to all attraction listed in the itinerary
• Simple lunch, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges

Instructions

• To ensure your booking, please let us know your Hong Kong hotel information and contact number at least two days before departure. The designated hotel pick-up points change daily, depending on demand.
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off is the same unless specified. Consult with your tour guide and driver if you want to get out somewhere else.
• You need a passport and maybe a visa. If you require a Macau visa that is your responsibility. Most nationalities don't. Macau visa fee (about HK$100) is not included in the tour price. In general it takes a few minutes to complete the process of issuing visa, but in peak season, it takes longer. It depends on how many passengers queue in line. Our tour guide in Hong Kong will explain to you how to apply for a Macau visa upon arrival.
• If you want to visit other attractions like the Macau Tower, you can get back to Hong Kong at night, we can book Turbojet tickets with night sailing at 21:00 and tour guide will pass return tickets to clients on that day (upon picking up or meeting at pier).
• Transfers to Macau Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal and transfers to hotel in Hong Kong are arranged on your own.

Other Considerations

• Since it is a group tour, sometimes you will need to wait until everybody arrives in Macau from different boats in the morning. Please be patient.
• The tour does not have shops, factories, and unscheduled stops unless passengers request them. Report any violations.
• Don't wear shorts or casual slip-on footwear if you wish to be accepted in the casinos (some have stricter dress codes).
• Please note that during the Christmas and New Year period there may be delays at immigration and re-routing of traffic around the major tourist areas.
• If you are vegetarian or Muslim, you are suggested to take snacks on your own or choose the dishes you can have during buffet time.

You Might Like to Read

There are many different way to get around in Macau but if you are not a local, and have come to visit this place for just a few days, or are a foreigner, then make sure you read this guide. It will equip you with all the transportation methods, routes and basic know how:

On foot:

Since the Macau Peninsula is small and compact, travelling by foot is the best way to get around. Macau has a total area of about 29.5 kilometers square and in that small area, there are so many things to discover.

It is also a good option because being a pedestrian means that you don’t have to take long routes to reach your required destinations. On the down side, you will have to fight the crowd which is literally going in all directions. Also, make sure that you look both ways before crossing roads, because traffic rules are not followed very strictly. Be on the lookout for opportunistic pickpockets as well. The terrain is also rather hilly, so if you can’t walk up steep lanes, because of your age, or a weak heart or stamina, then we suggest you try out alternative transport methods.

The pavements in and around the Senado Square are made of hand-laid limestone pieces made into pretty artistic designs. This is something which is considered a characteristic feature of the Senado Square. Macau is also hilly, be prepared to struggle up and down steep lanes and steps.

The Cotai area is one place where we suggest you don’t walk. There is pretty much nothing to see, except for a ling of new hotels and huge building sites running along the length of the streets. It would be better if you spend your time somewhere else, wisely.

By bus:

There are three bus companies through which a person can travel Macau and its districts. They are:

• Transportes Urbanos Macau (Transmac)
• Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos de Macau (TCM)
• Sociedade de Transportes Públicos Reolian (Reolian)

All these companies have websites that provide online route guides. The fare for rides within the Peninsular is less than the routes that run between the Peninsular and Taipa, the Peninsula and Coloane and the Peninsula and Hác Sá.

The disadvantages to this mode of transportation is that you need to give to give exact change to the drivers, who don’t speak English fluently at all. The routes are made in loops, so even a short distance can take a long while. Therefore, you should get your required destination written down in Chinese by someone who understands you, so that you can show this to the driver.

Macaupass is a transport debit card system that is now widely used by Macau citizens. It provide discounts on paying bus fare. There are specific distribution points where you can purchase these.

Getting Around Macau

By scooter

The streets in Macau are narrow and very seldom have any space available for parking cars or other large automobiles. Scooters, therefore, work best when there are only one or two people who want to travel, and they even allow you to see the beautiful spots in Macau without having to look through a window. Some of these magical crowded spots are the Portuguese fort, the Coloane Village and the Cheoc Van Beach. Since Macau is quite small in size, it becomes easy to navigate your way around while using a scooter.

Macau Scooter Hire is a company that provides scooters for rental. It would be a good idea to make reservations online prior to your arrival. You can hire scooters and motor bikes at an hourly rate, or bundle some hours up such as at US$19 for 3 hours. Another option is to hire it on a daily basis such as at $40 per day. The golden rule is that the longer you are planning to hire it fore, the cheaper it will become available to you. You need to show your driving licenses before the company lets you use their motorbikes.

By taxi

Taxi is a good way to travel in style, but it is quite expensive. For example, do Senado to the border can exceed about 40MOP. The longer the taxi ride, the cheaper it will get, as opposed to a standard meter rate.

Taxi drivers understand very little English or Portuguese, so you can either have your destination written in Chinese by someone else, or show it to them, or you can look at the list of casinos and other important places that drivers usually carry with them, and simple point to the one you want to go to. This is usually kept in the sun guard of the front passenger seat.