How to Get from Hong Kong to Macau

Hong Kong and Macau lie on opposite sides of the Pearl River estuary, and you can cross by sea or over the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). The ferry leaves from Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island,^[1] while the bridge shuttle bus runs around the clock from the HZMB Hong Kong Port.^[2]

Both places are Special Administrative Regions of China, but each has its own immigration control, so you show your passport when you leave Hong Kong and again when you enter Macau.^[3] You can look up bookable options for this route on GoAsia.cc.

Hong Kong to Macau by Ferry

TurboJET sails from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (3/F Shun Tak Centre, 200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan) to the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, and the crossing takes about 60 minutes.^[1] The first sailing leaves Hong Kong at 07:30 and the last at 22:30, and a few sailings go to the Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal instead.^[1]

Fares are quoted in Hong Kong dollars and include the Hong Kong departure tax. Economy Class costs from HK$194 on weekdays and HK$212 at weekends and public holidays, Super Class from HK$406 (HK$436), and Premier Grand Class HK$545. Night sailings, which leave at 18:30 or later, cost more (Economy Class HK$242).^[1] TurboJET asks passengers to board at least 30 minutes before departure for document checks.^[1]

Hong Kong to Macau by Bus

HZMB Shuttle Bus

The HZMB Shuttle Bus Hong Kong/Macao route runs around the clock, every 5 minutes at peak times, every 10 to 15 minutes off-peak and every 15 to 30 minutes overnight.^[2] The adult fare is HK$65 during the day (06:00 to 23:59) and HK$70 at night. Children under 12 or under 1.2 m tall, people with disabilities and seniors aged 65 or above pay half.^[2] Tickets are sold at counters and vending machines in the restricted area of the departure hall, and you can also buy them online in advance.^[2]

Cross-boundary coaches also connect urban Hong Kong with Macau over the bridge. They have fixed stops such as Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok, and in Macau they mainly serve hotels in Taipa.^[2]

HK Airport Direct for Flight Passengers

If you arrive on a flight at Hong Kong International Airport, HK Airport Direct runs electric buses between the airport's SkyPier and the HZMB Macau Port. You skip Hong Kong immigration, buy your ticket at counters 38 to 40 in the E2 transfer area of Terminal 1, and take the Automated People Mover to SkyPier.^[4] The service is for transfer passengers only and is not available to people starting their trip in Hong Kong. You need a same-day flight ticket or boarding pass and a valid passport, plus a visa for Macau if you need one.^[5]

Hong Kong to Macau by Private Transfer

If you travel in a group or with heavy luggage, a pre-booked cross-boundary hire car runs point to point between Hong Kong and Macau via the bridge, so you avoid the terminals. The Hong Kong Transport Department lists the licensed operators, and each operator sets its own prices, so ask for a quote when you book.^[2]

Comparing Your Options

Tips for Traveling from Hong Kong to Macau

• Keep your passport handy: You pass through immigration when leaving Hong Kong and again when entering Macau. Visitors from EU and Schengen states can stay up to 90 days, British citizens up to 6 months and holders of many other passports up to 30 days, and your passport should be valid for at least 90 days beyond your stay.^[3]
• Currency: Macau's currency is the pataca (MOP). Many shops accept Hong Kong dollars, but you will often get change in patacas, so spend or exchange the leftovers before you return.
• Booking: The crossing is busiest on weekends and public holidays, so buy your ticket ahead for those days.
• Luggage: TurboJET offers luggage check-in and storage services at its terminals,^[1] which helps if you carry a lot of baggage. A private hire car avoids the terminals altogether.
• The Bridge View: If you take the shuttle bus in daylight, a window seat gives you a good view of the bridge stretching across the estuary.