How to Travel from Hong Kong to Macau – 5 Recommended Ways

Written by Natalia | Updated December 22,2025

The distance between Hong Kong and Macau is only about 60 km, they face each other across a river. So most travelers prefer to include them in one tour. Then how to travel from Hong Kong to Macau? A variety of ways wait for you to choose. The ferry is the most traditional and popular way. The Hong Kong Port to Macau Port shuttle bus and the cross border bus transport passengers via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). The helicopter is beloved by the wealthy tourists because of its fast speed and unique perspective. Families prefer to join a tour for its convenience. With so many options, you may wonder which one suits you more. You can choose according to your location and preferences after your Hong Kong tour concludes. Follow this article to find out the answer.

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• Overview of 5 Ways from Hong Kong to Macau
• Hong Kong to Macau by Ferry (Most Popular) – Routes, Schedule, Terminals
• Hong Kong to Macau by Bus via HZMB
• Hong Kong to Macau by Helicopter
• Join a Tour with Transportation Included
• How to Get From Hong Kong Airport to Macau?
• Immigration & Border Crossing Tips
• Getting Around After Arriving in Macau
• Travel Worry-Free from Hong Kong to Macau with China Xian Tour

Overview of 5 Ways from Hong Kong to Macau

Hong Kong to Macau by Ferry (Most Popular) – Routes, Schedule, Terminals

• Travel time: around 55 – 70 minutes
• 3 Routes: Sheung Wan (HK) toOuter Harbor (Macau), Hong Kong Airport to Outer Harbor (Macau), Sheung Wan (HK) to Taipa (Macau)
• Price: HKD 175 – 3,310
• Best option to: most tourists

Among all the transportation means from Hong Kong to Macau, the ferry is the oldest and most popular choice. Every day, frequent shifts are operated between the two cities. And the location of terminals in the downtown area also saves the transfer time for tourists. During the tour, passengers can also appreciate the scenery along the way.

The main disadvantage is the ferry may be suspended or delayed due to typhoons or bad weather. And its price is higher than bus. Some passengers may feel discomfort during the tour. So the ferry is more suitable for families and tourists who have a tight schedule and seek for experience.

Ferry Terminals in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (Sheung Wan):

This terminal is located in Shun Tak Centre and in walking distance to Sheung Wan, Lan Kwai Fong and Hollywood Road. The exit D of Sheung Wan metro station directly connects to the terminal. And it is only 2 subway stops from Hong Kong Station and 1 subway stop from West Kowloon Station. It mainly operates the ferry lines to Outer Harbor and Tai Pai in Macau. Because of its location in the city center and the frequent ferries, it has been the top choice for most tourists travelling from Hong Kong to Macau.

SkyPier (near Hong Kong Airport):

SkyPier is in the restricted area of Hong Kong International Airport and is connected to the T1 terminal through moving walk. It specializes in fast ships between the Taipa Ferry Terminal in Macau and multiple ports in the Chinese mainland. The core advantage of this pier is the luggage check through service, which saves much effort and time for passengers. It should be noted that it serves for tourists with valid air tickets/ship tickets and visas required for the destination only. Ordinary tourists in Hong Kong can not use it.

Ferry Terminals in Macau

Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal (Macau Peninsula):

Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal is on the Macau Peninsula, which belongs to the old city area. It has been an ideal starting point to feel the history of the integration of Chinese and Western cultures in Macau. Around the terminal, there is Golden Lotus Square, Macau Fisherman’s Wharf and Ruins of St. Paul. And many hotels offer free shuttle buses. This terminal mainly operates ferries to and from Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Taipa Ferry Terminal:

Taipa Ferry Terminal is close to Macau International Airport. It is situated at Taipa Island, the representative of modern Macau. Numerous large-scale integrated resorts gather around the terminal, such as Wynn Palace, Venetian Hotel, etc. These resorts themselves are like large entertainment and shopping centers and also offer free shuttle buses. This terminal has ferries to not only Hong Kong and Shenzhen, but also cities in the Pearl River Delta.

Hong Kong to Macau Ferry Schedule & Ticket Price

Step-by-step Guide to Take the Ferry from Hong Kong to Macau?

To ensure you have a smooth journey, the detailed process of taking a ferry from Hong Kong to Macau is listed below. In general, it is basically the same as the process of the flight, the main difference is that you need to choose the ferry terminal and operator.

• One day before departure, buy a ticket via the official website or a reliable travel agency with your passport. You need to choose the ferry terminal of the two cities and the operator.
• On the departure day, collect the ticket, show your passport and Hong Kong Departure Request Form (obtained at the departure counter), pass the security check.
• Wait and board the ferry.
• After arrival at Macau, show your passport, ferry ticket and Macau Entry Request Form (obtained at the ferry or entry counter).

Which Ferry and Route to Choose?

There are a total of 3 routes for the Hong Kong to Macau ferry, you can choose according to your travel itinerary.

Route 1: Sheung Wan (HK) to Outer Harbor (Macau)

TurboJet is the only operator of this route, but over 20 ferries run from Hong Kong to Macau during 07:30 – 23:00 with an interval of 0.5 – 1.5 hours every day. It is most suitable for tourists who plan to visit the historical attractions in Macau, since the Outer Harbour is in old city district.

Route 2: Sheung Wan (HK) to Taipa (Macau)

This route is operated by both TueroJet and Coti Water Jet, so it has the most frequent shifts. From 07:30 – 22:30, there are about 25 ferries available every day. On weekends, more shifts will be added. For tourists who plan to spend a leisure vacation in resorts, this route is the best choice.

Route 3: Hong Kong Airport to Outer Harbor (Macau)

Now, only TurboJet has one ferry for this route at 12:30 and it provides only charter boat service. The fixed ferry services will be adjusted or suspended from time to time due to the ferry adjustment. It is better to go to the airport service counter for detailed information.

Hong Kong to Macau by Bus via HZMB

When searching how to travel from Hong Kong to Macau on the internet, tourists who have a seasickness may feel delighted to find the bus.

• Travel time:about 2 hours
• Route:Hong Kong Port – Macau Port, designated spots in downtown Hong Kong to designated hotels in Macau

There are mainly 2 types of Hong Kong to Macau buses. One is the Hong Kong Port to Macau Port shuttle bus of the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge (HZMB), also called golden bus. This is the only official public bus and provides service for 24 hours with frequent shifts. So it has been the choice of most tourists. The travel time on the bus is about 45 minutes and the cost is only HKD 65 – 70. But tourists need to get to the port by themselves.

The other one is the cross-boundary bus. In fact, this is a kind of point-to-point chartered or carpooling service. It is usually available during 08:00 – 21:00. You can book through many travel agencies or chartered bus companies. The bus will pick you up at downtown Hong Kong and escort you to the hotels or designated points in Macau. It is more convenient, so the price is higher, which is about HKD 160 +.

What Is the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge?

Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge is the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, which is about 55 km long. Since its opening in 2018, the travel time from Hong Kong to Zhuhai and Macau has shortened from about 3 hours to about 1 hour. Passengers need to undergo immigration clearance in the three ports, respectively.

Hong Kong to Macau Bus Routes & Timetable

The stations of the Hong Kong Port – Macau Port Shuttle Bus is fixed, while the Cross Border Bus covers many stops along the way and the major stops are listed below. The bus that departs at different time also has different stops, please check with clerk when purchasing the ticket.

How to Take the HZMB Shuttle Bus?

Follow the steps below to take the Hong Kong to Macau bus smoothly:

• Buy the ticket with passport online.
• Take the metro to Tung Chung and transfer to bus line B6 to Hong Kong Port.
• Go through the Hong Kong immigration.
• Collect the ticket and get on the bus. If you do not buy online in advance, buy it now at the manual counter or self-service ticket vending machine.
• After arrival, clear Macau Immigration.

Hong Kong to Macau by Bus: Pros & Cons

What are the advantages and disadvantages if you go to macau from hong kong by bus?

The most prominent advantage is the lowest price, especially the golden bus, which costs only about 1/3 of ferry. And tourists taking the cross border bus can get on at downtown Hong Kong directly and get off at the stop closest to your destination.

About disadvantages, you need to get to the port by yourself if taking the golden bus. Both Hong Kong and Macau ports need immigration clearances. And it requires tourists to take the belongings and get off the bus when undergoing the clearances.

Hong Kong to Macau by Helicopter

• Travel time:about 15 minutes
• Route:Shun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan – The Outer Harbour Passenger Terminal in Macau

Undoubtedly, the Hong Kong to Macau Helicopter is the most expensive transportation means. Even the ordinary ticket costs about HKD 4,300. And only a 7 kg of carry-on luggage can be taken. It is operated by Sky Shuttle and has 6 shifts on Monday and Thursday – Sunday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the service is not provided.

But meanwhile, it is the fastest way. Only in about 15 minutes, you already travel from Hong Kong to Macau. From the helicopter, you can overlook the splendid scenery of the Victoria Bay and Pearl River. For business travelers whose time is extremely precious, this is an irreplaceable choice.

How to Book Helicopter Service from Hong Kong to Macau?

The most direct way is to book via the official website or hotline of Sky Shuttle or book on site, where you can obtain the most authoritative flight schedules and price information. Besides, the tourist websites like Klook may have discounted price sometimes. If you are living in a high star-level hotel in Hong Kong, the hotel usually can help you book the ticket. Just decide your departure date, destinations and number of passengers, then provide your name and passport. After payment, you will get an e-ticket or voucher. Just show the ticket, passport and visa (if needed) when boarding the flight.

Hong Kong to Macau Helicopter Timetable & Ticket Price

Monday, Thursday and Saturday: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 17:00

Friday and Sunday: 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 19:30

Price: HKD 4,300 +

Join a Tour with Transportation Included

When it comes to the most carefree travel from Hong Kong to Macau, joining a tour definitely ranks top. All the transportation are included. Besides, the hotels and tickets are basically covered and the total cost is usually lower. As a tourist, the thing you need to do is only enjoyment. The tour group is more suitable for first-timers and families.

Sample Itinerary from Hong Kong to Macau

2-day Itinerary

About 2 – 3 days are needed to travel both cities. The 2-day itinerary is as follows:

Day 1: Victoria Peak – Repulse Bay – Aberdeen Fishing Village – Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple – Avenue of Stars

Day 2: Travel to Macau – the Ruins of the St. Paul Cathedral – Senado Square – A-Ma Temple – Border Gate

3-day Tour to Hong Kong and Macau

The 3 day tour will be more relaxing, see the recommended tour below.

Day 1: Avenue of Stars – Victoria Harbour – take the Star Ferry (a historic Hong Hong transportation means) at Tsim Sha Tsui to Central – Peak Tram – Victoria Peak

Day 2: Lamma Island/ Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok – transfer to Macau and explore the old city district leisurely

Day 3: Ruins of St. Paul – Love Lane – Holy Rosary Church – Senado Square – Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau Building – Fortaleza do Monte – Cotai – Rua da Cunha

Recommended tour

2 DAYS

Hong Kong and Macau Highlights Tour

Explore This Tour

How to Get From Hong Kong Airport to Macau?

The golden bus is the most popular and cost-effective way. But tourists need to take the bus line B4 to the Hong Kong port first. Including transfer time and customs clearance time, the total journey usually takes about 2 hours. Its cost is only HKD 71 – 77.

Another convenient choice to travel to Macau is the airport direct bus. After arrival, head to the E2 ticket office of T1 passenger terminal directly, where you can buy the ticket to Macau. Then take the APM to Skypier, claim the luggage and take the bus to the Macau Port, directly. This way takes about 1.5 – 2 hours and costs about HKD 220 – 280.

Besides, you can reserve a cross border bus. The driver will pick you up at the airport and transport you to the destination. This is the most worry-free way and takes about 1 – 1.5 hours, meanwhile, its cost is the highest, about HKD 1,000+.

Immigration & Border Crossing Tips

• Passport and visa requirements: The passport should be valid for at least 90 days. About visa, most countries enjoy the visa-free policy, but tourists from Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam need to apply the visa. It is better to confirm through the official website of the Macao Public Security Police Force or the Chinese embassies.
• Arrival cards: tourists who are not applicable to visa-free policy and plan to stay for a long time need to fill in the card.
• Peak hours to avoid: weekends and during 15:00 – 19:00 every day
• It is advised to prepare the hotel reservation confirmation and return air or ship tickets in advance in case the clerk asks for them.

Getting Around After Arriving in Macau

The transportation in Macau is very mature, so tourists can travel to Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane easily.

• Free casino shuttle buses: the bus routes cover airport, ferry terminal and other main gateways. It departs about every 10 – 20 minutes and is free to take. You can take it to the major hotels and nearby attractions directly.
• Public buses: bus routes cover the entire Macau and the ticket price is set at MOP 6. Almost all the attractions inside the city can be reached by bus.
• Light rail: a total of 3 lines is in operation now, and they mainly serve for Taipa Island. The cost is about MOP 6 – 12.
• Taxis:the flag-fall price is MOP 19 for the first 1.6 km. After that, an additional MOP 2 will be charged for every 240 meters. Tourists who are in a hurry or bring heavy luggage can take it.
• Walking route:if your itinerary focuses on the scenic spots in Macau Peninsula, then walking is already enough.

Travel Worry-Free from Hong Kong to Macau with China Xian Tour

The choices for a travel from Hong Kong to Macau are very abundant, you may do not know how to choose the one suits you. China Xian Tour can give you some advice according to your location and destination. We can also help you book the ticket. If needed, we also offer tailored trip service. Our professional consultant can plan a Hong Kong – Macau tour based on your preferences and she will arrange the driver and guide and book the tickets for you. In this way, your tour will be more worry-free. Contact us for more information.