Hong Kong to Macau Transportation

The distance from Hong Kong to Macau is about 62 km (if we are talking about the air line – because ain’t no boat getting there in a straight line). This close proximity makes it easy to add a couple of days in Macau to your Hong Kong itinerary, or even plan a fun day trip.

In our opinion, the best way of getting from Hong Kong to Macau is by ferry: it is fast, comfortable, has plenty of departures, and offers efficient immigration control. That said, there are several other options, including bus, private car, or even helicopter.

How to Get from Hong Kong to Macau by Ferry

There are two main companies that provide this service:

> Cotai Water Jet: Departs from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, with Macau’s Taipa Ferry Terminal as its destination. This terminal is the closest to the Macau Airport and the Cotai Strip, where you will find most of the casinos and huge hotels.

> TurboJET: Also departs from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, heading to Macau’s Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal – the closest terminal to Macau’s historic center. A few daily routes are also available to the Taipa Ferry Terminal.

Immigration Control

Check in at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure. Crossing border control is smooth sailing – it literally took us less than a minute (still, go with time to spare just in case, especially during peak hours). Just have your passport ready, scan it at the machine, and proceed to the boarding gate, where you will be assigned a numbered seat.

Frequency & Duration of the Hong Kong to Macau Ferry

Departures run approximately every 15–30 minutes, from 7:30am to 11pm. The journey takes about 1 hour.

Hong Kong to Macau Ferry Price

Hong Kong to Macau Ferry Luggage Allowance

As of April 2025, each passenger is allowed to take 1 piece of luggage (60cm x 20cm x 35cm, max 20kg) free of charge. Any items exceeding this limit must be checked in. That being said, we also had a small backpack in addition to our large bag, and we were not asked to check anything in.

How to Get from the Macau Terminal to Your Hotel

Macau has a wide range of free shuttles provided by the hotels that facilitate the connection with the main transportation hubs. These do not require reservations, and you do not even need to stay at that specific hotel – just make sure to choose one that stops near your destination.

Alternatively, you can take a public bus (which sometimes takes a while to show up), the Light Rapid Transit (still quite limited, with most stops not in tourist areas), or a taxi. Bear in mind that, unlike Hong Kong, there is no Uber in Macau. However, locals use an app called 澳门电召的士 (Macau Taxi Call).

How to Get from Hong Kong to Macau by Bus

There are two Hong Kong to Macau bus types to choose from:

HZMB Shuttle Bus (also known as Golden Bus)

This 24/7 service connects the HZMB from end to end – meaning from the Hong Kong Port to the Macau Port. Buses depart every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 10-15 minutes during off-peak times, and the journey takes about 45 minutes.

This is the most budget-friendly way to get from Hong Kong to Macau, with prices starting from HK$65 (7.50€). Tickets can be purchased at the port ticket counters. However, keep in mind that you will need to get to the Hong Kong Port to board the shuttle, which requires additional transportation from the city center, as the port is located near the airport.

Cross-Boundary Buses

For a direct route from Hong Kong’s city center to one of Macau’s major hotels, cross-boundary buses are a great option. The journey takes between 2 and 3 hours, and several companies offer this service:

Hong Kong to Macau by Bus: Border Control

There are a few considerations to keep in mind regarding customs clearance when traveling from Hong Kong to Macau by bus:

How to Get from Hong Kong to Macau by Car

While not the most budget-friendly option, these private transfers can accommodate up to 6 people, plus luggage, and offer a door-to-door service, being unbeatable comfort wise.

How to Get from Hong Kong to Macau by Helicopter

With several departure times to choose from, the flight takes approximately 15 minutes. It departs from the 3rd floor of the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, and lands at the Macau Outer Harbor Terminal.