You've decided: time to hop from Hong Kong to Macau. Smart choice.
We're talking about one of the world's slickest border crossings. Gleaming ferries cutting through harbour waters. Buses gliding across that jaw-dropping bridge. All in 2025's most connected corner of Asia.
What's the catch? Choosing your route.
This guide breaks down everything - ferries, buses, helicopters, the works - so you can nail the perfect crossing without breaking a sweat.
1. What Are the Best Ways to Travel From Hong Kong to Macau?
Here's your lineup:
Ferry: Zip from Sheung Wan or Tsim Sha Tsui straight to Macau Outer Harbour or Taipa. Tuen Mun's got another ferry terminal if you're coming from that direction.
Bus over the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB): The HZMB Shuttle Bus is your golden ticket - cheapest, fastest, and running 24/7. China Hong Kong City serves as your gateway for these slick direct routes.
Direct transfer from Hong Kong Airport: Skip the city completely with direct bus and cross boundary services.
Private transfer: Get your own cross-boundary car with driver. Perfect for groups who want door-to-door luxury.
Feeling fancy? There's a helicopter service between Sheung Wan and Macau's peninsula terminal. Fifteen minutes of pure adrenaline for around USD 550 one-way. The Sky Shuttle doesn't mess around with premium.
High-speed rail? Sure, via the Chinese Mainland, though you're looking at a scenic detour rather than a straight shot.
2. How Do You Take the Ferry From Hong Kong to Macau?
Ferries are your best friend if you're planted in central Hong Kong.
These beauties depart constantly as part of the main ferry service. TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet are your operators, launching from:
Sheung Wan (Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, tucked inside Shun Tak Centre and connected straight to MTR Sheung Wan station)
Tsim Sha Tsui (China Ferry Terminal)
Landing at:
Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal (smack in the middle of city center action and major hotels)
Nearby Taipa Ferry Terminal (your gateway to Cotai's glittering resorts)
One hour across the water. Sweet.
Ferry prices for economy class ticket options hover around USD 22-23. Weekends and night sailings bump things up slightly. When you snag that ferry ticket, pick your perfect departure slot. These ferries run 7:30am to 11pm.
Public bus and free shuttle bus services are waiting at both terminals to whisk you to major hotels and attractions. Victoria Peak's practically next door to the Hong Kong terminal.
3. How Much Luggage Can I Bring to the Ferry?
Pack smart.
On-board, you can bring one carry-on to the ferry. (up to 20kg, max 600mm x 200mm x 350mm).
Need more space? Check up to 3 pieces of luggage (max 40kg each). Extra or oversized gear might cost you.
4. Where Can I Buy Ferry Tickets?
You can buy ferry tickets at the ticket office at the terminal. The ticket office is a convenient location at the port, offering multiple payment options for travelers who prefer to buy a ticket in person.
Want it even smoother?
Book your tickets online through Pelago. Instant confirmation, e-tickets, secure checkout in whatever currency makes you happy.
Skip those queues with QR code boarding. Transparent prices, no nasty surprises, flexible cancellation on select tickets. Book return trips early and dodge the crowds while locking in better prices. Plus, you can earn KrisFlyer miles, which is perfect for your next holiday.
Not just ferry tickets either. Pelago's got:
Private transfers from Hong Kong to Macau (ideal for groups or families)
Guided day tours of Macau including ferry tickets
5. How Do You Travel From Hong Kong to Macau by Bus?
Photo: @couplej9091 on Instagram
The HZMB Shuttle Bus is your budget champion.
This beauty crosses the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and never sleeps - 24/7 operation. Cheapest route between Hong Kong and Macau, with tickets starting USD 8 by day, USD 9 at night. Kids and seniors pay half. Buses roll every 5-10 minutes during the day, every 15-30 minutes overnight.
Your game plan:
Get to HZMB Hong Kong Port via:
MTR Tung Chung or Sunny Bay + Bus B5 or B6
Bus B4 from Hong Kong Airport
Taxi (USD 32 from downtown)
Lantau Island's your key staging area for bridge access
Clear Hong Kong immigration.
Grab your ticket at the port ticket office.
Settle in for a 45-minute cruise across that spectacular bridge.
Clear Macau immigration.
From Macau Port:
Public buses 101X (Macau Peninsula) or 102X (Cotai resorts)
Casino shuttles (totally free)
Taxis (USD 6-9 to central spots)
Photo: @couplej9091 on Instagram
Direct bus services and cross-boundary options also run from shopping malls and key spots like Prince Edward and China Hong Kong City.
Tip: Use your Octopus card to pay for shuttle tickets on the HK side. The journey is ideal if you’re travelling late, on a budget, or want to avoid rough seas.
6. Ferry vs Bus: Which Is Better?
Factor | Ferry (Direct Route, Economy Class Available) | Bus (HZMB) |
|---|---|---|
Duration | 1 hour (direct route) | 1.5-2 hours (door to door) |
Cost | USD 22-25 (economy class) | USD 8-9 |
Comfort | Scenic, smoother ride | Practical, no sea motion |
Luggage | Checked bags allowed | Stored under bus |
Frequency | Every 30 mins (7:30am-11pm) | Every 5-10 mins (24/7) |
Weather Dependence | Affected by sea conditions | Runs in all weather |
If you’re near Central or Kowloon, the ferry is easier and offers a direct route with standard economy class seating. If you’re close to the airport or travelling late, the bus is more practical.
7. Can You Drive From Hong Kong to Macau?
Only if you've got the golden tickets.
Vehicles need pre-approved cross-border permits to tackle the HZMB bridge. Rental cars? Forget about it.
For tourists, book a private car transfer. Perfect for small groups or families. Your driver handles all the immigration hassle and delivers you door-to-door.
8. How Do You Get From Hong Kong Airport to Macau?
Two main options:
Airport Ferry (SkyPier): This gem sits inside the airport restricted area of Hong Kong International Airport - transit passengers with valid flight tickets only. You bypass HK immigration completely and sail directly to Macau. SkyPier ferries hit both Macau Outer Harbour and Macau International Airport. Seventy minutes on the water, but sailings are limited to 1-2 per day.
HZMB Shuttle via Airport:
Hop Bus B4 (USD 1.30) or taxi to HZMB Hong Kong Port.
Follow the Golden Bus route.
Total journey 1-1.5 hours to Macau.
As of December 2025, international visitors arriving at HKIA may be eligible for free ferry or bus tickets to Macau. Check at the airport with your passport and boarding pass.
9. Do I Need a Passport or Visa to Visit Macau?
Passport's non-negotiable.
Hong Kong and Macau run separate immigration systems. Every single traveler crossing the Macau Hong Kong border goes through immigration counters.
Visa Policy:
Most travelers get visa-free access to Macau (30-180 days). Some countries need a Macau visa from a Chinese embassy first.
Re-entering Hong Kong typically grants a fresh visa-free period.
Customs: Both are duty-free ports. Watch those allowances for alcohol, tobacco, or chunky cash amounts.
10. Can I Visit Macau on a Day Trip From Hong Kong?
Absolutely.
Here's your winning formula:
Morning: Depart by 8am via ferry or bus, land in Macau by 9:30am.
Explore: Hit the Ruins of St Paul’s on the Macao Peninsula, Senado Square, and A-Ma Temple.
Lunch: Dive into local Portuguese/Macanese dishes.
Afternoon: Tour Cotai’s casinos (Venetian, Parisian, Galaxy, MGM Cotai), stroll Taipa Village. Cotai's basically the Las Vegas Strip of Asia - luxury resorts and electric nightlife.
Evening: Catch a 6-8pm ferry or late-night Golden Bus.
Tip: Use the free shuttle bus services provided by major hotels and casinos. These free shuttle buses connect major hotels, ferry terminals, and key attractions in both Cotai and downtown, making it easy for tourists to get around.
11. What Are Common Mistakes Travellers Make?
Don't be that traveler:
Forgetting passports - you need them for both ferry and bus.
Not booking ferries early - peak hours sell out fast.
Overpacking for day trips; travel light.
Missing the last ferry - bridge bus runs all night.
Ignoring ferry schedules - SkyPier options are seriously limited.12. Final Tips for a Smooth Journey
12. Final Tips for a Smooth Journey from Hong Kong to Macau
Ferries deliver comfort, killer sea views, and central terminals.
Buses are budget-friendly, weather-proof, and never sleep.
Use Pelago for ferry tickets, private transfers, and Macau day tours.
Pack small HKD/MOP notes – Hong Kong Dollars work perfectly in Macau (they're pegged to the Macau Pataca).
Jump on those free casino shuttles for effortless city transfers.
Know your Macau casino rules: 21+ only, no photos, smart casual dress code.
Whatever route calls to you, traveling from Hong Kong to Macau is pure magic.
Just plan ahead, pack light, and soak up every minute of the journey!