If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong, chances are that Macau is already on your travel bucket list too- and for good reason. Just an hour away, Macau offers an entirely different vibe with its Portuguese heritage, grand casinos, Michelin-starred food, and charming old streets. It’s the perfect day trip or overnight getaway from Hong Kong.
While in Hong Kong, there are plenty of things to buy that can enhance your trip, such as traditional Chinese tea, unique souvenirs, and fashionable clothing.
In fact, most tourists visiting Hong Kong almost always include Macau in their itinerary- it’s like doing two destinations in one holiday! Together, these destinations showcase over 50 places to visit in Hong Kong and Macau, making them a must-see for any traveller. And naturally, the one question that always pops up is:
How do I reach Macau from Hong Kong?
This guide answers exactly that- with all your options explained clearly so you can choose the way to travel between the two cities with prices, best travel times, tips, and entry requirements.
How to Reach Macau from Hong Kong
There are several fantastic ways to travel from Hong Kong to Macau, and each one offers its own perks depending on your style, budget, and travel goals.
- Looking for the most popular and convenient option? – Take the ferry! This is the go-to method for most tourists. With departures from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and even the airport, you can reach Macau in just 55 minutes while enjoying scenic views of the sea.
- Craving a smooth and budget-friendly journey? – Hop on a shuttle bus via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. It’s a great way to save money while still enjoying the ride across the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge. Plus, it’s available 24/7!
- Need to save time? – The helicopter ride is by far the fastest way to travel between the two cities- just 15 minutes! It’s perfect for business travellers or luxury seekers who want to skip the lines and get straight to the fun.
- Prefer comfort and flexibility? – Go for a cross-border coach or private transfer. This option offers hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, ideal if you’re travelling with family or heavy luggage.
No matter which mode of transport you pick, this guide covers everything you need to know- from travel times and prices to entry formalities and booking tips- to make your Macau trip smooth!
Hong Kong to Macau by Ferry
The ferry is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between Hong Kong and Macau. They depart regularly from Sheung Wan (Hong Kong Island), Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon), and even Hong Kong International Airport. The journey takes about 55 minutes, making it perfect for a quick day trip or a short getaway.
You can choose between TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet, the two leading ferry operators. Ticket prices usually range between HKD 170–200 (1,900 INR- 2,200 INR), depending on the time and seat class. Ferries run every 30 to 60 minutes from early morning until midnight, so you’ll have plenty of options to fit your schedule.
Tip: Before your ferry ride, don’t miss out on exploring the energetic Hong Kong night market, where you can indulge in delicious street food and shop for unique souvenirs!
Booking is easy- just reserve your seat online or buy tickets at the terminal. It’s a smooth, scenic ride that’s popular with both tourists and locals.
| Duration | Approx. 55 minutes |
| Departure Points | Hong Kong Island (Sheung Wan), Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui), Hong Kong International Airport |
| Operators |
TurboJET – Goes to Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal (Macau Peninsula) Cotai Water Jet – Goes to Taipa Ferry Terminal (near casinos) |
| Arrival | Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal (Macau Peninsula) – Best for sightseeing and old town areas
Taipa Ferry Terminal (for Cotai Strip hotels and casino resorts) |
| Cost | 1,900 INR- 2,200 INR |
| Frequency | Every 30–60 minutes |
| Operational Time | 7 AM to midnight |
Note: To book your trip, here are the authentic sources you can use to verify and make your reservations- TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet
Pros of Taking a Ferry
- Fast and comfortable travel option with scenic sea views: Ferries take approximately 55 minutes and offer smooth rides with window views of the South China Sea, making them great for a relaxed yet quick journey.
- Multiple departure points across Hong Kong: You can board from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, or the airport, making it super convenient no matter where you’re staying.
- Frequent departures throughout the day: Ferries run every 30–60 minutes from early morning till midnight, so you don’t have to worry about rigid schedules.
- Suitable for both day trips and overnight stays: Many travellers visit Macau just for a day and return in the evening, thanks to the flexible return options and short travel time.
- Comfortable seating and class options: You can choose from economy, super class, or VIP cabins with air-conditioning, reclining seats, and onboard refreshments.
Cons of Taking a Ferry
- Weather-dependent travel: Ferries can be delayed or cancelled during typhoons or bad sea conditions, especially during the monsoon season.
- Requires immigration checks at both ends: Even though it’s a short ride, you’ll need to go through passport control in both Hong Kong and Macau, which can take extra time.
- Tickets may sell out during holidays: On weekends or public holidays, ferries can get fully booked, so last-minute travellers might face limited availability.
- Not ideal for travellers prone to seasickness: While ferries are generally stable, rough sea days might cause discomfort if you’re sensitive to motion.
Hong Kong to Macau by Bus
Taking a bus to travel from Hong Kong to Macau is a budget-friendly and scenic option. The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB) is one of the most impressive landmarks in Asia. It’s the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world, stretching 55 kilometres across the Pearl River Delta.
This massive bridge connects Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau, making travel between the cities much faster and easier. If you’re heading to Macau by bus, this is the route you’ll take.
The journey across the bridge takes less than an hour and offers some stunning views of the sea. It’s a great option for travellers looking for a budget-friendly and scenic ride between Hong Kong and Macau.
| Duration | Approx. 40-60 minutes by shuttle buses
Approx. 2 to 3 hours by private cross-border coaches |
| Departure Point |
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port – located near the airport on Lantau Island (Accessible via Airport Express, MTR Tung Chung Line, or public bus) |
| Operators | Golden Bus (Shuttle Bus) – Official 24/7 shuttle service across the bridge
Cross-Border Coaches – Operated by various private companies for more comfort and direct hotel access |
| Arrival |
HZMB Macau Port – Located on the Cotai side of Macau, close to major resorts (Some coaches may offer direct drop-off at hotels on the Macau Peninsula or Cotai Strip) |
| Cost | ₹750–₹850 INR (HKD 65–70) for Golden Bus
₹1,200–₹2,500 INR for private cross-border coaches |
| Frequency |
Every 5–15 minutes (Golden Bus, 24/7 service) Private coaches operate from morning to night with fixed schedules |
| Operational Time |
Golden Bus: 24 hours daily Private Coaches: Generally 8 AM to 10 PM (varies by provider) |
Note: To book your trip, here are the authentic sources you can use to verify and make your reservations- HZMB Shuttle Service and Cross-boundary Public Transport Service
Pros of Taking a Bus
- Budget-friendly option: Tickets start at just HKD 65–70, making the bus one of the cheapest ways to reach Macau, perfect for backpackers and budget travellers.
- 24/7 availability (Golden Bus): The Golden Bus operates round-the-clock, so you can travel anytime, even during early morning or late-night hours.
- Beautiful ride across the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge: Enjoy unique views as you travel across the 55 km Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, a modern engineering marvel.
- Easy access for airport travellers: The departure point (HZMB Hong Kong Port) is close to Hong Kong International Airport, making it ideal for transit passengers.
- Comfortable and air-conditioned coaches: Buses are clean and climate-controlled, with enough space for luggage- great for a relaxed road journey.
Cons of Taking a Bus
- Requires multiple transfers to reach the departure point: Getting to the HZMB Hong Kong Port may involve using the MTR, airport bus, or taxi, especially if you’re staying far from Lantau Island.
- Immigration checks at both ends: Travellers must exit the bus, clear immigration at both borders, and re-board, which can add 30–60 minutes depending on queue length.
- Limited luggage space on shuttle buses: Golden Bus has a smaller luggage capacity compared to ferries or private coaches, which may be inconvenient for travellers with big bags.
- Less flexible drop-off location: Unlike ferries that drop you right in town, the bus arrives at HZMB Macau Port, which may require an additional taxi or shuttle to the city or hotel.
Hong Kong to Macau by Helicopter
Taking a helicopter ride from Hong Kong is the fastest way to reach Macau. The aerial view showcases the city skyline of Hong Kong, the vast waters of the Pearl River Delta, and the green spaces of Lantau Island.
As you take off, the noise and rush of city life disappear, leaving you with the peaceful beauty of the sea and islands. The flight lasts approximately 15 minutes, making it a great option for those who want to spend more time in Macau.
| Duration | Approx. 15 minutes |
| Departure Point | Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal Heliport – Sheung Wan (Hong Kong Island) |
| Operators | Sky Shuttle Helicopters– Premium helicopter transfer service between Hong Kong and Macau |
| Arrival | Macau Heliport– Located at the Macau Maritime Terminal (Outer Harbour) |
| Cost | HKD 4,000- 4,500 (Approx ₹40,000- ₹50,000 INR per person) |
| Frequency | Every 30-60 minutes .Typically operates from 10 AM to 8 PM, depending on demand. |
| Operational Time | 10 AM to 8 PM |
Note: To book your trip, here is the authentic source you can use to verify and make your reservations- Sky Shuttle Helicopters
Pros of a Helicopter Ride
- Fastest travel option available: The helicopter ride takes just 15 minutes, making it the quickest way to travel from Hong Kong to Macau – ideal for business travellers or luxury tourists.
- Premium and unique experience: Flying over the Pearl River Delta in a helicopter offers breathtaking views and a travel experience that’s both luxurious and memorable.
- Convenient terminal locations: The heliports in both Hong Kong and Macau are centrally located, saving you time on ground transport after landing.
- Ideal for last-minute or high-priority trips: Great option for travellers who are short on time or want to avoid long queues and crowds at ferry terminals or border checkpoints.
Cons of a Helicopter Ride
- Very expensive: With prices ranging between HKD 4,000–4,500 (₹40,000–₹50,000), it’s the most costly way to travel between the two cities.
- Limited schedule and availability: Helicopter services are not as frequent as ferries or buses, and seats are limited, so booking in advance is essential.
- Weather-dependent operations: Flights may be delayed or cancelled in poor weather, which can affect your plans if you’re on a tight schedule.
- Not practical for group or budget travellers: Due to high costs and limited seating, it’s not ideal for families or budget-conscious tourists.
Conclusion: The Best Way to Travel from Hong Kong to Macau
Travelling from Hong Kong to Macau is quick, easy, and offers options for every type of traveller. Whether you’re after speed, comfort, scenic views, or budget-friendly choices, there’s a transport mode that fits your needs perfectly.
Here’s a quick summary of how much each means of transport takes to drop you in Macau-
| Mode | Time | Cost | Frequency |
| Ferry | 55 mins | 1,900 INR- 2,200 INR | Every 30–60 minutes |
| Bus | 40–60 mins | 750- 850 INR | Every 5-30 minutes |
| Helicopter | 15 mins | 40,000- 50,000 INR | Every 30-60 minutes |
| Coach/Private | 1.5–2 hrs | 1,200- 2,500 INR | Every 5-30 minutes |
Each option comes with its own pros and cons, but all are reliable and well-connected between the two cities. With multiple departure points, flexible schedules, and smooth border processes, planning your journey has never been easier.
No matter how you choose to travel, this guide has covered everything, so you can pick the best option and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Macau. In case of need, we are just a click away, so contact us!
Now that you know how to get there, Macau is just a ride away!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to travel from Hong Kong to Macau?
Taking a helicopter is the fastest way, as it takes just 15 minutes and offers a luxury experience.
How long is the ferry ride from Hong Kong to Macau?
The ferry ride takes about 55 minutes and runs frequently from early morning until midnight.
Is there a bus from Hong Kong to Macau?
Yes, you can take the Golden Bus or cross-border coaches across the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge. The trip takes 40 to 60 minutes.
Do I need a visa to travel from Hong Kong to Macau?
Most tourists do not need a visa for short visits to Macau, but you must carry a valid passport for immigration checks.
Which ferry operators run between Hong Kong and Macau?
The two leading operators are TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet. Both offer economy and premium classes with regular departures.
