
I’ve done the Hong Kong to Macau trip more times than I can count—day trips, weekend getaways, even last-minute food runs. Let's check fast facts on Hong Kong-Macau travel: ferry/bus times, prices, visas & day trips.
Hong Kong to Macau - First, the Quick Overview
Hong Kong and Macau are close—37 miles across the water. Most people pick ferries (fast, drops you where you want to be) or buses over the HZMB bridge (cheaper, scenic). Helicopters are a thing, but they’re for rich folks or people who forgot to book a ferry. And high-speed rail is not worth it for a day trip—more on that later.
Transport Type | Travel Time | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
55–60 mins | $22–$28 | Most travelers (fast, central drop-offs) | |
45–60 mins | $8–$10 | Budget travelers, scenic views | |
1–1.5 hrs | $15–$20 | Those staying in HK’s Central/Tsim Sha Tsui | |
Helicopter | 15 mins | $550+ | Luxury travelers, last-minute trips |
Hong Kong to Macau - Ferries, The Best Option

Ferries are the top pick because they drop you right in central Macau (close to historic sites) or the Cotai Strip (near casinos/hotels) and run 24/7. Two companies dominate: TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet.
Hong Kong to Macau Ferries Prices & Routes
Adults pay around $22 on weekdays, $24 on weekends/holidays, and $28 for night ferries (10 PM to 6 AM). Kids under 12 are half-price, and infants under 3 are free. I always book online via their websites or Trip.com—weekend lines at the terminal can be 20+ mins long, and no one wants to waste vacation time waiting.
Operator | Route | Weekday (Economy) | Weekend/Holiday | Night (10 PM–6 AM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sheung Wan → Outer Harbour | $22.20 | $24.10 | $27.90 | |
Sheung Wan → Taipa | $22.20 | $24.10 | $27.90 |
Hong Kong to Macau Ferries Departure & Arrival Terminals
- Departure terminals in HK: If you are in Central/soho, Sheung Wan (Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal) is the best, super convenient. Tsim Sha Tsui (China Ferry Terminal) is more suitable for Kowloon.
- Arrival in Macau: The Outer Harbour Pier (in the central part of Macau) is just a few steps away from the Ruins of Sao Paulo and Senado Square, making it an ideal place for both history and cuisine. The Taipa Pier (Cotai Strip) is right next to the Venetian, Parisian and all the casinos. It would be great if you come here for shopping or entertainment.
Hong Kong to Macau Ferries Schedules
They operate around the clock! During the day (from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.), ferries depart every 15 to 30 minutes, with turbojet being more frequent. In the evening, it is charged once per hour. If you want to stay very late for dinner or enjoy the night view of Macau, this is the perfect choice. Suggestion: Arrive at the immigration office 30 minutes in advance, you need to scan your passport and flight ticket. Backups can be made during peak hours (9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
- Daytime (6 AM–10 PM): Ferries leave every 15–30 mins (TurboJET is more frequent).
- Nighttime (10 PM–6 AM): Hourly departures. It's very suitable for having dinner in the evening in Macau.
Hong Kong to Macau Ferries Luggage
You can bring one piece of carry-on luggage and one piece of checked luggage (up to 20 kg) for free. Extra luggage is about $5 each, so if you're only on a one-day trip, don't pack too much- you just need a small bag for your passport, phone and wallet.


![[Cotai Water Jet] Fly You to Macao - Free Ferry Tickets Offer](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352g12000kmihowkE7DC_C_750_480.jpg)

Hong Kong to Macau - HZMB Bus, Cheap & Nice View

If you’re trying to save money or want to see the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (it’s the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge—pretty wild), the shuttle bus is your guy. It’s cheaper than ferries, but there’s a catch: you have to get to the Hong Kong Port first (it’s in Lantau, not central HK).
What’s the “HZMB Shuttle Bus”?
The bus is called the “Golden Bus” locally, and it runs directly between Hong Kong Port and Macau Port (Taipa). The ride over the bridge is about 45 mins, and you’ll get great views of the bay and artificial islands—bring your camera!
HZMB Bus Prices
Adults pay $8.25 during the day (6 AM to 10 PM) and $8.90 at night. Kids 3-11 and seniors over 65 get half off—around $4-$4.50. Way cheaper than ferries, but remember: you have to get to Hong Kong Port first.
Getting to Hong Kong Port
This is the only hassle. Here’s how I do it when I’m on a budget:
- Take the MTR Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station (about 30 mins from Central).
- Walk 5 mins to Tung Chung Bus Terminus and catch bus B5 to Hong Kong Port (10 mins, $1).
Total time: ~1 hr, total cost: ~$3.50.
If you don’t want to transfer, you can take a taxi from central HK—costs $39-$52 and takes 45-60 mins. Or book a direct express bus from Central/Tsim Sha Tsui—tickets are $15-$20, and it drops you right at Hong Kong Port with no transfers.
Pro tips for HZMB Bus
- Arrive 40 mins early for immigration—there are fewer checkpoints here than at ferry terminals, so lines can be longer.
- Check the weather! The bridge closes during typhoons (Signal 8 or higher). I once got stuck in Macau because of a typhoon—learn from my mistake and check the HZMB app before leaving.
Hong Kong to Macau - Helicopters, Luxury & Fastest
Helicopters are the fastest way to get from Hong Kong to Macau—15 mins flat! But they’re also the most expensive. Heli Express is the only company that runs them, and one-way tickets start at $550 per person. Private charters for up to 6 people are around $3,300.
Who is this for? Business travelers who have meetings at 9 AM and don’t want to wake up early, or people who just want to splurge. I’ve never taken one (too pricey for me!), but friends who have say the VIP fast track through immigration is worth it if you’re in a hurry. You book 3-7 days in advance—there are only 4-6 seats per helicopter, so they sell out fast.
[3% OFF] Hong Kong to Macau - High-Speed Rail (HSR)
![[3% OFF] Hong Kong to Macau - High-Speed Rail (HSR)](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0102y120008cb5q7s3753_C_568_320.jpg_.webp?_fr=wc)
Many people ask about high-speed rail, but the fact is that there is no direct high-speed rail from Hong Kong to Macao. You have to transfer many times, which is slower and more troublesome than ferries or buses. Let's analyze it:
Hong Kong to Macau - The train route (if you’re determined):
- Take the Hong Kong Express Rail from West Kowloon Station in Hong Kong to Shenzhen North Railway Station (20 minutes, 10 US dollars).
- Transfer to the high-speed rail from Shenzhen North Railway Station to Zhuhai Changlong Railway Station (1 hour, 15 US dollars).
- Take a taxi or bus from Chimelong in Zhuhai to the Port of Macau (20 minutes, 5-10 US dollars).
- Go through the entry customs to enter Macao.
Total time: approximately 2 hours (if all transfers go smoothly), total cost: 30- 35 US dollars. This is longer than a ferry and only a little cheaper than a bus plus a subway. And if any train is delayed or you miss a transfer? You’re screwed.
When is HSR worth it?
Only when you combine your trips to Shenzhen or Zhuhai with those to Macao. For instance, if you stay in Shenzhen for a few days, then take the high-speed rail to Zhuhai and then transit through to Macao - this makes sense. But what about a one-day tour from Hong Kong to Macao? Save yourself the trouble and take the ferry.
Hong Kong to Macau - Visa & Border Rules

I’ve seen people get turned away at the border because they forgot their passport or didn’t check visa rules—don’t be that person. Here’s the simple version:
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date. No exceptions.
- Visa: Most nationalities get visa-free entry to Macau. US, EU, UK, Australia, Japan, Canada—30 days. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore—14-21 days. If you’re from a country that needs a visa, apply for an e-visa online 1-2 weeks in advance.
- Re-entering Hong Kong: If you’re in Hong Kong on a tourist visa, you can leave for Macau and come back without a new visa—just make sure your Hong Kong visa is still valid.
- Immigration: You’ll clear two checkpoints—one when leaving Hong Kong, one when entering Macau. Have your passport ready, and answer questions honestly (they usually just ask how long you’re staying).
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Hong Kong to Macau Day Trip Itinerary

A Day Trip to Macau, Travel to Macau 1 Day
This is the itinerary I use every time- feasible, interesting, and reaching all the best places, don’t miss these iconic spots with coupon:
Macau Day Trip Itinerary
- 8:30 a.m. : Board the TurboJET flight departing from Sheung Wan, Hong Kong at 8:30 a.m. → Arrive at the Outer Harbour Terminal of Macau at 9:30 a.m.
- 10:00 a.m. : Walk for 10 minutes to Ruins of St. Paul's to take photos, and then have an egg tart at Lord Stow's (just around the corner, yes, it's worth queuing).
- 11:30 a.m. : Stroll through Senado Square - with its soft-colored Portuguese architecture, street performers and charming cafes. If you need to refresh yourself, stop and have a cup of coffee.
- 1:00 p.m. : Have lunch at a local restaurant - try African chicken (a Macao specialty) or pork cutlet buns. My favorite is Litoral restaurant in the center of Macau. It's cheap and delicious.
- 2:30 p.m. : Take a taxi to the Golden Avenue (about 5 dollars, 15 minutes). Take a walk around the indoor canal of the Venetian Hotel or take photos on the replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (the first floor is free).
- 5:30 p.m. : Take the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge shuttle bus back to Hong Kong and arrive at 6:30 p.m. It is very suitable for dining in Central or Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
Top 3 Things to Do in Macau
- Ruins of St. Paul’s: The iconic stone façade—you have to take a photo here, but don’t just snap and leave. Walk around the back to see the museum (small but interesting) and the stairs leading up to the fortress.
- Senado Square: Great for people-watching and soaking up Macau’s colonial vibe. Grab a seat at an outdoor café and watch the world go by.
- Cotai Strip: Even if you don’t gamble, it’s worth a visit. The Venetian’s canals are fun to walk around, and The Parisian’s Eiffel Tower has great views of the city.



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FAQs about Hong Kong to Macau
How can I go from Hong Kong to Macau?
Pick ferries (most popular, $22–$28, 55 mins) for convenience, HZMB buses ($8–$10, 45–60 mins) for budget, or helicopters ($550+, 15 mins) for speed.Is it worth doing a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong?
Yes! Macau’s unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese culture, historic sites, and delicious food make it a perfect day trip. You can see the main attractions in 8–10 hours without rushing.How long is it from Hong Kong to Macau?
Ferry: 55–60 mins
HZMB Bus: 45–60 mins
Helicopter: 15 minsWhich is better, TurboJet or Cotai?
TurboJet: Best for central Macau (Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square) — more frequent daytime departures.
Cotai Water Jet: Best for Cotai Strip (casinos, luxury hotels) — avoids central Macau traffic.Do I need a visa to travel from Hong Kong to Macau?
Most nationalities get visa-free entry to Macau (7–30 days). Check your country’s policy—if required, apply for an e-visa online 1–2 weeks in advance.





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