Hong Kong is easily accessible from Macau. All it takes is a one-hour ferry ride. Hence, it is not unusual for travelers to bundle these two cities together. Some travelers fly to Macau, take a ferry to Hong Kong, and then return to their country from there. Some do it the other way around.
If you have a roundtrip ticket to Macau, you can visit Hong Kong on a day trip. Just make sure you build your itinerary well to maximize your day.
You have two options: by ferry or by shuttle bus via the newly opened Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB).
Macau to Hong Kong by Shuttle Bus (Sea Bridge)
By Direct Bus with Hotel Pickup (Chinalink)
Normally, you can catch a bus at the HZMB. But if you book with Klook, you can be picked up at any of the following hotels or casinos:
- MGM Cotai
- MGM Macao
- Grand Lisboa Macau
- Starworld Hotel
- The Venetian Macao
- Galaxy Macao
- Sands Macao
The bus can take you directly to either Prince Edward in Mong Kok or Kowloon Elements in Tsim Sha Tsui. Note that you will also have to go through Immigration and Customs inspections.
Bus Fare: HK$ 158 to 160.
You can reserve a bus below.
By Public Bus
- Make your way to HZMB. Depends on where you’re coming from, you can take the 101X Bus, 102X Bus, or taxi to HZMB.
- Board the shuttle bus to Hong Kong (Lantau Island). MOP65 (regular times), MOP (midnight to 5:59am).
- Take the B5 bus to Sunny Bay MTR station, Fare: HK$ 5.80.
- Take the MTR to city center. If your hotel is in Central area, fare is HK$23.5. If your hotel is in Tsim Sha Tsui, fare is HK$ 16.
Note that you will also have to go through Immigration and Customs inspections.
If your hotel is in Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) area, I recommend either the direct bus or the tried and tested ferries because the ports are much closer. Taking the public bus via sea bridge means you will be arriving in HK in Lantau Island, which is a bit detached from the rest of the city. You will have to take the another bus and MTR to reach the city center. That’s 3 transfers, which is cumbersome if you have heavy luggage.
Macau to Hong Kong by Ferry
1. Choose your terminal in Macau and Hong Kong.
There are two ferry terminals that you can use:
- Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, located in Macau Peninsula. This is closer to the city center.
- Taipa Terminal, sometimes called Cotai Terminal, just a short walk from Macau International Airport.
These ferries sail to any of these terminals in Hong Kong. These are completely difference terminals and a bit far from each other, so make sure you book the right one.
- Hong Kong MACAU Ferry Terminal along Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan area in Hong Kong Island.
- Hong Kong CHINA Ferry Terminal along Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
- Sky Pier at Hong Kong International Airport. Exclusive to tourists only.
If your hotel is in Tsim Sha Tsui, choose the one in Kowloon so you will just have to walk. If your hotel is in the Central district, board a ferry bound for Sheung Wan.
2. Purchase a Ticket.
You can buy tickets at the terminal itself. Often, the fares are very similar. If they vary, only by a little bit. Even the travel experience is pretty standard and similar. It’s just a matter of travel time.
FARES
- Macau to Hong Kong Island/Kowloon: HKD 160 to 172 (in daytime) and up to HKD 211 (at night), one-way.
- Macau to Hong Kong International Airport: HKD 270 (day time), HKD 300 (night), one way.
For tickets to Hong Kong Airport, if you want to score some discounts, you can book in advance online!
✅ GET HK AIRPORT-MACAU DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE
3. Board the Ferry.
The boarding process is pretty straightforward. After getting a ticket, follow the signs to the boarding area. Usually, there are staff members that can point you in the right direction.
If necessary, check in your bags. For hand-carry, only one piece per person is allowed. I remember, however, that they let me through with a small backpack and a suitcase. I asked but they said I didn’t need to check in anything. Not sure if small backpacks are counted as an item or I just got lucky.
Luggage Restrictions for Carry-On
Each passenger is allowed only one carry-on (hand-carry) bag.
- Size: maximum 600mm x 200mm x 350mm
- Weight: maximum 20kg.
Luggage Restrictions for Check In
Each passenger is allowed 3 pieces of luggage for check in.
- Size: maximum 76cm x 56cm x 23cm
- Weight: 40 kg
You’re gonna have to go through the Immigration counters, too. Make sure you have your passport and the details usually needed in the arrival form including the boat name and number and your address in Hong Kong. Falling in line can take some time especially at peak hours so consider that when planning your trip.
When it’s time to board, find your seat. Your ticket has an assigned seat number.
The journey usually lasts 55 minutes for Macau-Hong Kong city center.
Useful Tips
- Most seats have overhead compartments for bags and suitcases. Most, not all. I once had to hold my big bag on my lap all the way through.
- If you suffer from sea sickness, take your meds before sailing. The current can be wild at times. I have seen passengers puking their guts out on the aisle floor a couple of times. It’s messy. You don’t want to be that passenger.
- Check your seat number upon purchase. If you’re a group, even when you book the trip together, your seats may be super far from each other. This is probably a result of trying to fill the last remaining seats on the boat. I once traveled with my mom, who is an elderly, and a cousin, who was a first-time traveler. We booked together but we were assigned seats on completely separate aisles. I was so nervous that I would lose my senior mom and clueless cousin. We ended up waiting for everyone else to go disembark first before reuniting and getting out of the ferry together.
iVenture Card
If your Hong Kong-Macau itinerary is packed, you might want to take advantage of the iVenture Card!
This card which will grant you DISCOUNTS for numerous restaurants and FREE entry to many attractions in Hong Kong and Macau including but not limited to the following:
- Ocean Park Hong Kong
- Ngong Ping 360 (Hong Kong)
- The Peak Tram (Victoria Peak, Hong Kong)
- Hong Kong Watertours Pre-Dinner Sunset Cruise
- Macau Tower
There are more attractions and establishments covered!
✅ SEE MORE INFO or RESERVE iVENTURE PASS HERE
Updated: 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 1️⃣7️⃣