Hong Kong To Macau In 5 Easy Steps

Nothing can be more frustrating than running into hiccups while traveling. Granted there are alternatives to this solution, here are the simple steps I took in getting to Macau from Hong Kong.

1. Get to Shun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan (上環)

There are various ways to accomplish this (Taxi, Bus, Mass Transit Railway – MTR). What’s convenient about the Shun Tak Centre is that it’s located next to a large taxi stand, bus terminals, and has the Sheung Wan station right below. I took the MTR as it was cheap and the most familiar method. The Centre serves as a transportation portal to Macau and other locations in China.

2. Purchase Tickets

Here I assume you will be taking the 1hr ferry ride. There’s also a helicopter to Macau, but you’re on your own if that’s what you want to take. Towards the upper levels of the Centre is where you’ll find the ticketing counters. The two popular ferry companies are Turbo Jet and Cotai Jet. I rode on both and had good experiences with each. I believe Cotai may be a little cheaper but that’s dependent upon the time you pick and whether you purchase a one-way vs. round-trip. A one-way should gauge around $175HKD while round-trip is about $300HKD. If time permits you should ask around and compare prices.

3. Go Straight To Boarding

The ferries typically depart in 15 minute intervals and sometimes don’t fill all their seats. So there’s a chance you can score a seat in the previous time slot if available. Of course this is optional but wouldn’t hurt to check. If you’re traveling with a group hand all tickets in at once while boarding if you care to sit next to each other. Seat numbers are assigned at this time by placing a sticker on each ticket.

4. Pass Immigration

After arriving, you’ll need to wait in line for an entrance stamp into Macau. The wait can be extremely long, but I learned that it can be to your advantage to stand at the back of the line. Usually those who hold Hong Kong IDs will get processed first because they have lanes dedicated just to them. Once those lines are gone the agents will wave people over from the ‘Visitor’ lane or even open new lanes. The people standing in the back will get to rush over but those up front are trapped between steel dividers and won’t be able to get there fast enough to make the move even worth it.

5. Locate Hotel Shuttle

Probably the easiest step. If you don’t have hotel accommodations there are representative to help you right when you get through immigration. If you already have a room reserved just step outside and head towards the buses and hop on the one for your hotel. Transportation to/from the hotel/ferry is free of charge.