Travel Time: Hong Kong To Macau By Bus

The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge is the most common way to get from Hong Kong to Macau by bus. The bus ride takes around 30-40 minutes, but the whole journey, including the time it takes to get to the airport and pass immigration, can take up to 2 hours. The bus is the cheapest way to travel between the two places, with tickets costing between $6 and $24.

Hong Kong to Macau by bus: general overview

The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB) is the primary route for bus travel between Hong Kong and Macau. The bridge, which spans 55km, is the world's longest cross-sea bridge and has been open to the public since late 2018.

Tickets and Fares

The standard adult ticket price for the HZMB bus is HKD$65, with a concession price of HKD$33. Tickets can be purchased from automatic vending machines, which accept Octopus cards, WeChat, and Alipay. Tickets can also be purchased from the counter by cash or Octopus card.

Pick-up and Drop-off Points

There are several pick-up points in Hong Kong, including Diamond Hill, Kwun Tong APM, and Kwai Fong's Metropolitan Plaza. The bus also stops at the Cross-Boundary Coach Terminus inside Elements, located near the West Kowloon Cultural District. Drop-off points in Macau include The Venetian Macao, MGM Cotai, and Galaxy Hotel.

Duration

The average duration of the bus journey from Hong Kong to Macau is 1 hour and 35 minutes. The bus departs from Hong Kong every three hours. The journey across the HZMB bridge itself takes around 30-40 minutes.

Luggage

Passengers are permitted to bring one suitcase with maximum dimensions of 30" x 20" x 13" and a maximum weight of 20kg.

Alternative Options

While the bus is a convenient and affordable option, there are several alternative ways to travel between Hong Kong and Macau. These include ferry, helicopter, taxi, and private car services. The ferry is a popular choice, with high-speed options available, and the journey usually lasting around 1 hour. Helicopters offer the fastest travel time of approximately 15 minutes but are significantly more expensive.

The journey: Hong Kong Port to Macau

The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB) is the world's longest sea bridge, stretching 55km. The bridge connects Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau, making travel between the three cities much more convenient. The journey from the Hong Kong Port to Macau takes around two hours by bus. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the journey.

Step 1: Getting to the Hong Kong Port

To get to the Hong Kong Port, you can take the Airport Bus. The journey time varies depending on the route and traffic conditions but usually takes around 45 to 60 minutes. You can take one of the following buses: B5 (from Sunny Bay), A11 (from North Point via Wan Chai, Central), A21 (from Hung Hom Station via Tsim Sha Tsui), A22 (from Lam Tin Station via Kowloon Bay, Kowloon City, and Kwun Tong), A29 (from Po Lam via Kowloon Bay and Kwun Tong), A31 (from Tsuen Wan), A33X (from Tsuen Mun), A36 (from Yuen Long), B4 or B6 (from Tung Chung), or minibus 901 (from Tung Chung).

Step 2: Hong Kong Immigration and Customs

At the Hong Kong Port, you will need to pass through Immigration and Customs, so make sure you have your ID card, passport, and travel visa (if necessary) ready. This process should take around 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Buying Bus Tickets

After clearing Immigration, you can purchase tickets for the HZMB Bus, also known as the "Golden Bus" by locals due to its colour. The adult ticket price is HKD$65, and the concession ticket price is HKD$33. You can buy tickets from automatic vending machines that accept Octopus cards, WeChat, and Alipay, or from the counter with cash. If using an Octopus card, ensure it has enough credit for your journey and return trip. The ticket purchasing process should take around 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Boarding the Bus

Once you have your ticket, you can board the bus. During peak hours, buses depart every 5 minutes or less. Simply give your ticket to the staff to scan, and find a seat.

Step 5: Crossing the Bridge

The bus journey across the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as you cross this engineering marvel.

Step 6: Macau Immigration

After arriving at the Macau Port, you will need to pass through Immigration, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes. The building is quite large, so there will be a bit of walking involved. You will know you are in Macau when you start seeing Portuguese signs.

Step 7: Reaching Your Final Destination in Macau

Once you exit the Macau Port building, you will find buses and taxis available for your convenience. If you plan to visit any casino or resort, you can take the free shuttle bus to the Taipa Ferry Terminal and then another free casino shuttle bus to your destination. There are different routes and options for direct buses from various places in Hong Kong to Macau, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Tips for Travelling from Hong Kong to Macau by Bus

• If you want to take the bus to see the HZMB bridge and also plan to visit Macau for a day trip, consider returning to Hong Kong by ferry at night. There isn't much to see on the bridge at night, and there are too many transfers between buses when you are tired.
• If you are carrying heavy luggage or are in a hurry, it is recommended to take the ferry from Sheung Wan instead of the bus.
• If you take the Airport Bus to and from the Hong Kong Port on the same day, the bus fare will be halved when using the same Octopus card.
• When buying HZM bus tickets from the Macau Port counter with cash, they may give you change in Macao dollars. Octopus cards are also accepted at the counter.
• Octopus cards are not accepted in the Macau vending machines.

Macau Bridge: the fastest route

The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge is the fastest route from Hong Kong to Macau. The bridge, which is the world's longest cross-sea bridge, offers a convenient way to travel between the two cities. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to take the bus via the Macau Bridge:

• Get to the Hong Kong Port: You can take the Airport Bus to the Hong Kong Port, which takes around 45-60 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. Several bus routes serve this journey, including the A11 (from North Point via Wan Chai, Central) and the A21 (from Hung Hom Station via Tsim Sha Tsui).
• Pass through Hong Kong Immigration: Have your ID card, passport, and travel visa (if required) ready for the immigration process. This should take around 5-10 minutes.
• Purchase HZMB Bus tickets: The adult ticket price is HKD$65, and the concession ticket price is HKD$33. You can buy tickets from automatic vending machines that accept Octopus cards, WeChat, and Alipay, or from the counter with cash.
• Board the bus: Buses depart frequently, with a bus leaving every 5 minutes or less during peak hours. Remember to give your ticket to the staff for scanning.
• Cross the bridge: The bus ride across the bridge takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
• Pass through Macau Immigration: The immigration building in Macau is quite large, so expect a bit of walking. The process should take around 10-15 minutes.
• Take a bus or taxi to your destination in Macau: Once you exit the immigration building, you will find buses and taxis available. If you are visiting any casino or resort, you can take the free shuttle bus to the Taipa Ferry Terminal and then another free casino shuttle bus to your destination.

The entire journey from Hong Kong to Macau via the bridge typically takes around 2 hours, including the time spent on immigration and bus transfers. It is important to note that passengers need to get off the bus twice when passing through the Hong Kong and Macau ports. Make sure to carry your belongings and luggage with you during these stops.

Other Bus Options

There are also direct bus services between Hong Kong and Macau, although they may take longer than the Macau Bridge route. One such service is the One Bus, which operates daily with departures every three hours. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, and tickets cost between $6 and $24. The bus departs from Jordan Station in Hong Kong and arrives at Sands Macao in Macau.

Another option is the Hong Kong-Macau Express bus, which offers convenient pickups in three areas of Hong Kong: Diamond Hill, Kwun Tong APM, and Kwai Fong's Metropolitan Plaza. This bus travels to major hotels in Macau, including The Venetian Macau, Crowne Plaza, and The Parisian Macau. The fare for this service starts at HK$175.

Advantages of the Macau Bridge Route

The Macau Bridge route is generally faster and more efficient than other bus options. It also offers a more scenic journey, providing travellers with the opportunity to admire the impressive engineering feat of the bridge. Additionally, there are multiple bus routes serving the Hong Kong Port, making it a convenient option for travellers from different parts of Hong Kong.

When planning your trip from Hong Kong to Macau, be sure to consider your budget, schedule, and preferred mode of transportation. The Macau Bridge route provides a fast and efficient way to travel between the two cities, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick and convenient journey.

Bus schedules and fares

The bus from Hong Kong to Macau is a popular option for travellers, with buses departing 24 hours a day. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes and costs between $6 and $24 for a one-way ticket. There are various pick-up and drop-off points in Hong Kong and Macau, with multiple bus companies servicing the route. Below is a detailed breakdown of the bus schedules and fares for the route.

Hong Kong Pick-up Points

There are several pick-up points in Hong Kong for buses travelling to Macau. These include:

• Jordan Station
• Diamond Hill
• Kwun Tong APM
• Kwai Fong's Metropolitan Plaza
• Cross-Boundary Coach Terminus inside Elements
• Kowloon MTR
• Prince Edward
• Hong Kong Port
• Hong Kong International Airport

Macau Drop-off Points

Buses from Hong Kong arrive at various locations in Macau, including:

• Sands Macao
• Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal
• Taipa Ferry Terminal
• The Venetian Macao
• Crowne Plaza
• The Parisian Macao
• MGM Cotai
• Galaxy Macao
• StarWorld Hotel
• Jai Alai Hotel
• Grand Lisboa Palace

Bus Companies and Schedules

Several bus companies operate on the Hong Kong to Macau route, offering a range of schedules to accommodate travellers' needs. Here are some of the bus companies and their respective schedules:

• One Bus: Departing from Jordan Station in Hong Kong and arriving at Sands Macao in Macau. Buses depart every three hours, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.
• Hong Kong-Macao Express: Departing from Elements in Hong Kong and serving multiple casinos and hotels in Macao, including The Venetian Macao, MGM Cotai, and StarWorld Hotel. The exact schedule varies depending on the drop-off point, but there are multiple departures throughout the day.
• Yongdong Bus: Offering convenient pickups in Diamond Hill, Kwun Tong APM, and Kwai Fong's Metropolitan Plaza in Hong Kong. The bus travels to The Venetian Macao, Crowne Plaza, and The Parisian Macao in Macau. The schedule is not specified, but the company offers seamless service.
• HZMB Shuttle Bus (Golden Bus): This shuttle service operates 24 hours a day, with buses departing from the Hong Kong Port every 5 minutes or less during peak hours. The journey across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge takes approximately 45 minutes. Tickets cost HK$65 during the day and HK$70 between midnight and 5:59 am.
• EE Bus: This company offers bus services between Hong Kong and Macau twice daily, but the exact schedule and pick-up/drop-off points are not specified.

Booking Tickets

Tickets for the bus from Hong Kong to Macau can be booked online or purchased at the respective bus terminals. Some companies, such as One Bus and Hong Kong-Macao Express, offer the convenience of booking tickets online and receiving e-tickets. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased at the bus terminals, either from ticket counters or automatic vending machines that accept Octopus cards, WeChat, and Alipay. It is recommended to have your passport or ID card ready when purchasing tickets, as some companies may require this information.

Hong Kong to Macau by bus: a step-by-step guide

Travelling from Hong Kong to Macau by bus is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your journey:

Step 1: Choose your pick-up point in Hong Kong

There are several pick-up points in Hong Kong for buses travelling to Macau. The most common ones are:

• Jordan Station
• Diamond Hill
• Kwun Tong APM
• Kwai Fong's Metropolitan Plaza
• Cross-Boundary Coach Terminus inside Elements
• Prince Edward

Step 2: Choose your drop-off point in Macau

Depending on your destination in Macau, you can choose from several drop-off points, including:

• Sands Macao
• The Venetian Macao
• Crowne Plaza
• The Parisian Macao
• Grand Lisboa
• MGM Macau
• Galaxy Macau
• StarWorld Hotel
• Taipa Ferry Terminal

Step 3: Book your ticket

You can book your bus ticket online or at the bus terminal. The ticket price varies depending on the route and the time of travel. It typically ranges from HK$160 to HK$180 for a one-way trip. There are also discounts available for round-trip tickets.

Step 4: Arrive early at the bus terminal

It is recommended to arrive at the bus terminal at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for immigration and customs procedures. Have your passport or ID card ready, as well as any necessary travel visas.

Step 5: Board the bus and enjoy the ride!

Buses to Macau depart frequently, especially during peak hours. Once you have boarded the bus, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey! The bus ride usually takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes, depending on traffic and the route taken.

Additional tips:

• If you want to see the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, consider taking the bus during the day and returning to Hong Kong by ferry at night.
• If you are carrying heavy luggage or are in a hurry, the ferry from Sheung Wan is a faster option.
• If you are transferring between buses at the Hong Kong Port, using the same Octopus card can get you a discount on the bus fare.
• When returning from Macau, buying HZMB bus tickets with cash at the counter may result in receiving change in Macao dollars.

Frequently asked questions