Macau Transportation and transfer guide

Getting There

By Sea
Macau can be reached via ferries that dock at the Macau Ferry Terminal, which is situated at the Outer Harbour. The sea-lane between Hong Kong and Macau is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with regular 24 hour traffic by fleets of high-speed vessels carrying on average 16,500 passengers in each direction everyday. The terminal has ticketing offices, a tourist information counter, a post office, an electronic city guide, four Automated Teller Machines, banks, travel agencies, restaurants, and duty-free shops. Inner Harbour is another port of entry from China to Macau but only one trip per day to Shenzhen is available.

There are a wide variety of vessels, such as Jetfoils, Jumbocats, Turbocats, Hover-ferries, and Catamarans that sail between Macau and Hong Kong. There are more than 100 scheduled rides each way throughout the day, with jetfoils operating round the clock.

Passengers should be at the terminal at least 30 minutes prior to departure, in order to complete immigration formalities. Visitors can always try the standby queue if they arrive at the terminal early. Children over the age of 12 months would have to pay full fare on all vessels.

Luggage is limited to hand-carried items not exceeding 60x20x35cm and 10kg in weight. Baggage exceeding this size will be handled as check-in luggage, which costs $30.00 for 10 to 20kg per piece and $40.00 for 20 to 40kg per piece. The check-in luggage can only be transported on the Jetfoil traveled by the specific passenger and must be handed in 20 to 30 minutes prior to departure time.

The check-in luggage counters are open from 6:54 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. and are located on the first floor of the Macau Maritime Terminal, as well as at the passenger bridge of Shun Tak Centre in Hong Kong.

Tickets to Hong Kong can be bought in Macau for up to seven days in advance. Those traveling from Hong Kong to Macau can buy tickets for Jetfoils and Jumbocats in Hong Kong 28 days before departure. A computerized booking service is available from Hong Kong MTR Travel Service Centres at the Mass Transit Railway stations of Taikoo, Admiralty, Central, Tsimshatsui, Causeway Bay, Mongkok, Tsuen Wan, and Kwun Tong.

Holders of Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards can make telephone bookings for jetfoils at (852) 2859-6596. Those with American Express, EPS, Federal Master, Fortune, and Visa credit cards can book Jumbocats by calling (852) 2559-9255. Be advised that tickets booked by telephone must be collected from the relevant counters on the first floor of Shun Tak Centre, and passengers should allow for extra time.

By Air
Macau's first and Asia's newest airport opened for operations in November 1995. The airport is competent of handling Boeing 747 long haul flights to North America, Europe, Oceania, and Africa. A total of 15 regular airline companies, including Air Macau, the territory's flag carrier, serve the Macau International Airport flying to 24 cities, 16 of which are in mainland China.

A new service "Express Link", which began in May 1998, facilitates the procedures for passengers flying to and from Hong Kong on Air Macau via Macau International Airport.

Helicopter services are also accessible in Macau. East Asia Airlines operates around 16 helicopter round-trips a day using helipads on the Macau and Hong Kong Ferry terminals. Flights take approximately 20 minutes in the eight-seat aircraft. Inquiries can be made at the helicopter counter on the second floor of Macau Maritime Terminal (Tel: (853) 790-7240), as well as the helicopter counter in Hong Kong at No.9, third floor of Hong Kong Shun Tak Centre, which is in front of STDM Service Department (Tel: (852) 2859-3359).

By Land
Getting into Macau from China is also possible through the 'Barrier Gate', which opens daily from 7 a.m. to midnight. It is convenient to travel to and from China through this entrance.

Getting Around

By Taxi
There is an abundance of taxis in Macau that are both cheap and comfortable. Fares start with a minimum charge of MOP$9. To make it easier, try to have your destination written in Chinese or point out your destination on a map. Some taxi drivers keep a list of hotels, tourist spots, and the like in their car compartments. Normal taxis are black with cream colored roofs. Yellow colored taxis can be radio-called at 519519.

By Bus
The Transmac and the TCM are two companies that provide public transport services in Macau. More than 40 scheduled routes that cover almost the whole territory are available. Rates vary from MOP$2.50 to $6.00.

By Car Rental
There are a few car rental services available in Macau. Mokes and a variety of cars are available for rental. Drivers should be over 21 and hold a valid international driver's license.