Travelling between Macau and Hong Kong is one of the easiest side trips you can do in Asia, and it's one we've now done both ways. Whether you're chasing the casinos, the egg tarts, or another theme park, hopping between the two cities is surprisingly painless. But when we first looked into it, we got stuck on one question: ferry or bus? So we tried both, back to back, and we're breaking down what to expect from each so you don't have to guess like we did.
The Two Ways to Get Between Macau and Hong Kong
There are two main options for the crossing:
- The ferry (TurboJET or Cotai Water Jet)
- The HZMB shuttle bus over the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge
Both get you there in around an hour, but the experience — and the price — couldn't be more different.
Option 1: The Ferry — Easy, Relaxing, and Basically Effortless
For most travellers, the ferry is still the most convenient way to get between Macau and Hong Kong, and honestly, it's the one we'd recommend if it's your first time doing the crossing.
The trip itself takes about an hour, give or take depending on sea conditions, and ferries run pretty much all day — from early morning until around midnight — so you're not stuck trying to time things perfectly. TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet are the two main operators, and tickets currently run somewhere around AUD $65–$95 one way in economy class, though prices shift depending on the time of day and how far in advance you book (weekend and evening sailings tend to cost more).
What we loved most was how simple it felt. Once you're through immigration and on board, you just sit down, relax, and wait for Hong Kong to appear — no herding luggage through several checkpoints.
Where the Ferries Leave From
Ferries depart from the Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal or the Taipa Ferry Terminal (handy if you're staying on the Cotai Strip), and arrive at either the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan or the SkyPier at Hong Kong International Airport if you're heading straight to a flight.
Who the Ferry Suits Best
If you're travelling with:
- kids in tow
- heavy suitcases
- a haul of shopping bags
- or you're just knackered after a big day in Macau
…the ferry is going to feel a lot less stressful. The only real downside is the price — it's noticeably more expensive than the bus.
Option 2: The HZMB Shuttle Bus — Budget-Friendly With a Side of Scenery
The second option is the shuttle bus across the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, better known as the HZMB. This one's a bit of an adventure in itself.
The biggest perk is availability — buses run 24 hours a day, which makes this the go-to option if you're arriving on a red-eye or need to leave stupidly early. Travel time on the bridge itself is close to an hour, similar to the ferry, but total door-to-door time can stretch out depending on how busy immigration is at either end.
What the Bus Journey Actually Involves
We'll be honest, the process is a bit more involved than the ferry:
- Get yourself to the HZMB port
- Clear Macau immigration
- Board the shuttle bus
- Get off at the Hong Kong port
- Clear Hong Kong immigration
- Grab another form of transport into the city
There's definitely more walking involved, and if you've got heavy bags, you'll feel it. That said, we actually really enjoyed the experience — it's worth doing at least once. The views from the bus are genuinely impressive: open sea, the massive bridge structure, and a long underwater tunnel section that makes you appreciate just how much engineering went into the whole thing.
The Price Difference
This is where the bus wins hands down. Shuttle bus tickets cost roughly AUD $13–$18 one way — a fraction of the ferry price — which makes it a brilliant option if you're travelling on a budget or doing the trip a few times.
Ferry vs Bus: Quick Comparison
- Comfort: Ferry wins — fewer transfers, more relaxing
- Price: Bus wins — roughly a third of the ferry cost
- Availability: Bus wins — runs 24 hours
- Scenery: Bus wins — you actually see the bridge and tunnels
- Ease with luggage/kids: Ferry wins — no walking between checkpoints
Our Top Booking Tip
Whichever option you go with, use Google Maps to check live ferry schedules, bus departure times, terminal locations, and immigration wait times before you head out. It's saved us more than once from turning up to the wrong terminal. We'd also suggest booking ferry tickets online in advance during peak season (Chinese New Year, Golden Week) since sailings can sell out.
If you're planning your transport logistics around Macau, it's also worth reading up on Macau Travel Pass vs Cash before you go, so you're not fumbling for change at the terminal.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
After trying both, we personally lean towards the ferry when we're tired, travelling with luggage, or just want the easiest option. But if you've got a bit of extra time and want a proper "wow, look at that bridge" moment, the HZMB bus is 100% worth doing at least once — and your wallet will thank you too.
Whichever route you pick, the Macau-to-Hong Kong crossing is fast, affordable, and honestly part of the adventure. If you're spending time in Hong Kong afterwards, don't miss our guide to the Tian Tan Buddha at Ngong Ping, and if scams are on your mind while travelling, check out our tips on avoiding scams when travelling.
Our tip summary: Take the ferry if you value comfort and have luggage or kids. Take the HZMB bus if you're after the cheapest option, don't mind a bit more walking, and want front-row views of an engineering marvel. Either way — book ahead in peak season, check Google Maps for live times, and enjoy the ride!
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