Transportation in Macau

Convenient and well developed transport links make Macau a popular and easily accessible destination in Southeast Asia. Located on the western shore of the Pearl River Delta, Macau is the gateway to mainland China from the South China Sea. Connections with Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and other centers in southern China as well as countries on the Pacific Rim are provided by numerous domestic and international flights, ferries and buses. However, it should be remembered that Macao's status as a free port means that there are immigration procedures to be observed prior to entry to the mainland of China.

In Macau traffic moves on the left. Macau has a well-established public transport network connecting the Macau Peninsula, Cotai, Taipa Island and Coloane Island. Buses and taxis are the major modes of public transport in Macau. Currently two companies, namely Transmac and Transportas Companhia de Macau, operate franchised public bus services in Macau. The trishaw, a hybrid of the tricycle and the rickshaw, is also available, though it is mainly for sightseeing purposes.

The Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal provides cross-border transportation services for passengers travelling between Macau and Hong Kong, while the Yuet Tung Terminal in the Inner Harbour serves those travelling between Macau and cities in mainland China, including Shekou and Shenzhen.

Macau has one active international airport, known as Macau International Airport located at the eastern end of Taipa and neighbouring waters. Since currently there are no regular direct passenger-flights between mainland China and Taiwan, the airport serves as a transient avenue for the passengers travelling between the two regions. It is the primary hub for Viva Macau and Air Macau. In 2006, the airport handled about 5 million passengers. 

By Air:
Tourists can use the Macau International Airport for traveling to several destinations in the region on direct flights or catch connecting flights to different ports of Asia, Europe or America. The airport is located on Taipa Island and is 15 minutes away from the Macau Ferry Terminal. For detailed information on flight schedules, please dial (853) 861111 or visit http://www.macau-airport.gov.mo. For detailed information on immigration and customs formalities, you can visit the Immigration Services website at http:// www.fsm.gov.mo

East Asia Airlines and Helicopters
Hong Kong Limited co-operates aircraft between Macau’s helipads and Hong Kong’s Ferry terminals. Each flight takes approximately 16 minutes.

Helicopter service between Macau Ferry Termianal and Shenzhen Baoan International airport, PRC is also available, each journey takes about 20 minutes. Enquiry Hotline: Macau (853) 727-288; Kong Kong (852) 21089898, Shenzhen: (86) 755-2777-8333 or visit the website: www.helihongkong.com.

By Sea:

To and from Hong Kong
Tourists can find quite a number of jetfoils and Catamarans available, run by TurboJET or First Ferry, which differ in speed, comfort and price.

The fastest are the vessels of the TurboJET. Trips are made between the Hong Kong Ferry Terminal (located in the Shun Tak Center at Sheung Wan) and the Macau Ferry Terminal (located in the Outer Harbor).

Catamarans from the First Ferry offer roundtrip sailings to and from Macau and Kowloon, arriving at the China (HK) Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. The journey takes about 70 minutes.

The “TurboJET Sea Express” allows passengers to transit into or out of Macau and Shenzhen via Kong Kong International Airport without the obligation to go through HK Customs and Inmmigration formalities and also without the hassle of carrying the luggage to the ferry terminal. The trip to Macau Route is approximately 45 minutes.

To and from Shenzhen
The Yuet Tung Shipping Co. offers a ferry service between Macau and Shenzhen. Reservations can be made three days in advance and the trip takes about one hour and twenty minutes.
TurboJET’s service also extends to carrying passengers to and from Macau and Shenzhen Fu Yong Ferry Terminal. The journey is just over 1 hour.

By Land:
There are two gateways available, the Barrier Gate and the COTAI Frontier Post. The Barrier Gate operates from 7:00 AM to midnight. The COTAI Frontier Post at the Taipa-Coloane Reclaimed Ara operates from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

To and from Guangzhou
The Kee Kwan Motor Road Co. (Tel: 853-933888) offers an air-conditioned bus service between Macau and Guangzhou during 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., approximately every hour, journey takes about two and a half hours.

Buses
Visitors can find an efficient bus service, in the city and also in the islands. For journeys on Macau peninsula there is a flat fare at MOP $ 2.50, to Taipa: MOP $ 3.30, Coloane village: MOP $ 4.00, Hac Sa Beach: MOP $ 5.00, to the Macau International Airport: MOP $ 3.30 (AP1).

Taxis
There are plenty of taxis, the flag all charge is MOP $ 10.00 for the first 1,500 meters, and MOP $ 1 for every subsequent 200 meters. Each piece of luggage carried in the trunk costs MOP $ 3.00, a MOP $ 2.00 surcharge applies for journeys from Taipa to Coloane and MOP $ 5.00 from Macau to Coloane. A surcharge of MOP $ 5.00 is applied for journeys from the Airport.

Pedicabs
For a taste of Asia, look no further than the Pedicab, a unique and romantic way of exploring Macau. These cycle-rickshaws can be found outside of the Macau Ferry Terminal, city center and opposite the main entrance of the Hotel Lisboa. There are some fixed itineraries which costs between MOP $40-$100. Rental per hour is approximately MOP $ 150.