How to get to Macau from Hong Kong
Macao, officially known as the Macao Special Administrative Region, is located next to the province of Guangzhou, 70 km southwest of Hong Kong. It is very convenient to travel from Hong Kong to Macau by boat, helicopter or car, with the boat being the most economical and recommended option.
Turbo Jet (highly recommended)
The Turbo Jet (speed boat) is the main means of transportation between these two special administrative regions. Traveling by speedboat from Hong Kong to Macau is a great option and is the preferred method for most people. There are four main terminals: Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal at Shun Tak Centre, Sheung Wan; SkyPier Terminal at Hong Kong Airport; and Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. The most popular terminal is the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal at Shun Tak Center and Sheung Wan due to its location above the Sheung Wan MTR station, which is the terminus for many public buses and minibuses, making it very convenient for tourists. In addition, there is a public bus that leaves for the airport. The Turbo Jet leaves Hong Kong every 15 minutes, and every 5 minutes during rush hour to handle the increased tourist flow. The boat trip takes approximately 55 minutes. Even without a permit from Macau, you can visit by filling out a form on the ship and return to Hong Kong within seven days with a valid permit.
Helicopter
Another option to get to Macau is by helicopter, although it is much more expensive. Every morning, Macau Ferry Terminal and Hong Kong Shun Tak Center offer regular helicopter services. Asia Pacific Airlines helicopter services must be booked in advance. The helicopter departs every 30 minutes and the fare is HK$4,300 per trip, taking only 15 minutes to reach Macau. This is an ideal option for those who want to save time and avoid lines to buy tickets or go through passport verification.
Car
Traveling by car is not the preferred option due to its complexity. First, it is necessary to return to Shenzhen from Hong Kong and then pass through Humen, Nansha, Zhongshan and Zhuhai before entering Macao via Gongbei. However, with the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the travel time between Zhuhai, Hong Kong and Macao is reduced to 30 minutes.
Travel Tips for Macau
The best time to visit Macau is from October to December, when the weather is favorable and there is no rain or typhoons. Among the most notable attractions are the architectures with characteristics of southern Europe, the Ruins of Saint Paul, one of the most famous monuments in Macau; the Farol da Guia, the oldest lighthouse on the southern coast; Monte Forte, which still preserves almost a hundred old batteries; and three ancient temples: A-Ma Temple, Lianfeng Temple and Kun Iam Tong. It is certainly worth taking a trip to Macau after visiting Hong Kong to enjoy its splendid landscapes and rich culture.
