Hong Kong to Macau by Ferry - Your Complete Guide for Smooth Sailing

Hong Kong is one of the most popular cities amongst the tourists in China and is only sixty kilometres away from Macau - Asia’s Las Vegas! If you are looking for a novel experience and that too on a budget, taking a ferry from Hong Kong to Macau is the best option. A boat ride on this route is trusted by travellers as it is a conventional and convenient option that has been in operation for decades.

To make it simpler for you, we have prepared a step by step guide with every detail that you need to know about your ferry ride from Hong Kong to Macau. Take note!

Ferry Operators

There are mainly two ferry operators running between Hong Kong and Macau

Turbo Jet (Red ferry that operates more to Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal)
Cotai Water Jet (Blue ferry that operates more to Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal)

In reality, there is not too much of a difference between TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet except the different colours of the vessels. Both run between different terminals of Hong Kong and Macau. However, their frequency and timing differ according to their travel route and service schedule. So, the main points to consider while opting a ferry would be your starting point and endpoint of the journey (Hong Kong and Macau Terminals), ferry route, service schedule, personal convenience with respect to timings, sailing time and price.

Terminals and Their Routes

Turbo Jet and Cotai Water Jet offer services between five terminals - three in Hong Kong and two in Macau.

Hong Kong terminals are -

Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal
Location - Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island. (Near Exit D of MRT Sheung Wan station)
Turbo Jet and Cotai Water Jet operate 24 hours in this terminal. However, Turbo Jet has a higher frequency as it sends a ferry every 15 minutes whereas Cotai Water Jet sends a ferry at an interval of every 30 minutes.

China Ferry Terminal
Location - Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
From the China Ferry Terminal, Turbo Jet sends 14 ferries daily at the gap of every one hour whereas Cotai Water Jet sends approximately seven sails daily.

SkyPier Terminal
Location - Hong Kong International Airport

Out of the above-mentioned terminals, Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal at the island and China Ferry Terminal are more convenient options owing to their location, easy accessibility and higher frequency of sails. However, if possible, always take Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal. SkyPier Terminal has around five sails daily. Since it is located in the Hong Kong International Airport’s restricted area, only transit passengers can use this terminal. If still, you can’t make it to the ferry ride through this terminal, consider going through the latest mode of commuting which is the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge shuttle bus service.

Macau terminals are -

Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal
Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal
Embarking and disembarking at terminals
If you embark your journey from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal or China Ferry Terminal, you will disembark at Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. This route is more frequented by TurboJet ferry operators.

If you embark your journey from SkyPier Terminal, you will disembark at Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal. This route is more frequented by Cotai Water Jet ferry operators.

How to Choose a Disembarking Terminal in Macau?

If you are planning to go in sightseeing in Macau, exploring historic places, cultural attractions, relish the food at amazing restaurants, choose to alight at Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. This ferry terminal is located near Macau’s City Centre and is appropriately accessible to all major landmarks of Macau. Around Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, you will also find some nice hotels to stay.

If glitz, glamour and gambling are on your mind, choose to alight at Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal where you will be surrounded by beaches, starry hotels, world-famous casinos like Venetian Macau and the ones at the City of Dreams.

Ferry Schedule - Duration and Timings

From Hong Kong Terminals to Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal

From the frequency and timings, it is evident that Turbo Jet is more suitable to reach Macau Outer Harbour Terminal as Cotai Water Jet hardly operates on this route.

Note - The timings and duration are subject to change and variability. It is advised to check the same in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

From Hong Kong Terminals to Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal

Embarking Terminal	Disembarking Terminal	Turbo Jet	Cotai Water Jet	Sailing Time
Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal	Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal	8:40 AM, 11:40 AM, 3:50 PM, 4:50 PM, 5:50 PM every day.	7:00 AM to 11:30 PM (every 30 minutes), 9:45 AM ever day.	55 minutes
China Ferry Terminal	Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal	Not applicable	8:15 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM every day.	60 minutes
Hong Kong International Airport - SkyPier	Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal	Not applicable	12:15 PM, 2:15 PM, 4:15 PM, 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM every day.	70 minutes

Exactly the reverse of Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal is dominated by Cotai Water Jet with respect to timings and Frequency. Hence, It is a more viable option for this route.

Note - The timings and duration are subject to change and variability. It is advised to check the same in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Hong Kong Macau Ferry Cost

Ferry prices from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal and China Ferry Terminal to Macau by service providers on different days of the week for different classes are given below -

Economy Class
Both Turbo Jet and Cotai Water Jet have the same rates for economy class.

Weekdays - HKD 171
Weekends - HKD 186
Nights - HKD 211

Super Class or First Class
Turbo Jet rates-

Weekdays - HKD 346
Weekends - HKD 371
Nights - HKD 391

Cotai Jet rates -

Weekdays - HKD 293
Weekends - HKD 310
Nights - HKD 338

VIP Class
Turbo Jet rates -

Weekdays - HKD 2304
Weekends - HKD 2304
Nights - HKD 3054

Cotai Jet rates -

Weekdays - HKD 2344
Weekends - HKD 2480
Nights - HKD 2704

Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
VIP cabin for Turbo Jet has 4 seats and Cotai Water Jet has 8 seats.
Night tour timings - 5:00 PM to 6:30 AM.
Senior citizens (age - 65 or above) and children (age - 12 months to 12 years) can avail an attractive discount of HKD 20 per ride for the economy class.
The price of the ticket includes a departure tax.

How to Book?

Those who wish to traverse from Hong Kong to Macau through a ferry can purchase the tickets from the very terminal they have chosen to start the journey from. Alternatively, you can either book the tickets online or through a tour operator. It is recommended to book your slot in advance as it might take you longer than expected at the terminal due to the excessive footfall or any last-minute changes.

Luggage Restrictions

Every passenger is allowed one piece of self carried hand luggage (600 mm x 200 mm x 350 mm) within 20 kilograms for free. The standard size of check-in luggage is 760 mm x 560 mm x 280 mm. Three pieces of standard size luggage are allowed per passenger.

Check-in Luggage Tariff

Tariffs may be different on different terminals for different classes. Clarify the rates with concerned authorities before departing. Below is a general tariff list for check-in luggage

20 kilograms or below - HKD 30 per piece
Over 20 kilograms to 30 kilograms - HKD 45 per piece
Over 30 kilograms to 40 kilograms - HKD 55 per piece
Over 40 kilograms (needs pre-arrangement) - HKD 70 per piece
Golf Bag - HKD 35 per set
Bicycle (must be packed in a case with front-wheel removed) - HKD 65

Tips

For information regarding luggage check-ins and counters, get in touch with the officials at the terminals for better guidance.
Luggage check-in service is available only 20 to 45 minutes before the departure time.
For travellers with baggage that exceeds the size specification will be termed as oversize luggage and can be denied to be taken on the ferry. (For hand baggage - 600 mm x 200 mm x 350 mm and for check-in baggage - 760 mm x 560 mm x 280 mm). It is advised to keep this specification in mind to avoid last-minute hassle on the terminal and while clearing immigration.
Make sure to pick your luggage within 60 minutes the ferry reaches the destination or else it will be declared as unclaimed luggage.
Check-in luggage will be transported on the same vessel as the passenger. However, late check-in will ensure that the luggage comes in the very next ferry in which the passenger is travelling.
Porter services are also available at an additional charge.
Be well versed with what not to carry on the ferry like arms, ammunition, explosives, sharp weapons, razors, scissors and spears.
People with seasickness should carry the necessary medicines with them and avoid eating much before departure.
Child above 12 months of age is required to hold a valid ticket.
Holiday fares are applicable during Hong Kong and Macau public holidays. Keep track!
Immigration clearance is done both on embarking and disembarking terminals. Make sure to keep your tickets, passport and other ID proofs handy to avoid any inconvenience.
Packing and banding services are available at Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. Additional charges apply.

Now that boarding a ferry from Hong Kong to Macau does not look so daunting, book your tickets and get sailing. Bon, voyage!