Going from Hong Kong to Macau (and back!) has always been so easy since the 2 countries are so close to each other. The last time I was in Hong Kong and Macau was in 2016. At that time, the most common way to cross between the 2 countries was the ferry, and if you’re rich, there was also the helicopter! Recently, in January 2023, a new option has been added: the shuttle bus! It’s also nicknamed as the “Golden Bus” and it passes through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The bridge connects the 3 countries and making it easily accessible.
I just came back from Macau with my family and we tried the shuttle bus option. There are 2 reasons why we took this route: no seasickness and it is cheapest option (one way ticket is HKD 65 / EUR 8)! We only did research the morning before we left and it was so easy to navigate and figure out as we go. This was a fully DIY experience but you can also book other bus service providers.
Before you go on… an important detail to know is that you need to get on and off from 2-3 different buses. The first is going to the Hong Kong boundary crossing, second is the main shuttle bus that goes to Macau, and third is the bus in Macau to your final destination (unless you take a taxi). The bus drivers don’t speak English and you have to really read and follow the signages.
Here’s the step-by-step guide:
1. Go to Hong Kong Boundary Crossing
Take a bus from the city center to the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing. There aren’t a lot of buses that goes to the HZM Bridge, so do your research beforehand.
We were staying at Causeway Bay and took the A11 bus, the same one that goes to the airport. The journey typically takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
2. Pass Through Hong Kong Immigration
Once you arrive at the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing, you are welcomed by a huge hall where you need to go through Hong Kong immigration. It is easy to follow the signs as there are English translations. They did not ask any questions, just present the little slip of paper that you received when first entering Hong Kong airport.
3. Buy bus tickets
After clearing immigration, it’s time to buy your bus tickets! If paying with cash, go to the counters with personnel. If paying with credit card. There are English instructions and you can pay with the Octopus card for convenience. The one-way ticket costs around HKD 65 (around EUR 8) for daytime travel.
4. Board the Shuttle Bus
Once you have your tickets, go out the building and follow the signs that says “Macao”. You can take a seat anywhere on the bus! My recommendation is to take the window seat for the scenic view of the HZM Bridge. The travel time is around 40-60 mins, depending on traffic.
I sat by the window but fell asleep! I had just arrived from Germany and was still heavily jet lagged.
5. Arrival in Macau and immigration check
Upon exiting the bus, proceed to Macau border gates to clear customs and immigration procedures.
The bus terminal in Macau is different from the ferry terminal. Most of the free shuttle buses that are offered by hotels are only from the ferry terminal. So, from the bus terminal, you can take public buses and taxis to go to your hotel or to the city center.
We took the bus 101X to our hotel at the Holiday Inn, Macau Peninsula. It was tricky navigating the bus system and walking to our hotel because I didn’t know that Google Maps does not work in Macau. If it’s your first time, I’d recommend you to take the taxi. It’s easier and it really does not cost a lot.
Once you get to your hotel, then you will figure out the closes hotels to you and take advantage of the free shuttles!
Remember to check the schedule for return trips if you’re planning a round-trip journey. You can also try to go back to Hong Kong via ferry for a different experience. Enjoy your time in Macau!