The one-hour ferry ride is what separates Macau and Hong Kong, and although there are other ways, the ferry is the easiest commute possible. To make the trip even better and save some cash, we’ve compiled 10 essential tips to make your Macau to Hong Kong ferry trip trouble-free and fun!
Two Companies
There are two main companies that carry passengers between Macau and Hong Kong. One is Turbojet that mainly departs from Macau Outer Harbour with a few ferries from Taipa. The other is Cotai Water Jet which only operates in Taipa (Cotai Ferry Terminal). At the Shun Tak center in Hong Kong (where the ferry departs from) there are two different counters to buy tickets from. One counter sells tickets to Macau (Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal) side only and the other sells for ferry rides to Cotai side only – remember to research where it is you need to go and line up at the correct one.
Save and sail
If you are planning to travel from Taipa island, it’s wiser to choose Cotai Water Jet. Buy your tickets the same day or a day before to get a significant discount. Booking through their website or app will cost you MOP $115 for Cotai Class (Economy class) or MOP $167 for Cotai First instead of the normal MOP $160 and MOP $282. Both ferry carriers offer other regular promotions that will save you money. Keep an eye on their websites and apps.
No need to print the ticket
If you bought your ticket online it is not like a plane – there is no need to print them or pick them up at the box office. However, make sure you have the QR code in your phone, so you can simply scan it at the counter and an attendant will print your paper ticket.
Take an earlier ferry without buying another ticket – standby
You can take an earlier ferry with the purchased ticket, but not the later one. Whether it’s a change of plans or you found yourself in the ferry terminal way too early before the scheduled departure, head to the gate and the attendants will let you board on an earlier ferry if there are seats available – queue up in the line at the entrance to the departure hall of the designated boat you want to take.
Travel directly to Hong Kong airport
Macau has its own international airport that is actually right next to the Taipa Ferry Terminal. However, it is rather small, especially compared to the one on Lantau island in Hong Kong. Luckily, there are ferries offered by both TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet that take passengers directly to the airport.
Let others take care of your luggage
If you are going to Hong Kong airport, check your luggage in, so you don’t have to carry it on a ferry. Just come to the counter with your suitcase and then pick it up on Hong Kong Skypier. Landing in Hong Kong airport? Then, there is no need to pick up your suitcases yourself, simply give the luggage tags to the cashier attendant on the ticket counter and they will take care of it. The pick-up belt is located after the immigration in Macau.
Don’t worry about Hong Kong immigration control on the airport route
Another cool fact that saves a lot of time and headaches is that there is no immigration control between your arrival gate in Hong Kong airport and a ferry to Macau. There is no need to cross the border or go through passport control. When you land, head directly to the ferry travel counter.
Choose your travel time wisely
The price for ferry tickets differs based on the time and day of the week. Ferry departures at night (between 6:00pm and 6:00am), on weekends and public holidays are more expensive. Also, there is no discount on these sailings. So if the time is not a crucial factor for you, save by choosing less busy hours.
Fill in the immigration card in advance
Take a couple of immigration forms when you arrive in Hong Kong so on your next trip you can fill it in on a ferry and avoid wasting time with the documents upon your arrival. Sometimes ferry attendants will hand them out, but this doesn’t happen each and every ride. Buying a First Class ticket will also increase your chances to be the first in line for passport control before it gets flooded by the rest of the travelers.
Board with Macau Pass and Octopus
TurboJet has recently launched a joint service with Macau Pass and Octopus card. One tap of your Macau pass or Macau pays if traveling from Macau, or one tap of Octopus when boarding in Hong Kong reserves you a seat in the next available ferry. No need to book a ticket at the box office!
Turbojet www.turbojet.com.hk/en
Cotai Water Jet www.cotaiwaterjet.com
