There are regular ferries between Hong Kong and Macau; in fact, it is really the only way to travel between the two islands. But if you’re heading to the Macau casinos, you might consider using the Cotaijet ferry from Hong Kong to Taipa instead of the usual route to the Macau Ferry Terminal.
Cotaijet serves the Taipa Ferry Terminal, the only ferry service to do so today, located right outside the main casinos on the Cotai Strip, including Venetian Macau, Macau’s Dream City and the Galaxy Macau.
Where to catch the ferry
Ferries depart from the Taipa Ferry Terminal, the Macao Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan / Central on Hong Kong Island, or, less frequently, to the Kowloon-China Ferry Terminal.
Upon arrival at the Taipa Ferry Terminal in Macau, you will find courtesy buses to take you to the casinos along the Cotai Strip. You do not need to be a guest to use the shuttle buses.
When the ferries run
There are ferries approximately every hour between 07:00 and midnight. If you want to return later, you will need to use the more common route from the Macau ferry terminal.
How long does the ferry take?
Cotaijet only operates high-speed catamarans, so the trip between Hong Kong and Macau takes between 60 and 70 minutes. It is advisable to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 45 minutes before departure to pass customs and passport control. There is a complete border between Hong Kong and Macau.
Costs
Ticket prices depend on when you sail, with nights out and weekends drawing a premium. Ticket prices range from $ 165 to $ 201 for standard fares. First-class seats are available, but the difference in quality is negligible. It’s worth noting that Hong Kong tickets are slightly more expensive than Macau tickets.
In an outrageously cruel gesture, all children older than one must buy a ticket. There is a 15% discount for those under 12 or over 60.
The price of your ticket includes 20 kg of luggage. This can be taken on board. You will need to check any additional luggage and pay a small fee.
Buying tickets
You can buy tickets in Macau at the Venetian and Sands casinos, as well as the ferry terminal. In Hong Kong you can buy tickets at the Hong Kong-Macao ferry terminal (where the ferry departs from) or at the Cotaijet counter at the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. You can also book on the Cotaijet website.
Common Cotaijet FAQs
- Is the navigation smooth? The journey between Macau and Hong Kong is essentially inter-island and the sea is generally calm. There are times when inclement weather will affect departures, such as during a black rain warning or in the event of a typhoon signal rising. Warnings will be posted on television, radio, at your hotel, inside casinos, and on the ferry website. It is a rare occasion.
- Do I need to book in advance? In general, no, there is a lot of capacity. The exception is when sailing from Hong Kong on Friday nights or Saturday mornings or when attempting to sail from Macau on Friday, Saturday or Sunday night departures.
- Anything else I need to know? The ferries have basic facilities, including a small cafeteria and televisions that will send you incredibly annoying announcements for the entire 60-minute journey. Furthermore, according to Cotaijet, its ferries are not only painted blue but also an ‘exciting’ blue. It is surely worth keeping in mind.
Do you need a visa for Macau?
No, most people do not need a visa for Macau. Visas for US, Canadian, EU, Australian and New Zealand passport holders will receive at least 30 days of visa-free stay in Macau upon arrival at the ferry terminal. You can find more information in our article Do I need a visa for Macau?
