The distance between Hong Kong and Macau can only be covered via ferry. However, if you're planning to spend your Macau days in the casinos and find out whether it stays true to its moniker - 'Vegas of Asia', you should consider taking the Cotai Ferry. The Cotai Ferry docks at the Taipa harbour which is closer to the Cotai Strip which houses and casinos and glitz of Macau, including the Venetian Macau, City of Dreams Macau, and the Galaxy Macau.
CotaiJet Ferry - Know Your Ferry
Launched in November 2007, CotaiJet Ferry is a premium high-speed ferry service between Hong Kong and Macau. It has 14 custom-built catamarans, painted an "exciting blue" with a capacity to carry more than 400 passengers each and operate at top speeds of approximately 42 knots. You can choose between three classes of service - VIP Class, First Class and and Cotai Class and choose from direct sailings between ports in Macau, Taipa, Hong Kong, Kowloon and Hong Kong International Airport. The prices are economical and the ride is smooth, so sit back and enjoy your journey to Macau even before stepping foot on the glamourous island!
Cotai Ferry - Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I hop onboard a CotaiJet Ferry?
Depending on where you decide to board the ferry, you can choose from the Hong Kong Harbour or Kowloon Harbour. The Cotai ferry drops you off at the Macau Taipa harbour. Below are the address for all the boarding points.
Hong Kong: Shop 305D, Shun Tak Centre, 200 Connaught Road
Kowloon: Shop 7, 1/F China Ferry Terminal, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Macau: Counter 1-12, Level 2, Cotai Water Jet Ticketing Counter, Taipa Ferry Terminal
On arrival at the Taipa Ferry terminal in Macau, you can hop on a complimentary shuttle buse to take you to the casinos along the Cotai Strip. You do not need to be a guest to use these shuttle buses.
How long does a Cotai Ferry take from Hong Kong to Macau?
The CotaiJet Ferry has a fleet of high-speed catamarans, hence the journey from Hong Kong to Macau takes about 55-60 minutes. However, it is advisable to arrive at your ferry terminal at least 45 mins prior to departure to clear customs and passport control. There is a full border between Hong Kong and Macau. Note, you do not need a seperate visa for Macau.
When does the last Cotai Ferry leave Hong Kong?
The last ferry leaves Hong Kong at 23:00 and leave Macau at 00:30.
Is the Cotai Ferry ride smooth or choppy?
The journey between Macau and Hong Kong is essentially inter-island and the sea is generally calm. However, there are times when inclement weather will affect sailings, such as during a black rain warning or a typhoon. During such times, warnings will be posted and the ferry may not operate for your safety.
Is it compulsory to book tickets in advance?
No. It's not compulsory to book tickets in advance, but the crowds can get quite thick on weekends - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You may need to settle for a later ferry if the one you intended to go for gets full. Hence, it's best to have your tickets ready in advance.
Do I need a visa for Macau?
No, most people don’t need a visa for Macau. US, Canadian, EU, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders will be given at least 30 days visa free stay in Macau upon arrival at the ferry terminal.
Cotai Ferry Tickets & Routes
Below are the most frequented Cotai Ferry routes. If you're planning to travel via any of these routes, grab your Cotai Ferry ticket online and save a few bucks. Taxes and all inclusive, buying online is a cheaper bet! Also, skip the hassle of standing in queues.
Hong Kong and Macau (Taipa) - Cotai
One Way Tickets From Hong Kong & Macau (Taipa)
Enjoy seamless transfers from Hong Kong to Taipa, Macau. Board a comfortable boat, sit back and relax while you take in the sights on these fast, convenient transfers.
Good To Know
- Travel Time : 45 Minutes
- Ferry Timings & Frequency : These transfers are available at a half-hourly basis from 7:00 AM-11:30 PM at Hong Kong and 7:00 AM-1:00 AM at Macau.
- Luggage : One carry on baggage that must not exceed 20 Kg. Additional 25 HKD for a second bag.
Round Trip Tickets Teun Mun & Macau Outer Harbour / Taipa
Enjoy seamless roundtrip transfers to/from Hong Kong or Taipa, Macau. Board a comfortable boat, sit back and relax while you take in the sights on these fast, convenient transfers.
Good To Know
- Travel Time : 40-55 Minutes depending on stop chosen
- Ferry Timings & Frequency : Ferries depart every 15 minutes from 7:40 AM to 9:50 PM daily
- Luggage : One carry on baggage that must not exceed 20 Kg. Additional 25 HKD for a second bag.
- Prices differ if you book for a weekend instead of a weekday. Eg: If you book for a weekday, return trips cannot be scheduled on weekends or holidays.
Kowloon and Macau - Cotai
One Way Tickets From Kowloon and Macau (Taipa)
Enjoy seamless transfers from Kowloon to Taipa, Macau. Board a comfortable boat, sit back and relax while you take in the sights on these fast, convenient transfers.
Good To Know
- Travel Time : 45 Minutes
- Ferry Timings & Frequency : Transfers from Kowloon to Macau (Taipa) are available during the day at 08:15 AM, 9:15 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:15 AM and 12:15 PM. Transfers from Macau (Taipa) to Kowloon are available at 10:45 AM, 4:45 PM, 5:45 PM and 6:45 PM.
- Luggage : One carry on baggage that must not exceed 20 Kg. Additional 25 HKD for a second bag.
Round Trip Tickets Kowloon to Macau (Taipa)
Enjoy seamless roundtrip transfers to/from Kowloon or Taipa, Macau. Board a comfortable boat, sit back and relax while you take in the sights on these fast, convenient transfers.
Good To Know
- Travel Time : 40-55 Minutes depending on stop chosen
- Ferry Timings & Frequency : Ferries from Kowloon to Macau depart at 8:15 AM, 9:15 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:15 AM and 12:15. PM. While ferries from Macau to Kowloon depart at 10:45 AM, 4:45 PM, 5:45 PM and 6:45 PM.
- Luggage : One carry on baggage that must not exceed 20 Kg. Additional 25 HKD for a second bag.
- Prices differ if you book for a weekend instead of a weekday. Eg: If you book for a weekday, return trips cannot be scheduled on weekends or holidays.
Cotai Ferry Schedule
Below are the Cotai Ferry schedules for your reference. They are frequent and you'll find one every 30 minutes or so, depending on the route. Note, schedule is subject to change and additional sailings may be added at peak hours.
Hong Kong (Sheung Wan) to Macau (Taipa)
Macau (Taipa) to Hong Kong (Sheung Wan)
Hong Kong (Kowloon) to Macau (Taipa)
Macau (Taipa) to Hong Kong (Kowloon)
Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal - Where The Cotai Ferry Docks
Macau has 2 harbours - Macau Outer Harbour & Taipa Harbour, and the Cotai Ferry docks at the latter. This one is closer to the casinos and venetian parts of Macau. Here's a quick map to show you the distance between the Taipa Harbour and Macau Outer Harbour.
Handy Tips For Your Cotai Ferry To Macau
- Children aged 1 year and above needs to pay full price for a ticket. However, Macau citizens, seniors (60 or above) and children (below 12) may enjoy HKD/MOP 20 off per ticket (not applicable to VIP Cabin).
- If you're planning to buy tickets at the counter, its advisable to keep some Macau Patacas (MOP) handy while purchasing from the Macau counter and some Hong Kong dollars (HKD) in hand while purchasing from the Hong Kong counter.
- Holiday fares are applicable to Hong Kong and Macao public holidays, hence don't be surprised if you see a hike in prices in between the week. It's probably a holiday in the city.
- If you wish to upgrade to first class, you can pay $120 per ticket. Note, this is possible only if a seat is available.
- Queue up early and get a seat on the upper deck. Your 1 hour of travel will be all the more worth it with the pristine views.
- If you get sea-sick, the middle seats are a good option as they help combat the nauseating motion.
- You're allowed to bring food onboard. You can also purchase snacks and beverages onboard.
