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World Travel Guide > Guides > Asia > China > Macau > Macau city

Local time Macau city

Currency

MOP$

Travel to Macau city

Flying to Macau city

There are no direct flights to Macau from the UK. Indirect options include flying with Air China via Beijing or Thai Airways via Bangkok. Alternatively, you can fly to Hong Kong International Airport, from where TurboJET runs a direct fast ferry to Macau (journey time - 50 minutes). There are no direct flights from the USA.

Flight times

From London - 16 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); New York - 19 hours (including stopover); Los Angeles - 17 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); Toronto - 20 hours (including stopover); Sydney - 14 hours (including stopover).

Travel by road

Given the strict licensing restrictions on foreigners and the large queues to access Macau by road, driving is not recommended. The vast majority of visitors arrive by ferry from Hong Kong, by air or by coach travel from mainland China.

Traffic drives on the left and the minimum driving age is 18. Speed limits are 20-60kph (12-37mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) outside built-up areas. An International Driving Permit is recommended if you do need to hire a car.

Emergency breakdown services

There are no dedicated breakdown services, but if you are hiring a car in Macau, both Avis and Magic Mokes can provide full breakdown cover.

Routes

Road access is via two entry points: the Barrier Gate (open between 0600-0100) and the Cotai Frontier Post (open 24 hours).

Coaches

Coach travel, rather than car, to and from China is advised: Kee Kwan Motor Road Co (tel: +853 2893 3888) and China Travel Service (tel: +853 8798 0868) operate frequent daily, air-conditioned buses between Macau and Guangzhou.

Time to city

From Guangzhou - 2 hours 30 minutes.

Travel by boat

Macau-bound routes from Hong Kong depart from two terminals. Departures from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Shun Tak Centre located on Hong Kong Island operate 24 hours a day, every 15-30 minutes by day and hourly at night. Ferries run every 30 minutes by day between 0700 and 2230 from the China (HK) Ferry Terminal located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Travellers can also travel by ferry from Hong Kong International Airport.

In addition, several ferry companies run to Macau from mainland ports in China, including Jiangmen, Shekou (in Shenzhen) and Fu Yong Ferry Terminal (next to Shenzhen Airport).

Ferry operators

TurboJet (tel: +853 2855 5025; www.turbojet.com.hk) and CotaiJet (tel: +853 2885 0595; www.cotaijet.com.mo) operate high-speed ferries from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. If you are travelling from Hong Kong International Airport, jump on board the TurboJet ferry at the airport's SkyPier terminal which is reached via an internal train.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Hotel Royal Macau

This newly renovated Macau hotel may be a little removed from the action, but it's all the more attractive for that reason. It's just up the hill from the wonderful Clube Militar de Macau restaurant and offers some good-value packages. It sits at the foot of Colina da Guia, Macau's landmark hill and the site of the historic Guia fort and lighthouse.

Ole London Hotel

This very pink, six-storey block with 60 rooms near the Inner Harbour boasts smart and spotless (if small) rooms. All rooms have private bathroom with hair dryer, TVs and a mini bar. Breakfast is included. Given its location and rates, the Ole London Hotel offers one of the best deals in town.

Parisian Macao

Open on the Cotai Strip since mid-2016 (and echoing its Gallic namesake in Las Vegas), the Parisian Macao features a half-size replica Eiffel Tower, complete with observation decks and nightly light shows. The hotel itself has a mind-boggling 3,000 rooms and suites, all furnished to a high standard, and there are numerous dining, shopping and entertainment options.

Grand Coloane Resort

Formerly the Westin Resort Macau, this five-star getaway overlooks gardens and a sandy beach on Coloane Island. It's long been favoured by visitors seeking a bit of peace and quiet in upscale surrounds. Each room has a sea or beach view, and there's an excellent spa and an adjoining golf course.

San Va Hotel

This cheap traditional-style guesthouse has a decent location in downtown Macau on the historic Rua da Felicidade (Happiness Street). The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable, and some of the doubles and twins have en-suite shower and bathroom. It was established in 1873, and claims to be the oldest existing guesthouse in Macau.

Pousada de São Tiago

Built into what was once a 17th-century fort that defended Macau against hostile invaders, this traditional Portuguese pousada is a romantic place to stay. It commands a splendid view of the Inner Harbour, and the interior décor, with its flagstones, wooden rafters and blue tiles, is a delight.

Introducing Macau city

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