Macau day visit, best route

Question

My plan is to go to Macau one way by TurboJet and the other way by bus over the Zhuhai–Macau Bridge. Morning by bus and evening by Jetboat. Depending on time of last crossing. I will be travelling from Yaumatei Kowloon. I'm aware of where to catch the TurboJet departing from on HK Island. My question is where to catch the bus from Kowloon, the bus which is nearly express. I want to visit the area where the casinos are as well as the old part of Macau. I've read that the 2 jet boats arrive/depart in different locations. Is it easy to get from one ferry terminal to the other. Mature aged female travelling on my own. Thanks in advance. Maree

Answer

For a day trip from Kowloon to Macau, you have two main options for traveling: by TurboJet ferry or by bus via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB). Since you plan to use both methods, here’s a detailed guide.

TurboJet Ferry: You are correct that the TurboJet operates from Hong Kong Island. From Kowloon, you would typically need to get to either the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan or the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. The Sheung Wan terminal is the main departure point for the high-speed TurboJet ferries to Macau.

Bus via Zhuhai–Macau Bridge: From Kowloon, you can catch the “Golden Bus” (also called the HZMB shuttle bus or “Cross-Border Bus”) which runs almost like an express service. The main departure point for buses from Kowloon is:

Kowloon: Lok Ma Chau / Hong Kong Port (some buses depart from areas like Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok, but the main HZMB shuttle buses are available from the bus terminals near Kowloon Bay or Hung Hom, depending on the operator).
Look for buses labeled “HZMB Shuttle Bus” or “Macau via Bridge” which take you to the Macau port on the Macau side of the bridge.

These buses are relatively fast and convenient, taking around 45–60 minutes from Hong Kong border to Macau once you clear Hong Kong immigration, plus the Macau immigration procedure.

Once in Macau, you have two main areas to explore:

Casino Area (Cotai Strip / Macau Peninsula): The large resorts and casinos such as The Venetian, City of Dreams, and Galaxy are located here.
Historic Old Town: Includes Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul’s, A-Ma Temple, and narrow streets with Portuguese colonial architecture.

Regarding ferry terminals, you are correct that the TurboJet ferries arrive at different terminals depending on the service:

Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal: closer to the Macau Peninsula and old town.
Taipa Ferry Terminal: closer to the Cotai Strip casino area.

It is relatively easy to transfer between these two terminals using local buses or taxis. The taxi ride between Outer Harbour Terminal and Taipa/Cotai takes about 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Public buses also connect these areas if you prefer a cheaper option, though it may take slightly longer.

Since you are a mature female traveler on your own, both the TurboJet and the HZMB bus are safe, comfortable, and reliable options. Make sure to allow extra time for border/immigration procedures, and plan your return journey so you have ample time before your evening departure. If taking the bus in the morning and returning by ferry, check the latest TurboJet schedules to ensure availability.

Additional tips:

Start early in the morning if you want to cover both the casino area and historic town in a single day.
Consider using taxis within Macau for convenience, especially if traveling alone.
Carry your passport, as it is required for both border crossings.
Check the latest travel and border requirements, as these can change depending on government regulations.

Macau day visit, best route

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