Travelling from Honk Kong hotel to Macau

Question

We are planning to travel from India to HK and Macau in the end of March.

What is a better option?

Take a bus from HK Airport to Macau for 2 days

Travel to Macau by bus after 3 days stay in HK?

If we choose the first option we have a problem with our Pre registration form where we show hotel bookings in HK after two days of our arrival, this may cause a problem with the authorities in India and at the immigration in HK. If someone can please guide if this doesn't cause a problem.

We have not been able to figure out the connection from HK hotel to Macau. We have not yet finalized the hotel but we may choose something in Kowloon.

Thanking in anticipation.

Answer

Traveling from Hong Kong to Macau is straightforward, but planning your itinerary in relation to hotel bookings and Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) is important. Here’s a detailed overview:

Option 1: Travel to Macau immediately from HK Airport

If you travel to Macau right after arrival, your PAR form showing hotel bookings in Hong Kong for later days may not strictly match your travel sequence. Immigration in Hong Kong typically focuses on entry requirements, passport validity, and visa/registration compliance, not your hotel itinerary. However, inconsistencies could raise questions at the border, particularly if the authorities notice a gap between arrival and hotel check-in.
Transportation from HK Airport to Macau can be done via:

Direct shuttle bus or coach services from the airport to Macau (approx. 1 hour to border + 1 hour for customs + 1–1.5 hours in Macau depending on traffic).
Airport Express + ferry via Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (located in Sheung Wan or Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon). This is slightly longer but convenient if staying near Kowloon.

Option 2: Stay in Hong Kong for 3 days before traveling to Macau

This option aligns exactly with your hotel bookings and the PAR form. It minimizes any potential discrepancies with immigration authorities, and avoids questions about your travel plans.
Transportation from Hong Kong to Macau from Kowloon is easy:

Take the MTR to Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (Sheung Wan) or China Ferry Terminal (Tsim Sha Tsui), then the TurboJET or Cotai Water Jet ferry to Macau (around 55 minutes).
Alternatively, cross the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge by shuttle bus, which takes about 45–60 minutes from the bus terminal in Hong Kong.

Additional advice:

If your PAR form lists hotel stays in Hong Kong, it is safer to follow that sequence. Immigration officials generally prefer consistency between your stated plans and your actual travel.
Ferry terminals and the bus via Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge are well connected to Kowloon hotels. Planning a 3-day stay in Hong Kong before heading to Macau is more convenient and reduces potential issues.
Bring confirmation of hotel bookings, PAR approval, and onward travel plans to show at immigration if needed.

In summary, staying in Hong Kong for 2–3 days before traveling to Macau better aligns with your PAR and hotel bookings, reducing any risk of questions at immigration. Travel from Kowloon hotels to Macau is simple via ferry or the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge shuttle bus.