HKIA area to Macau

Question

Hi all, looking for sage advice.

Family of four, daughters are 9 and 11. Arriving HKIA at 9:30 PM so I booked one night at the airport Skycity Marriott, then going to Macau next day. 3 nights at the Venetian, then back to Kowloon for 3 nights, then 2 nights Disney, then last night at the Marriott again for early next day departure. We will have two 20 kg check-in bags and carry-ons.

Was think about using the HZMB bus to Macau from the terminal near the Marriott (bonded bus is not an option at this point), but I have been reading that it my not be the best option. My wife is worried that the buses do not have toilets and our 11 year old might not last.

What is the best location for us to catch a Macau ferry? Is it only the Sheung Wan location? If so, I believe the airport express MTR will take us to Hong Kong stn near the Macau ferry. It might be raining, so taxi from Hong Kong stn to the ferry?

Answer

Traveling from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to Macau with a family and luggage requires some planning, especially considering comfort for children and potential rain. Since you are staying at the SkyCity Marriott, you are conveniently close to transport options.

Option 1: HZMB Bus (Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge Shuttle Bus)

The HZMB shuttle bus runs 24/7 and departs from the bus terminal near HKIA (within a short distance from the Marriott). It travels across the bridge directly to Macau’s border checkpoint.
Buses generally do not have onboard toilets. For a family with children, especially during a ~45–60 minute ride plus immigration, this may be uncomfortable.
You will need to clear Macau immigration at the border, which can take extra time during peak periods.
The buses drop passengers at the Macau border; you then need to take a taxi or local shuttle to hotels like the Venetian. Overall, it is affordable and direct, but less comfortable for young children or if rain affects local connections.

Option 2: Ferry from Hong Kong to Macau

The most common ferry terminals for Macau departures are:

Sheung Wan / Macau Ferry Terminal: This is the main ferry terminal for high-speed ferries to Macau (Outer Harbour). It is the primary location for travelers from Hong Kong Island.
Tsim Sha Tsui / China Ferry Terminal: Another terminal offering ferries to Macau, convenient if you are staying in Kowloon.

From HKIA:

You can take the Airport Express MTR to Hong Kong Station (central Hong Kong Island) in about 24 minutes.
From Hong Kong Station, the Macau Ferry Terminal at Sheung Wan is a 5–10 minute taxi ride. While walking is possible via underground passageways, a taxi is more convenient if it’s raining or you have luggage.
High-speed ferries take roughly 55 minutes to reach Macau. Ferries have toilets, more space, and are generally more comfortable for children compared with the bridge buses.
Tickets can be booked in advance or purchased at the terminal; during busy periods, advance booking is recommended.

Recommendation:

For a family with children and luggage, the ferry is generally the most comfortable and reliable choice. It provides onboard toilets, smoother travel, and fewer transfers.
If rain is expected, taking a taxi from Hong Kong Station to the Sheung Wan Ferry Terminal ensures dry and stress-free transport.
HZMB shuttle buses are budget-friendly and direct but may be less suitable with young children due to lack of toilets and extra steps after border crossing.

In summary, for your itinerary and family comfort, taking the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station, then a short taxi ride to the Sheung Wan Ferry Terminal for a high-speed ferry to Macau is the best balance of comfort, convenience, and reliability, especially with two 20 kg check-in bags and carry-ons.

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