In our last article, we shared our journey from Hong Kong to Macau by ferry. This time, for our return to Hong Kong, we opted for a bus ride across the HZMB bridge, renowned as the world's longest bridge.
We thought it would me more flexible it in selecting departure times. The frequency of buses from Macau to Hong Kong, running well into the late hours, meant we had no concerns about missing out on a seat.
This contrasts with the ferry service, where advanced booking is often necessary, whether it's done on the same day or the day before. While it's possible to purchase ferry tickets on the spot, there's always the risk of them being sold out, particularly during weekends or holidays.
For those interested in experiencing the bus journey from Macau to Hong Kong, this article will guide you through the process. We'll cover everything from starting at HZMB Port in Macao, transitioning through HZMB Port in Hong Kong, and finally reaching the heart of Hong Kong city.
The first step in our journey is to reach the HZMB Macao Port. There are several transportation options available, including taxis, public buses, or complimentary shuttle buses. To save money, I suggest using public buses or the free shuttle services.
To travel to HZMB Macau Port, you have two public bus options: bus numbers 101X and 102X. The 101X bus serves the Peninsula area of Macau, while the 102X bus covers the Cotai area.
A ticket for either bus costs 6 dollars, payable in either Hong Kong Dollars or Macau Pataca. It's advisable to carry exact change since bus drivers don't provide change for larger denominations.
For those looking to avoid bus fares, there are free shuttle buses offered by various hotels and casinos in Macau. These shuttles are available to everyone, regardless of whether you're staying or visiting these establishments.
In the Peninsula Macau area, you can find free shuttles to the HZMB Macau Port at locations like Ponte 16 and Wynn Macau. Over in the Cotai area, shuttles are available from the Londoner, Wynn Palace, and Grand Lisboa Palace.
For a detailed guide on using these free shuttles from different hotels and casinos, please see the following article.
Once you arrive at the HZMB Macao Port, proceed to the Departure area on the second floor to buy your shuttle bus ticket. This ticket is necessary for traveling across the HZMB bridge to the HZMB Hong Kong Port.
Tickets cost HKD/MOP 65 for adults and HKD/MOP 33 for children. If you prefer paying with cash, you can do so at the ticket counter. Alternatively, if you want to use an Octopus card, a vending machine is available for this purpose.
Here's a step-by-step guide on purchasing your ticket from the vending machine with an Octopus card:
After getting the ticket, it's best to head straight to the Macau immigration checkpoint. Remember, your ticket is only valid for one hour after purchase. To ensure a smooth journey, promptly make your way to immigration so you can board the bus on time.
At the HZMB Macao Port, the immigration section is divided into two zones: one for travelers heading to Hong Kong and the other for those going to Zhuhai, China. It's important to pay attention to the signs to ensure you head to the correct area.
Upon reaching the immigration checkpoint, all you need to do is present your passport to the immigration officer at the counter. Once you've cleared immigration, simply follow the signs leading to the Shuttle Bus Pick-Up Zone.
Note that after passing through immigration, there are additional counters and vending machines available for buying shuttle bus tickets. If you haven't purchased your ticket earlier, you have the opportunity to do so in this area post-immigration.
Upon reaching the shuttle bus pick-up area after a brief walk, we'll encounter an attendant responsible for checking and scanning our tickets. The shuttle buses used here are quite similar to the public buses found in Hong Kong.
Once aboard the bus, we're free to choose any open seats, whether they're on the lower or upper level. Before the bus departs, an officer will remind passengers to fasten their seat belts, ensuring everyone's safety during the journey.
Traveling across the world's longest bridge offers a truly memorable experience. As we journey, we're greeted by stunning ocean vistas. The route also includes an awe-inspiring segment where the bus travels through a tunnel beneath the sea.
After a pleasant 45-minute journey on the shuttle bus, we will arrive directly in front of the arrival hall at HZMB Hong Kong Port. Our next step is simply to walk into the hall and make our way to the Hong Kong immigration area.
Before we get to the immigration counter, we have to fill in an arrival card. The information required is the same as when arriving in Hong Kong by plane. For a step-by-step guide on filling out the arrival card, read the article below:
Once we've filled out the arrival card, we can hand it over along with our passport to the officer at the immigration counter. The officer will process our information and provide us with an immigration slip. This slip details the duration of our permitted stay in Hong Kong, marking the final step in our entry process.
After finishing with immigration, we're all set to continue our adventure into the heart of Hong Kong. One convenient option is to take a bus. Just look for the signs pointing towards the bus terminal, which is located right outside the HZMB Hong Kong Port building.
At the bus terminal, it's easy to find a bus heading to your destination. Many of these buses also go to the Hong Kong airport, so the fares are similar to those from the airport.
Catching a bus here is just like using other public buses in Hong Kong. You join the queue at the designated line and wait for your bus. When it comes to paying, you have options like cash or the Octopus card.
Note that there isn't a direct MTR (Mass Transit Railway) station at the HZMB Hong Kong Port. If you prefer the MTR, you'll need to take either bus number B6 to the Tung Chung MTR station or bus number B5 to the Sunny Bay MTR station.
So, those are the steps for taking a bus from Macau to Hong Kong. I find that buses are a great choice for budget-conscious travelers, especially compared to the pricier ferry option. Plus, buses offer more flexibility with ticket purchases, unlike ferries where you might face sold-out situations if you wait until the last minute.
However, do keep in mind that buses usually take longer than ferries. Also, if you're carrying a lot of luggage, the need to get on and off buses might be a bit of a hassle.
And if you're planning the reverse journey, from Hong Kong to Macau by bus, just follow these steps in reverse order. Safe travels and enjoy your trip!
