There are three ways to get into Macau and it solely depends on your preference. Most people either take a day trip from Hong Kong to Macau through a ferry or fly. While some of us cross the border from Mainland China. Whichever might be the case, here is what you need to know and how to enter Macau in different ways.
Hong Kong to Macau Ferry
If you are in Hong Kong, take a one-hour long ferry to Macau. The ferries are operated by two different companies and go to two different terminals.
TurboJet
Route: Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal to Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal
Price changes based on comfort and the day of traveling
Schedule: 24 hrs a day.
Check the Schedule here.
CotaiJet
Route: Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal to Taipa Ferry Terminal
Price changes based on comfort, days, and if traveling with any luggage
Schedule: Departures from Hong Kong: 7:00am-11:30pm Departures from Macau: 7:00am-1:00am
Check the Schedule here.
Gongbei Port - 拱北口岸
From Mainland China, Gongbei Port in Zhuhai is the cheapest alternative and convenient way to cross over to Macau. Be prepared to wait for awhile as Gonbei port gets crowded and extremely busy.
You can fly into Zhuhai Airport and take a bus for CNY25 to Gongbei Port. The ticket counter will be right at the exit after baggage claim. You won't miss it. The bus ride will roughly be 50 mins before you get dropped off either at the port or near the port. The border itself can be accessed through a large shopping mall called Zhuhai Port Plaza or keep following the signs to the border checkpoint. From that point, it's self-explanatory. Just follow the signs, and you will quickly pass through customs.
Passing through the Chinese customs is quick and easy if you already have a Chinese Visa. There’s a short walk to the Macau entrance checkpoint. Once you go through that, its a short walk to Portas do Cerco. At this point you've crossed the border and you are now in Macau. From here, you can walk through the streets or take a shuttle to central Macau.
When going back it's similar steps. From Portas do Cerco crossover to Gongbei Port. Once you get to Zhuhai, head to Charming Holiday Hotel to buy your bus ticket to the airport. The hotel is huge and it's to the left of Gonbei Port on the opposite street. You won't miss it.
Flying
The easiest way to get into Macau is flying. Macau International Airport is located on the east side of Taipa, and it is very small with only one terminal, so it's easy to get around. Just like any other airport, taxis will be lined up outside the terminal. If you are not carrying any luggage, ditch the taxis and hop on a bus.