How to get from Kowloon to Macau
When travelling from Kowloon to Macau there is very little option available other than the ferry to one of the two terminals in Macau. There is a longer, more roundabout route by taking the train through China although for practicality you really should take the ferry.
How far is it from Kowloon to Macau?
Kowloon is on the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta while Macau is located some 60km away on the western edge of the estuary. The longer journey by train is approximately 250km.
How long does it takes to get from Kowloon to Macau?
The ferry crossing takes from 60 to 75 minutes depending on the type of ferry you are using and the sea conditions. Taking the longer route by train can take anything from 2 to 3.5 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Kowloon to Macau?
There is quite a complicated pricing system on the ferries, the cheapest economy ticket costs HK$171 on weekdays, HK$186 on weekends and holidays, while evening crossings cost HK$211. Super class tickets are HK$346 on weekdays, HK$371 on weekends and holidays. The evening crossings cost HK$391. Should you require a VIP class cabin these cost HK$2304 at anytime except an evening crossing when the price is increased to HK$3054.
The cost of the train journey is CNY285 for a second class seat (approximately HK$324).
How to get from Kowloon to Macau by ferry
The ferry is the most practical way to get from Kowloon to Macau with departures from the China Ferry Terminal, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Kong Kong. Departures are from the 1st floor. From this terminal you can take ferries to the Outer Terminal in downtown Macau with Turbojet. Sailings are every 30 minutes from 7am until 10.30pm.
Ferries from here to Cotai (for the casinos) are less frequent with 5 sailings during the morning with the last one departing at 1.15pm.
Is it necessary to book ferry tickets in advance?
You do not need to book in advance except during peak times.How to reach the ferry terminal in Kowloon?
The terminal in Kowloon is very easy to reach. It is close to the Star Ferry Terminal for ferries across to Hong Kong Island. Tsim Sha Tsui and Austin Metro stations are a two minute walk away and there is good access from buses and taxis.How long does it take to get from Kowloon to Macau by ferry?
Most ferries take from 60 to 75 minutes, depending on weather conditions and whether the ferry is a normal ferry or a catamaran.How much does it cost to get from Kowloon to Macau by ferry?
This is listed in the general information above.Ferry travel tips
In peak periods it might be best to buy your tickets online, they can be bought up to 28 days in advance. If you suffer from seasickness it might be advisable to take some precautions before you travel.How to get from Kowloon to Macau by train
The trains are all fast high-speed trains reaching speeds of up to 300kph once the train is on the Chinese mainland. You will need a Chinese visa to take the train and you will clear customs before you board the train at Kowloon station.
The West Kowloon railway station opened on the 23rd of September 2018. It is the world’s largest train station to be located below ground. The railway station is easy to get to and is connected by footbridges and underground passages to the metro at Kowloon (10 minutes) and Austin stations. Austin station is just two or three minutes walk away. In the future this new station will be directly connected to the metro system.
The train from Kowloon goes to Guangzhou South station where you will have to change trains.
There are at least 30 trains each day along this route. From Guangzhou South you will need to take another train to Zhuhai station. You will need a separate ticket for each train. There are 70 trains each day between Guangzhou South and Zhuhai. There are no trains in Macau. The station at Zhuhai is just a few minute’s walk from the customs point where you cross into Macau.
How long does it take to get from Kowloon to Macau by train?
The train from Kowloon to Guangzhou South takes from 47 minutes to 71 minutes depending on the service you choose. The trains from Guangzhou South to Zhuhai take about one hour. You will need to allow time to change trains. Guangzhou South station is a very large station and very busy. It is possible to do this journey in 2 hours but best to allow about 3 to 3.5 hours with a smooth changing of trains.How much does it cost on the train from Kowloon to Macau?
There are three types of seats. The cheapest seats, second class costs CNY285 (HK$324) for the two trains. First class seats cost CNY413 and business class costs CNY616. All the trains from Kowloon have all three classes of seat. Most trains to Zhuhai only have second class seats.Train travel tips
You can buy train tickets up to 28 days in advance and during peak travel periods such as Chinese Spring Festival and the National Holiday tickets go on sale earlier than that.There are western style toilets as well as squat toilets on these trains but beware as some Chinese people use the western toilet as a squat one so the seat may not be clean. It is also best to bring some paper with you. The supply, if there is any, soon runs out.