Getting Around Macau
- How to Get Around in Macau. There are many different way to get around in Macau but if you are not a local, and have come to visit this place for just a few days. Read More Tourist Attractions in Macau. The mixing of the European and Chinese cultures for centuries has resulted in a great atmosphere that is rich in attractions in Macau.
- Getting Around Macau. Aside from walking a lot, visitors can make use of the free casino shuttle buses. Schedules and routes are usually posted on the hotel website. There are local buses that run throughout Macao Peninsula, Coloane, and Taipa. Click here for bus schedules and payment details.
- If you're at a casino, it's also a good idea to use taxis to get around if you have a lot of luggage or if you want to go to historical areas. Taxis are very cheap in Macau, most rides within the city will cost you somewhere between $5-$10USD.
Air
Macau is too small for domestic flights to be useful.
Since the Macau Peninsula is small and compact, travelling by foot is the best way to get around. Macau has a total area of about 29.5 kilometers square and in that small area, there are so many things to discover. It is also a good option because being a pedestrian means that you don’t have to take long routes to reach your required destinations.
Road
The island is accessible via three bridges running from the peninsula to Taipa Island. Another connects the Cotai Strip (the reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane) to the Macau-China border at Zhuhai.
Side of the road
LeftRoad Quality
Although generally well surfaced, many roads in Macau are narrow, winding and steep; traffic can be congested throughout the day.
Car Hire
Since the territory is small, with good public transport and affordable taxis, it is generally not necessary to hire a car. If it is required, however, car hire is easily available through several agencies including large international companies; drivers must be over 21. Chauffeur-driven limousines are also available.
Taxi
Taxis are either black with a cream-coloured top, or all-yellow (the latter are radio taxis). They generally have a destination guide written in Chinese, English and Portuguese, which is helpful since many drivers speak little English and may know only the Chinese names for key sites. Prices are reasonable and meters are used. There are surcharges for luggage carried in the boot, for taking a taxi from the airport or travelling from Macau to Coloane.
Rickshaws and pedicabs (cycle rickshaws): These are available for hire but many of Macau's attractions are located on hilltops, beyond the reach of even the strongest-legged pedicab driver. Prices should always be agreed in advance.
Bike
You can hire bikes on Taipa and Coloane but can't take them to the mainland. Bear in mind that parts of Macau are quite hilly, so cycling can be hard work; generally speaking, Coloane is the most suitable area for cycling.
Coach
Buses run between the peninsula, Taipa and Coloane, as well as to the airport (you can catch bus AP1, AP1X, MT1, MT2, MT4, N2, 26, 36, 51A).
Regulations
The speed limit varies according to the road type. In built-up areas it can be as low as 20kph (12mph) or as high as 60kph (37mph), while on open roads and highways the highest limit is 80kph (50mph).
Breakdown services
Car hire agencies should be able to provide contact details for breakdown services.
Documentation
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Urban travel
The main areas of interest to tourists are compact enough to get around on foot, while longer journeys (including those between the peninsula and the islands) are easily made by taxi or bus.
Rail
Water
A harbour sightseeing cruise offers the opportunity to sail along the city’s coastline while taking in the views of attractions including the A-Ma Temple and the Macau Tower. The Macau Harbour Cruise runs daily from the historical Inner Harbour.
Getting Around Macau
Macau is a tiny place, so tiny that it’s not even half the size of Hong Kong so getting around it is pretty much easy. It is small that car rental will never thrive and that you can get around it without having to spend a penny. Yes, that is right. Getting around Macau is cheap or sometimes even free.
Do not get me wrong though, it is not an inexpensive city. Hotels are much more expensive than accommodations in other parts of Asia and the food is quite pricey, too. That is, if you do not know how and where to look.
One of the most common questions we get from tourists wanting to visit Macau is whether it is necessary to book a tour to explore it. The answer is Yes and No. Yes, for convenience. No, because it is expensive and can pretty much be done DIY style. After all, getting around Macau is easy. To better acquaint yourself with the ins and outs of Macau, read first the Ultimate Macau Travel Guide before continuing.
Getting Around Macau
Like any other cities in the world, there are different mode of transportations to choose from depending on your needs and preference. If you are a budget traveler, take advantage of complimentary shuttles or make use of public buses. If you are on a short visit and time is of the essence, taxis are everywhere.
Taxi
There is no scarcity of taxi in Macau. Taxi can bring you to wherever you want to go fast. The flag down rate is MOP19 which is approximately USD2.5 and additional MOP2 for every subsequent 240 meters. Beware though, Macau is infamous for having a rampant taxi scams, so extra precaution is required. Take taxis only at the official taxi stand and know your rights as passengers. To prevent from being scam by taxi drivers, continue reading here: How Not To Get Scammed by Taxis in Macau.
Public Bus
Taking the public bus is a cheaper alternative to taking taxis though not as fast. If you are in no rush, then this is the better option. Public buses is available for 24 hours with day and night buses. Make sure that you have exact fare as it doesn’t give any change. The minimum fare is MOP3.2 when you are taking buses within Macau Peninsula. MOP4.2 if you are coming from Macau to Taipa island and MOP6.4 if from Macau to Coloane. To know more about public buses in Macau and bus stops click here: Macau Public Bus.
From Venetian Hotel, Parisian, Four Seasons, Studio City, City of Dreams or Galaxy Hotel, you may take Bus No. 26A to go to the city center. The city center is where the Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul’s are located. Take 26 if you are going to A-Ma Temple or Macau Tower.
Free Shuttle Bus
Big hotels in Macau offer complimentary shuttle service not only to their hotel guests but to the public. Almost all hotels in Macau have free shuttle service to all ports of entry in Macau such as; Macau International Airport, Macau Ferry Terminal, Taipa Ferry Terminal, and the Border Gate to China.
If you are going to Senado Square or Ruins of St. Paul’s, the city center, take free shuttle service of Studio City, City of Dreams, and Wynn Palace to Macau Peninsula near the Grand Emperor Hotel. The drop off point is a 10-minute walk away from the city center. If you are coming from Hong Kong and getting off by ferry from either Macau Ferry Terminal or Taipa Ferry Terminal, take the complimentary shuttle service of Grand Lisboa Hotel or Wynn Hotel Macau as these hotels are also walking distance to the city center.
Uber
Uber service is sadly and unfortunately suspended in Macau until further notice.
Walk
I’ve mentioned above that Macau is a tiny place so walking is a famous mode of getting from one place to another. The Cotai Strip is home to over 5 gigantic hotels and is within walking distance. The city center is full of famous landmarks, old churches, temples, and casinos that a full day can be spent without taking any automobile. Walking is probably the best option to see Macau as it should be seen.
Coming Soon:
MTR (Mass Rapid Transit System)
True to its promise of modernization, Macau’s train system is already on its way and expected to operate in 2018 making the transportation easier than ever.
Indulge on beautiful resort hotels and spend on good food because transportation expenses may not be a part of your overall expenses if you know how to get around it. Proper research and asking questions can make your Macau transportation expenses out of the question.
Getting Around Macau By Bus
For some other travel tips in Macau read here: Travel Tips for Travelers Going to Macau
Getting Around In Macau
You may also like
I have 10 year experience I’m security fild
[…] READ: Getting Around Macau […]
[…] READ: How to Get Around Macau […]
[…] READ: Getting Around Macau […]
[…] READ: Getting Around Macau […]
Hi, is the MRT operational now? Also is there a free shuttle from the city center to the Venetian Mall, and perhaps to other major malls in Macau like One Central? Thanks!