Macau ferry guide: TurboJet vs Cotai Water Jet, terminals, prices, and tips
Hong Kong: Ferry Journey Between Hong Kong Island and Macau
Duration: 1 hour
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How do I take the ferry to Macau?
Book TurboJet (from HK Island or Tsim Sha Tsui) for the Macau Outer Harbour terminal near the historic centre. Book Cotai Water Jet (also from HK Island or Tuen Mun) for the Taipa Ferry Terminal, closer to Cotai casino resorts. Both take approximately 55 minutes and cost HKD 165–195 economy class.
The Hong Kong–Macau ferry is the busiest border crossing most visitors will ever use, and getting the operator, terminal, and timing right saves real time on both ends. This guide breaks down TurboJet versus Cotai Water Jet, pricing, the terminal experience, and what to do if a sailing is cancelled.
| Crossing time | around 55 minutes |
| Economy fare | HKD 165–195 one way |
| Peninsula-bound | TurboJet → Outer Harbour Terminal |
| Cotai-bound | Cotai Water Jet → Taipa Ferry Terminal |
| Book ahead | Weekends and public holidays especially |
The two ferry operators: which one is which
Two companies dominate the Hong Kong–Macau high-speed ferry market. Understanding which serves which terminal is the most important piece of information for planning your crossing.
TurboJet
TurboJet has operated Hong Kong–Macau ferries for decades. It serves:
Hong Kong departure terminals:
- Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (HKMFT), Sheung Wan, HK Island — the busiest and most central terminal
- Tsim Sha Tsui (Skyferries Terminal), Kowloon — the China Ferry Terminal area
Macau arrival terminal:
- Outer Harbour Terminal (Porto Exterior) on the Macau Peninsula
The Outer Harbour Terminal is approximately 2 km from the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Senado Square — a short taxi ride or a walk (20–25 minutes) for the reasonably fit. It is the most convenient arrival point for visitors staying on the Macau Peninsula.
TurboJet also operates the SkyPier service from Macau Outer Harbour directly to Hong Kong International Airport, which is valuable for passengers with early morning flights from HKIA.
Cotai Water Jet
Cotai Water Jet is operated by Sands China (the company behind the Venetian Macao and other Cotai resorts). It serves:
Hong Kong departure terminals:
- Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (HKMFT), Sheung Wan — same terminal as TurboJet
- Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal, New Territories — useful for visitors staying in northern Hong Kong or connecting from mainland China
Macau arrival terminal:
- Taipa Ferry Terminal — located in Taipa, adjacent to Cotai
The Taipa Ferry Terminal is directly connected to free casino shuttles for all major Cotai resorts (Venetian, Galaxy, City of Dreams, Studio City, MGM Cotai, Wynn Palace). For visitors heading to Cotai, this terminal eliminates a taxi or bus journey.
Prices and classes
Both operators offer economy and first/VIP class options.
Economy class: HKD 165–195 (approximately MOP 170–200) each way. Airline-style seats, air conditioning, in-seat entertainment on newer vessels. Standard overhead storage. The crossing is 55 minutes — economy class is entirely adequate.
First/VIP class: HKD 235–280. Priority boarding, wider seats with more legroom, and sometimes a complimentary drink. The 55-minute crossing does not strongly justify the upgrade unless you have mobility concerns or value the guaranteed front-of-queue boarding during busy periods.
Night surcharge: Sailings after approximately 6–7 pm cost slightly more (check the exact schedule — the surcharge threshold varies by operator and route).
Weekend premium: Saturday daytime sailings typically cost HKD 10–20 more than weekday equivalents.
Children’s fares: children aged 2–12 typically receive 50% discount. Children under 2 travel free on a parent’s lap (no seat allocated). Confirm age ranges with the operator as policies occasionally change.
Booking your ticket
Online booking (recommended): TurboJet website (turbojet.com.hk), Cotai Water Jet website (cotaiwaterjet.com), or third-party booking platforms. Online booking often allows seat selection on some services. Third-party platforms may charge a HKD 15–30 booking fee.
At the terminal: Walk-up tickets available at counter windows. On weekday off-peak sailings, this is usually no problem. On Friday evenings, weekends, and any public holiday, popular sailings sell out and you may wait 1–2 hours for the next available ferry.
Mobile app: Both operators have apps for iOS and Android. Tickets can be stored digitally and scanned at the terminal.
Best timing for booking: weekday travel — 1 day ahead is usually fine. Weekend travel — book 3–5 days ahead. Public holidays (Golden Week, Chinese New Year, Grand Prix weekend) — book 2+ weeks ahead.
Book your Hong Kong–Macau ferry with a confirmed seat — particularly useful for weekend crossings and popular sailings that can sell out at the terminal counter.
The terminal experience
At the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (Sheung Wan)
The HKMFT is in the Shun Tak Centre building, above the Sheung Wan MTR station (Island Line). It is a busy, efficient terminal with clear signage for both TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet counters.
Check-in procedure:
- Proceed to the relevant operator’s counter with your passport and ticket confirmation
- Receive a boarding pass
- Pass through Hong Kong departure security (X-ray of bags)
- Proceed to the departure hall and your gate
- Board when called
Allow 30–40 minutes before your departure time. The terminal counter closes 20 minutes before sailing.
The departure hall has duty-free shops, a small cafe, and seating. The selection is limited — do not rely on this for a meal if you are hungry.
At the Macau Outer Harbour Terminal
Arriving at the Outer Harbour Terminal, you will:
- Collect your baggage if you checked any items
- Fill in the Macau arrival card (distributed on the ferry; have it ready before you land)
- Pass through Macau immigration — for most Western nationalities, this is straightforward and takes 5–15 minutes (longer on busy weekends when multiple ferries arrive simultaneously)
- Exit to the arrivals hall, where free casino shuttle buses depart
The arrivals hall has ATMs (avoid the ones inside the casino cages — use the bank ATMs here), a money exchange counter, and taxi rank outside.
Shuttle buses at the Outer Harbour Terminal: Galaxy, Venetian, City of Dreams, Grand Lisboa, MGM, Sands Macao, and other resorts have clearly marked shuttle bays. Shuttles are free and run every 15–30 minutes.
At the Taipa Ferry Terminal (Cotai Water Jet)
Similar process. The Taipa terminal is newer and slightly more modern. Casino resort shuttles are immediately available outside the arrivals hall for all major Cotai properties. The LRT Taipa Ferry Terminal station is directly integrated with the terminal building.
On board the ferry
Modern TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet vessels are high-speed catamarans with a cruising speed of around 40 knots. The interior resembles a budget airline — rows of airline-style seats, overhead bins, air conditioning, personal screens with entertainment on some services.
The Pearl River estuary crossing is generally smooth in calm weather. In rough weather (particularly during summer typhoon season), the crossing can be moderately to noticeably choppy. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, take a preventive tablet at least 30 minutes before boarding. Choosing a seat in the middle of the vessel and at a lower deck level reduces motion sensation.
Alcohol is available for purchase on board. Food options are very limited — a small cart service on some routes.
What to do if your sailing is cancelled
Typhoon Signal 8 (strong tropical storm force winds) is the threshold that suspends all ferry services. If Signal 8 is raised while you are at the terminal, the ferry will not depart. Options:
- Reschedule: ask the operator staff to rebook you on the next available sailing after the signal is lowered. Keep your ticket as proof.
- Refund: original fare refunded if you cannot reschedule.
- HZMB alternative: in some Signal 3 conditions (below Signal 8), the HZMB bridge buses continue when ferries reduce frequency. Check with the bus operator.
- Wait it out: most Signal 8 events last 12–24 hours. The casino resorts adjacent to the Outer Harbour Terminal have restaurants and seating that many stranded travellers use.
Travel insurance covering weather-related delays is advisable for any summer visit.
An organised day trip including the ferry crossing, a Macau lunch, and guided sightseeing is a practical all-in option for visitors who prefer not to manage ferry booking logistics independently.
Alternative ferry routes (beyond Hong Kong)
Macau–Shenzhen (Shekou/Fuyong): TurboJet operates routes connecting Macau to Shenzhen ferry terminals. This allows travel between the Pearl River Delta cities without going through Hong Kong.
Macau–Guangzhou: Services run to the Zhoutouzui ferry terminal in Guangzhou. Useful for visitors connecting from Guangzhou or visiting both cities.
SkyPier (Macau–HKIA): TurboJet’s direct service from Macau Outer Harbour to Hong Kong International Airport SkyPier. Passengers clear Hong Kong immigration at the Macau terminal — effective for connecting flights without entering Hong Kong city. Must be booked separately from standard Hong Kong ferry tickets.
Practical checklist
- Passport required for Macau immigration (a separate territory from Hong Kong)
- Arrive at the Hong Kong terminal 30–40 minutes before your sailing
- Have your booking reference ready (on phone or printed)
- Complete the Macau arrival card on board (pen provided)
- HKD accepted at Macau terminals; MOP accepted on the Macau side
- No large luggage restriction, but oversized items (e.g., bicycles, surfboards) are not accommodated
- The casino shuttle buses at the arrival terminals are free to all passengers
For a comparison of the ferry vs the HZMB bridge bus, see getting to Macau from Hong Kong and the HZMB bridge guide.
Frequently asked questions about the Macau ferry
Is the TurboJet better than Cotai Water Jet?
The services are operationally similar. The right choice depends on your destination in Macau: TurboJet for the peninsula, Cotai Water Jet for the Cotai resorts. Both operators have modern vessels and comparable comfort. TurboJet has slightly longer operating history and a larger fleet.
Can I bring a suitcase on the ferry?
Yes. Standard suitcases, bags, and backpacks are accommodated in the overhead bins and under-seat storage. There is no formal luggage weight limit for personal items. Checked luggage is not an option.
Can I get seasick on the Macau ferry?
It is possible, particularly in rough weather. The crossing traverses the Pearl River estuary, which is open water but generally calmer than the open South China Sea. July and August (typhoon season) have the highest chance of rough conditions. Take preventive medication if you are susceptible.
Is there a first class lounge at the terminal?
First class ticket holders have access to a small priority lounge area at the HKMFT in Sheung Wan. The facilities are modest — slightly more comfortable seating and a small refreshment counter. The boarding priority is the more meaningful benefit.
How do I get to the Sheung Wan ferry terminal from Hong Kong?
Take the MTR Island Line to Sheung Wan station. Exit A2 leads directly into the Shun Tak Centre, which houses the HKMFT on the upper floors. From Central station, it is a 2-minute MTR ride. From Hong Kong station (Airport Express), it is a 3-minute MTR ride to Sheung Wan.
Comparing the crossing experience: ferry vs bridge for different traveller types
Choosing between the ferry and the HZMB shuttle bus is not simply a matter of price. The best option depends on where you are starting from, where you are going in Macau, and how you travel. Here is a practical breakdown by traveller type.
Solo traveller on a budget: the HZMB shuttle is roughly HKD 100 cheaper per ticket than the ferry, which matters when you are travelling alone and absorbing the full cost. If you are already near the airport or anywhere on Lantau, the HZMB is the clear value choice. If you are on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon, factor in the Airport Express (HKD 110) to reach the HKBCF — the total cost and time often makes the ferry competitive again. A solo traveller on a budget staying in Kowloon who books the ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui typically pays less overall and arrives faster than one routing via the HZMB.
Family with young children: the ferry edges ahead for most families. The Outer Harbour Terminal and Taipa Ferry Terminal both have comfortable immigration halls with manageable spaces for pushchairs. The 55-minute sea crossing is enclosed and simple — children can move around a little, and the journey is predictable. The HZMB customs process, while not difficult, requires more standing in queue at two separate border posts. The luggage-in-hold system on the shuttle bus also adds a step that parents with buggies and baby bags find inconvenient. If the family is heading directly to a Cotai resort, the Cotai Water Jet to Taipa Ferry Terminal (with its direct resort shuttle connection) is a strong option.
Business traveller: depends entirely on the destination. For meetings in the historic centre or peninsula hotels, TurboJet to the Outer Harbour Terminal is the most direct. For Cotai resort meetings (the Venetian convention centre, Galaxy Business Centre), Cotai Water Jet to Taipa Ferry Terminal delivers you closer. The HZMB is rarely optimal for business travellers unless they are connecting from HKIA — the longer and less predictable customs processing is a risk when timing matters.
Airport connector (arriving at or departing from HKIA): the HZMB shuttle is the clear winner. The HKBCF is directly connected to HKIA by a free shuttle — the two facilities are adjacent. For passengers arriving into HKIA from a long-haul flight and continuing to Macau, the HZMB eliminates the need to travel into central Hong Kong and then back out to a ferry terminal. Conversely, for the journey from Macau to HKIA to catch a long-haul flight, the TurboJet SkyPier service from the Macau Outer Harbour is the best option — it lands you directly at the HKIA SkyPier with pre-cleared Hong Kong immigration.
Budget traveller doing a day trip: the HZMB is cheaper on the ticket price but the ferry is more time-efficient from most Hong Kong locations. A day tripper based on Hong Kong Island who takes the ferry saves 45–60 minutes each way compared to routing via Lantau — that is nearly two hours of Macau sightseeing time recovered. For a day trip where time matters as much as money, the ferry from Sheung Wan wins for central Hong Kong departure points. Only if you are already in the airport or western Lantau area does the HZMB make clear sense for a day trip budget.
Which terminal to pick if you’re unsure
If you have not yet decided where you’re staying, this is the simplest rule of thumb: book TurboJet to the Outer Harbour Terminal if your hotel or main interest is the historic centre, and Cotai Water Jet to the Taipa Ferry Terminal if you’re staying at a Cotai casino resort. Mixed itineraries that spend real time in both areas can lean toward the Taipa route, since free casino shuttles reach the Peninsula’s Grand Lisboa area reasonably well, while the reverse — reaching Cotai from the Outer Harbour — takes a similar shuttle ride in either direction.
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