In 2018 the mega bridge connecting China, Macau and Hong Kong finally opened after 9 years of construction. Named the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge or HZMB, this is simply the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world. While the main bridge’s length is “only” 23 kilometers, the total length measures over 55 kilometers. It consists in 3 bridges, an undersea tunnel and four artificial islands created on both sides to house the immigration office. This pharaonic project cost US$20 billions and is part of China’s plan to connect the Pearl River delta and its 68 millions people living there. It has been dubbed by The Guardian as one of the new 7 wonders of the world.
In May 2019 we had the chance to cross this feat of human engineering and we share our HZMB experience here, as well as everything you need to know in order to do the same !
What you will find in this article ?
- Our experience on the HZMB
- How to take a shuttle HZMB bus?
- Do I need a visa?
- How to get to the Macau port and/or the Hong Kong port?
- Cross-boundary coaches
- Ferry between Macau and Hong Kong
Our experience on the HZMB
We took the bridge from Macau to Hong Kong. We stayed a few days in Macau, and on a Monday morning we took a free casino shuttle bus to get to the ferry terminal. After reaching the ferry terminal, we took a free bus to the Macau port, where the bridge starts. We bought our ticket when arriving at the port for 65 patacas (Macau dollars) each. Our ticket in hand, we went through immigration and then walked to the HZMB bus. We left a few minutes later and the whole process was very smooth, although it involved a 10-minute walk inside the endless immigration building.
The ride lasted for 35 minutes. The bus is quite comfy and brand-new. We had a lot of space for ourselves because just one third of the bus was filled. On the bridge I noticed that there weren’t many cars, the motorway felt relatively empty. Upon arriving in Hong Kong, we cleared immigration once again, and then took one of the numerous buses waiting there.
While you are in Hong Kong, check our budget travel guide and spend your Hong Kong dollars wisely!
Shuttle HZMB bus
The shuttle HZMB bus is a service operating between Zhuhai to/from Hong Kong, and Macau to/from Hong Kong. It brings you only from one point of the bridge to the other. You’ll have to clear immigration before taking the bus and after, once you reach your destination.
You can buy tickets online or directly at the port with cash or credit card.
Buses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During the peak period one bus is leaving every 5 minutes. Non-peak period it leaves every 10-15 minutes and every 15-30 minutes at night.
Prices
Hong Kong / Macau – Hong Kong / Zhuhai
| 1 | The fares are displayed in Patacas. 1US$ =~8 Patacas You can also pay in Hong Kong dollars at the same 1:8 rate. |
| 2 | Day-time period is from 06am to 11.59pm; night-time period is from midnight to 5.59am. |
| 3 | Concessionary fare is applicable to children aged under 12 or less than 1.2m in height, people with disabilities and senior citizens aged 65 or above |
| 4 | Children under 3 don’t have to pay. |
So the typical daily ticket for an adult costs 65HK$, which is the equivalent of 8.3US$.
It is the same price no matter which route you choose. As far as I know there’s no roundway discount.
Duration
It took us exactly 35 minutes to get from the Macau port to the Hong Kong port. However we needed to go through immigration in Macau and in Hong Kong as well. It took us maybe 15 minutes in total. The Hong Kong port is located near the airport, which is quite far from the city. The journey by metro and bus in Hong Kong to get to our destination was longer than the journey between Macau and Hong Kong.
Do I need a visa to enter Macau, Hong Kong or Zhuhai ?
Most nationalities need a visa for Zhuhai (China), but most don’t need a visa for Macau and Hong Kong. Check it out on the various links below:
How to get to the port in order to take the shuttle bus ?
Macau Port
- Take one of the numerous taxis to get to the Macau port.
- There are 2 public buses dropping you right at the Macau port. The fare is 6 patacas no matter where you take the bus. Bring the exact fare as they don’t give change.
- Take a free bus from/to both Macau ferry terminals. This service is available from 10am to 11pm. There are around 6 buses per hour. You can get to the ferry terminals with one of the free casino bus.
Hong Kong port
You have more options on the Hong Kong side :
- Take one of 8 buses serving also the airport to go straight to Central, Tsim Sha Tsui or other populous areas in Hong Kong.
- Take a bus to get to the closest MTR (metro) station. (Sunny Bay or Tung Chung). The bus B5 going to the Sunny Bay MTR station is probably the fastest option and also the cheapest at 5.8HK$.
- The bus B4 is going to the nearby airport.
You can find a complete list of all the options to get in or out of the Hong Kong on this link.
Zhuhai port
The Zhuhai port is well connected via metro and buses.
Tip : Avoid to take the HZMB bridge at the weekend as it can be ridiculously crowded.
Cross-boundary coach
There are several buses linking hotels in Macau to main urban areas and tourist hot spots in Hong Kong. The regular fare is around 160HKD. You’ll still have to go down the bus twice in order to clear immigration.
Ferry
Before the HZMB bridge was constructed, most people would use the multiple ferry companies offering the journey from Hong Kong to Macau. This is still a valid option these days. It is probably the fastest option if you are are based, or going to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong.
If you like overland travel, check our article on how we went from Hong Kong to Europe with a kid, but without a plane!
And you? Have you ever taken a feat of human engineering that blew your mind away? Feel free to comment about your HZMB experience and let us know if you have any questions!
Do you need Chinese visa if you take the bus from HKIA to Macau as an EU citizen?
I took the very same bus in the opposite direction and, as a fellow EU citizen, I didn’t need a Chinese visa.