Overview
The historic center of Macau has held great strategic and cultural importance for centuries, a fact recognized by its 2005 UNESCO World Heritage listing. Portuguese colonial buildings and East Asian flair form a unit that is well worth seeing in Macau. Macau is also home to tranquil countryside, historic Chinese villages and pine-clad mountains. Much of ‘old’ Macau remains on the islands of Taipa and Coloane, including dockyards that build fishing boats, colonial-era mansions, Chinese temples and floating fishing communities.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
According to top-medical-schools, the national airline Air Macau (NX) flies to Japan, Thailand, the Philippines and a large number of Chinese cities. From Frankfurt/M. Lufthansa (LH) in cooperation with China Eastern (MU) offer flights to Macau via Shanghai. In cooperation with Air Macau (NX), Air China (CA) also flies via Chengdu and Korean Air (KE) via Seoul from Frankfurt/M. to Macao. From Vienna to Macau there are connections with EVA Air (BR) via Taipei and with Austrian Airlines (OS) in cooperation with Shanghai Airlines (FM) via Shanghai. Swiss (LX) fly from Zurich to Macau in cooperation with Air China (CA) and Air Macau (NX) via Frankfurt/M.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Macau: 14 hrs 50 mins; Vienna – Macau: 16 hrs 20 mins; Zurich – Macau: 16 hours 55 minutes (each with intermediate stops).
Departure fee
All fees are already included in the ticket price.
Arrival by car
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge connects Macau to Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Airport and mainland China. Special limited permits are required for crossings by private car, which is why most travelers cross the bridge by bus. There are three border crossings between Macau and China by land: – The Border Gate, in North Macau, which is open from 06:00-01:00 the following day, – the COTAI Border Post between Taipa and Coloane, which is open 24 hours a day and – the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Border Post in Macau Port, which travelers walk between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.: 00:00 and with vehicles with valid licenses and permits between 22:00 and 08:00 the following day. Long-distance bus: HZM Bus shuttle buses connect the ports of Hong Kong and Macau 24 hours a day; Every 5-15 minutes during the day, depending on traffic, and every 15-30 minutes at night. There are direct bus connections to the Chinese cities of Guangzhou (Canton) and ZhongShan. Tolls: Macao has no toll roads. Documents: The national driver’s license is recognized; however, it is recommended that you also carry your international driver’s license with you. 12:00 a.m. of the following day. Long-distance bus: HZM Bus shuttle buses connect the ports of Hong Kong and Macau 24 hours a day; Every 5-15 minutes during the day, depending on traffic, and every 15-30 minutes at night. There are direct bus connections to the Chinese cities of Guangzhou (Canton) and ZhongShan. Tolls: Macau has no toll roads. Documents: The national driver’s license is recognized; however, it is recommended that you also carry your international driver’s license with you. 12:00 a.m. of the following day. Long-distance bus: HZM Bus shuttle buses connect the ports of Hong Kong and Macau 24 hours a day; Every 5-15 minutes during the day, depending on traffic, and every 15-30 minutes at night. There are direct bus connections to the Chinese cities of Guangzhou (Canton) and ZhongShan. Tolls: Macao has no toll roads. Documents: The national driver’s license is recognized; however, it is recommended that you also carry your international driver’s license with you. depending on traffic, and at night every 15-30 minutes. There are direct bus connections to the Chinese cities of Guangzhou (Canton) and ZhongShan. Tolls: Macau has no toll roads. Documents: The national driver’s license is recognized; however, it is recommended that you also carry your international driver’s license with you. depending on traffic, and at night every 15-30 minutes. There are direct bus connections to the Chinese cities of Guangzhou (Canton) and ZhongShan. Tolls: Macau has no toll roads. Documents: The national driver’s license is recognized; however, it is recommended that you also carry your international driver’s license with you.
Arrival by train
Macau is not connected to any rail network.
Arrival by ship
There are regular ferry services between Hong Kong and Macau.
Ferry provider
TurboJet operates the seven routes: Macau (Outer Port) – Hong Kong (Sheung Wan), Macau (Outer Port) – Kowloon, Macau (Taipa) – Hong Kong (Sheung Wan), Macau (Taipa) – Kowloon, Macau (Outer Port) – Hong Kong Airport ( Skypier), Macau (Outer Port) – Tuen Mun and Macau (Taipa) – Tuen Mun. Cotai Water Jet operates three routes: Macau (Taipa) – Hong Kong (Sheung Wan), Macau (Taipa) – Kowloon and Macau (Taipa) – Hong Kong (Skypier).
Transportation
Traveling by plane
National carrier Air Macau (NX) offers connections to numerous Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. Travelers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland need a visa to enter China.
Traveling by car/bus
Macau’s road network is well developed. Taipa Island is accessible from the peninsula by three bridges, and Taipa is connected by land to the former Coloane Island via the reclamated Cotai Strip.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
The roads, while well maintained, are narrow, winding and often very steep. Traffic jams are the norm during the day.
Car rental
Rental car companies are everywhere; including major international rental companies. Drivers must be at least 21 years old. Chauffeured limousines can also be hired. However, due to Macau’s small size, good public transport options and affordable taxis, renting a car is not essential.
Taxi
Taxis are either black with a cream roof or yellow. The yellow taxis usually have a destination directory that is also written in English. This can be helpful as many drivers hardly speak English and often only know the Chinese names of destinations. Taximeters are available. Surcharges apply for luggage in the trunk, taxi rides from the airport and Macau to Coloane. Rickshaws are also available for hire, with many Macau attractions located on hills that are inaccessible by rickshaws. Prices should always be agreed in advance.
Bicycle
Bicycles can be rented on Taipa and Coloane, but cannot be taken to the peninsula. Cycling in Macau can be quite tiring due to the mountainous roads. Coloane is best suited for cycling. Scooters can also be rented on Macau.
Coach
Macau has an excellent bus network that also includes Taipa, Cotai and Coloane. All buses are air-conditioned. Timetables can be found at all bus stops. The bus network is served by the bus companies TRANSMAC – Transportes Urbanos de Macau, SARL and Sociedade de Transporte Colectivos de Macau (TCM), among others.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰. – Children under the age of 12 must be carried in the back seat. – Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists. – Telephoning while driving is only permitted using a hands-free system. – Passengers are only allowed if a driver has held a driver’s license for at least one year. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 20-60 km/h, depending on the signs; – out of town: 80 km/h (also on motorways).
Roadside Assistance
In the event of a breakdown, the car rental company must first be informed.
Documentation
The national driver’s license is recognized; nevertheless, it is recommended to also carry the international driver’s license with you.
Traveling in the city
The areas of tourist interest are easy to explore on foot. Longer distances, such as between the peninsula and the islands, can easily be bridged by taxi or bus.
Note on the train journey
The Macau Light Rapid Transit (MLRT) is under construction and will be the first rapid transit system in Macau. The 9.3 km Taipa Line will serve 11 stations and is expected to be operational in 2019.
