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Transportation
Transportation is effective and varied, a fact which attracts visitors to Macau.
Getting
to Macau by ferry
There is a regular sailing schedule throughout the day between Macau and
Hong Kong. It takes an hour to cover the distance between Hong Kong and
Macau.
Getting to Macau by air
(airplanes)
Macau
International Airport, opened in late 1995, operates 24 hours a day. It
is linked by scheduled air services to several cities in Mainland China,
Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan as well as connection flights
to Asia, Europe or America.
(Helicopters)
Helicopter services are avaliable between Hong Kong and Macau during the
day. Flights take about 20 minutes and also land at the Hong Kong - Macau
Ferry Terminals.
Getting aorund - pedicabs
Pedicabs
are the slowest but also the most romantic and venerable way of experiencing
the long sweep of the Praia Grande Bay, and the older and traditional
streets downtown.
Main locations for catching a cycle-rickshaw are : outside the Maritime Terminal and opposite the main door of the Lisboa Hotel. Fares are negotiable, but expect to pay about MOP$150 for an one hour trip, depending on where you go. Be sure to agree on a price first.
Getting around - taxis
Taxis are easy to get most of the time. The all-yellow taxis are radio equipped while the cream-black taxis are not.
Fares are standardized. Flagfall is MOP$10 for the first 1500 metres and then MOP$1 for every subsequent 250 metres. Luggage carried in the trunk is charged at MOP$3 per item. Trips from Taipa to Coloane have a surcharge of MOP$2 while trips from Macau to Coloane have MOP$5 surcharge. For journeys starting from Macau International Airport, there is a surcharge of MOP$5. There is no surcharge for returning trips to Macau.
Getting around - buses
The two bus companies offer air-conditioned buses and mini-buses service from 6:15a.m. to 12:00 mn at high frequency on routes within the city. The fare is MOP$2.50 per journey.
Buses also shuttle from Macau to popular tourist destinations on the islands through out the day, The fares range from MOP $3.3 to MOP $5. Route number AP1 links the airport with the ferry terminal and downtown. It costs MOP$3.3.
Getting around - self drive
Normal vehicles and motorbikes are available for hire, but a great way
to explore the islands of Taipa and Coloane is by driving the characteristic
mokes, which are mini-based jeeps with sunroofs.
Drivers must be at least 21 years of age and hold a valid International
Driving License for driving in Macao.
