Taipa is an island district south of the Macau Peninsula. In recent years, it has become a tourist hotspot due to its dual character - large-scale resort developments alongside traditional villages. Taipa's bus network is jointly operated by Transmac and TCM, covering the Old Town area, Cotai Strip, airport, and Lotus Port border crossing, making it the most affordable way to explore Taipa.
Highlights
The standout feature of Taipa's bus routes is the "seamless connection between old and new." Visitors can ride buses from the modern Cotai Strip directly to the historic Taipa Old Town with its Portuguese architectural charm. Fares are just MOP$6 for regular buses or MOP$10 for express routes. Key stops include:
- The "Lotus Bridge" line connecting the Macau Peninsula with Taipa
- The Cotai Strip loop serving the Cotai Golden Zone
- Airport express and cross-border routes to/from Lotus Port (Macau Port of Hengqin)
Recommended Spots & Bus Guide
1. Rua do Cunha
The busiest food street in the Old Town area, lined with almond pastry, dried meat jerky, and wife cake shops. Take bus routes 11, 15, 22, or 28A to "Taipa Rua do Cunha" or "Portuguese Street" stop and walk from there. Souvenirs here are about 30-40% cheaper than at Cotai resorts, making it a must-visit shopping spot for travelers.
2. Casa do Rio (St. Francis Xavier's House)
This mint-green Portuguese-style building complex sits by the wetland, formerly a home for Macanese families and now a cultural exhibition hall. Take bus routes 11, 15, 22, or 28A to "Casa do Rio" stop, about a 15-minute ride. Visiting in the evening offers the best experience of Macau's colonial-era architecture.
3. Cotai Strip
The luxury resort corridor connecting The Venetian, The Londoner, and The Parisian in one line. Take bus routes 21A, 25, 26A, or MT4 to "Cotai Strip" or "Cotai East" stop. Souvenirk shops here sell traditional Macau items like almond pastries and egg tarts, but prices are about 20-30% higher than at Rua do Cunha.
4. Taipa Old Town Alleyways
Cobblestone alleys extending from Rua do Cunha hide local delights like crab congee and curry fish balls. It's recommended to combine this with Rua do Cunha in the same itinerary, paying attention to route maps at bus stops. Some branch routes (like 30, 34) can take you deeper into residential areas.
5. Macau Egg Tart Shop (Taipa Branch)
Both Andrew Torras and Margaret's Cafe have branches in Taipa, about a 5-minute walk from Rua do Cunha. Taking the bus to "Taipa Central" stop and walking from there is the most convenient way. Egg tarts cost approximately MOP$10-12 each, a classic Macau must-try for visitors.
Practical Information
- **Fare**: Regular bus MOP$6, Express MOP$10; discounts available with Macau Pass
- **Operating Hours**: Main routes approximately 06:00-23:00, with loops running until late night
- **Cross-border Service**: MT4 and 25B routes to/from Lotus Port (Macau Port of Hengqin), fare MOP$6, approximately 15 minutes
- **Airport Service**: AP1 express direct to Macau International Airport, fare MOP$4.5
Travel Tips
- Buses are more crowded during peak hours (17:00-19:00); avoid if possible or use Macau Pass for faster boarding
- Use Google Maps or the "Bus Arrival" app to check real-time arrival information
- Taipa Old Town has dense stop coverage; consider purchasing a one-day pass (MOP$30) for unlimited rides, ideal for a full-day in-depth tour
- When heading to Cotai Strip during major events (like food festivals), leave early to avoid crowds
