Introduction
Since the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge opened, the living radius of Macao Peninsula residents has completely transformed. This century-old bridge connecting to Taipa and Coloane now allows residents around Senate Square and Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro to reach Hong Kong International Airport within 45 minutes, while weekend trips to Zhuhai for shopping have become as natural as taking a bus to Taipa. For those familiar with Macao Peninsula bus routes, making good use of the existing transfer system can extend the bridge right to your backyard.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup's 48-team expansion format confirmed, more international tourists are expected to enter Macao via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, bringing the Peninsula's traditional attractions back to the international stage. From A-Ma Temple to the Ruins of St. Paul's, and then directly to Hong Kong for connecting flights via the bridge, an unprecedented cultural tourism route has been formed.
Key Highlights
Revolution in Travel Time
The biggest attraction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is bringing the Macao Peninsula into the Pearl River Delta 1-hour living circle. Starting from the Peninsula, take bus 101X or 102X to Taipa East Station, then transfer to the KMB or CMB bridge bus, with the entire journey saving nearly 2 hours compared to the previous ferry to Hong Kong. This time advantage is especially pronounced for residents in the NAPE and Sai Van areas.
New Options for Shopping and Employment
Since the bridge opened, many Macao Peninsula residents have started cross-border shopping and employment. Weekend shopping for daily necessities at Gongbei in Zhuhai, browsing at Hong Kong Airport duty-free stores, or working in Hengqin while living in Macao – these lifestyle choices that were once unthinkable have now become everyday options.
Advantages for Emergency Medical Evacuation
The bridge has also become an important medical corridor. For emergency patients on the Macao Peninsula who need to be transferred to Hong Kong for specialized treatment, the bridge route is more stable than sea routes and unaffected by typhoon season, which is particularly important for elderly residents in more remote communities like Barra and Sai Van.
Recommended Locations
Border Gate Square Transfer Station
For just MOP$6.4 in bus fare, you can take bus 101X from the Border Gate directly to Taipa East Station, then transfer to the bridge bus. This is the most commonly used bridge transfer starting point for Macao Peninsula residents, with frequent departures every 10-15 minutes. The square has convenience stores and tea restaurants, perfect for replenishing supplies while waiting. For travelers with large luggage, this station has better accessibility facilities compared to other stops.
Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro Mid-section Bus Stop
A classic route departing from downtown Macao, take bus 26A or MT4 to the airport, then transfer to the AP1 Airport Express to the bridge. The advantage of this route is that it passes through multiple hotel zones, making it convenient for tourists. The journey takes about 35 minutes, slightly slower than the 101X route, but more user-friendly for tourists unfamiliar with the Border Gate area.
Nam Wan Lake View Avenue Bus Stop
This stop is the top choice for southern Peninsula residents, offering buses 21A or 26A to the airport transfer. Right next to the stop is Nam Wan Lake, where you can enjoy the lake view and the Macao Tower on the opposite shore while waiting. Especially recommended during dusk hours – the lake reflections paired with the sunset over the distant mountains make for rare leisure moments on the Macao Peninsula.
Outer Harbour Passenger Terminal Transfer Point
Though not a bus stop, this location offers dedicated bridge shuttle services. For residents in the NAPE area, you can walk to the terminal to take the shuttle, avoiding city traffic congestion. The cost is slightly higher than the bus (about MOP$15), but it's direct and comfortable, suitable for business travelers.
A-Ma Temple Front Square Bus Stop
The transfer point at the southwestern end of the Peninsula, primarily serving residents in the Barra and A-Ma areas. You can take routes 18 or 28B to the airport transfer. The特色 of this stop is that you can visit Macao's oldest A-Ma Temple en route – for out-of-town tourists, it's an ideal combination of cultural experience and transportation transfer. Departures are less frequent, so checking the schedule in advance is recommended.
Practical Information
Transportation Costs
- Macao Peninsula to Taipa East Station: MOP$6.4 (using Macau Pass)
- Taipa East Station to Hong Kong Port: HK$65 (KMB) or HK$70 (CMB)
- Taipa East Station to Zhuhai Highway Port: RMB$15
- Taxi charter from Peninsula to Bridge Port: MOP$150-200
Operating Hours
- Bridge: 24-hour operation, but transfer bus services have different hours
- Bus 101X: 06:00-23:30
- KMB/CMB: 06:00-00:00
- Late night hours: recommend booking taxis or choosing alternative transport
Document Requirements
- To Hong Kong: valid Home Return Permit or passport with visa required
- To Zhuhai: Home Return Permit allows direct clearance
- Macao residents going to Zhuhai can use self-service gates, clearance takes about 3-5 minutes
Travel Tips
Avoid Peak Hours
Weekdays 08:00-09:30 and 18:00-19:30 are commuter peak times – tourists are advised to avoid these periods. The most comfortable travel times on weekends and holidays are 10:00-15:00, making both bus rides and border crossings relatively smoother.
Make Good Use of Macau Pass
Purchase a Macau Pass on the Macao Peninsula – it can not only be used on all bus routes but also at convenience stores and tea restaurants. The card deposit is MOP$30, and the first top-up of MOP$100 is recommended, enough for several round trips to the bridge.
Typhoon Season Backup Plan
During typhoon season from July to September, sea transport is often suspended, but the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge remains operational unless Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above is hoisted. This allows Peninsula residents to maintain cross-border travel even in extreme weather, but it is recommended to stay updated with transportation information released by the Macao Meteorological Bureau.
Luggage Storage Services
If you plan to explore the Peninsula before heading to the bridge, you can use luggage storage services in the Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and Senate Square areas – MOP$20-30 per item，避免拖著行李在巴士上造成不便。部分酒店也對非住客提供付費寄存服務。
