Macau Transportation Guide

Macau may be small - about 11 square miles - but has one of the densest populations in the world. Here are some of the ways to get around Macau besides walking.

Taxis
Macau has plenty of licensed taxis, all with meters, of course. Macau on-duty licensed taxis are painted black with a cream-colored roof, joined by radio-called taxis in yellow color. Flag fall and the first 1500 meters traveled is 9 patacas, just over one American dollar. The fare for each subsequent 220 meters is 1 pataca, with waiting time at 1 pataca each minute.

Each piece of luggage carried in the trunk costs 3 patacas. Surcharges of 2 patacas apply for journeys from Taipa to Coloane, of 5 patacas for Macau to Coloane, and of 5 patacas for journeys starting from Macau International Airport. There is no surcharge for return trips from the island to Macau. Just a few taxi drivers can speak English, so it is advisable to have a bilingual map with you. The Macau Ferry Terminal has a Macau Government Tourist Office where you can get maps, brochures, and guidebooks.

Pedicabs
A pedicab - a tricycle carriage with seating for two passengers, also known as a trishaw - is a slower but more romantic form of transport. Pedicabs are propelled by bicycles with several gears, and are not the same as the rickshaw. Macau tours should include a breezy pedicab ride along the waterfront, or around the town taking photos. Such a joyride can be its own adventure, not just a mode of transport!

The Macau Ferry Terminal and Hotel Lisboa are the two main pick up locations for pedicabs. It's good advice to settle on an agreed fare first. One should expect to pay about 10-30 patacas ($1.50-$4) for a single journey, or about 100 patacas ($14) an hour for sightseeing, depending on where you go.

Remember, some places of interest in Macau are located on hilltops, and it is physically impossible for pedicabs to take you up the rather steep inclines.

Bicycles
Bicycles can be hired from shops in Taipa, near the bus terminal. They are not permitted on either of the bridges. There are many nature trails all over Macau, particularly on Coloane Island, where bicycles can be a particularly enjoyable way to explore the turf.

Buses
Public buses and minibuses run from 6:45 a.m. to midnight. On all routes within the city, the fare is 2.3 patacas (approximately an American quarter) per journey. There are buses (Route 3, 3A, 10, 12, 23, 28C & 32) that provide regular service between the city and the piers for incoming or out going visitors.

There are buses from Macau to the islands with regular departures throughout the day, from 6:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. The fares are very affordable, as one American dollar can get you round trip to your destination. Fares are: Taipa - 3 patacas, Coloane Village - 3.50 patacas and Hac Sa Beach - 4.50 patacas. Passengers are required to have the exact fare. Try to avoid traveling during the rush hour, when buses tend to become over crowded.

Car Rentals
Mokes, which are small, jeep-like vehicles painted in bright colors, are especially good for exploring the islands. Mokes are available for hire at 480 patacas ($60) for 24 hours on weekdays, 500 patacas ($64) on weekends, with unlimited mileage. Drivers must be 21 years of age and hold a valid international license.