【International Visitors】A Guide to the Shenzhen-Macao SAR Ferry Crossing

Until now, the process of traveling from Shenzhen to Macao SAR was not very well understood.

Based on my actual experience traveling from Shenzhen to Macao SAR, I will introduce “How International Visitors Can Travel from Shenzhen to Macao SAR by Ferry,” including a report on the boat trip itself.

*  This information is current as of February 2026, during the Chinese New Year period.

 

① Go to the Ferry Terminal in Shenzhen (Shekou)

① First, go to “Taiziwan” Station on Shenzhen Metro Line 12.
* Although “Shekou Port” Station on Shenzhen Metro Line 2 is also available, Taiziwan Station is closer to the ferry terminal.

② From Taiziwan Station (Line 12), walk for about 10 minutes to reach the “Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Homeport (Shekou Cruise Center).”

 

② Depart from Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Homeport to Macao SAR (Taipa)

Purchase your ticket at the ferry terminal.

Arrived at the ferry terminal: “Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Homeport (Shekou Cruise Center).”

Purchase your ferry ticket at the ticket counter.

You can purchase ferry tickets at the ticket counter without making a reservation in advance.

The one-way fare from “Shenzhen (Shekou)” to “Taipa, Macao SAR” was 239 CNY.

Incidentally, I originally planned to head from Shenzhen (Shekou) to the “Outer Harbour, Macao SAR” on that day, but the tickets were already sold out.

* Although tickets can be pre-purchased via the WeChat Mini Program, it requires verification with a Chinese ID card. Therefore, international visitors cannot p-purchase tickets through the WeChat Mini Program.

 

Boarding the Ferry

With your ticket and passport in hand, head towards the checkpoint.

I arrived at the departure lounge. Boarding begins 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.

It is recommended to be at the departure lounge at least 30 minutes before boarding starts to ensure you have plenty of time.

Boarding the ferry bound for Taipa, Macao SAR.

The interior of the ferry is quite spacious.

 

Ferry Window View

The ferry has departed.

We will arrive at Taipa, Macao SAR in approximately 1 hour.

The weather is beautiful.

The internet connection remains available even while at sea.

The cityscape of Macao SAR is now coming into view.

Arrived at the ferry terminal in Taipa, Macao SAR.

 

Arrival in Taipa, Macao SAR

Arrived at “Taipa Ferry Terminal,” the gateway to Taipa.

 

③ Take a Bus to the Ruins of Saint Paul’s in Macao SAR

Using the UnionPay payment app for the bus fare.

From the Taipa Ferry Terminal, I headed to the famous World Heritage site, the “Ruins of Saint Paul’s,” by bus.

This time, I wanted to travel using only QR code payments on my smartphone without carrying cash or prepaid cards, so I used the “UnionPay” app provided by China UnionPay to board the bus. Incidentally, you cannot pay for bus fares in Macao SAR using a credit card directly.

【Payment Apps】How Foreigners Can Use UnionPay

https://beyond-shenzhen.cn/en/blog/unionpay-app

 

Bus Window View

Since Macao SAR is a compact city, it takes only about 30 to 40 minutes to travel from Taipa Ferry Terminal to the Ruins of Saint Paul’s.

 

④ Around the Ruins of Saint Paul’s in Macao SAR

I have arrived in the vicinity of the Ruins of Saint Paul’s

Many of the roads are paved with cobblestones.

I have arrived at the Ruins of Saint Paul’s, a World Heritage site.

Continuing further ahead.

After fully enjoying the cityscapes of Macao SAR, I will take the bus back to Taipa Ferry Terminal and return to Shenzhen (Shekou) by ferry.

 

⑤ And then, the Ferry back to Shenzhen (Shekou) was Cancelled

I took the bus back to the Taipa Ferry Terminal, but when I tried to board the ferry, I found that the return trips to Shenzhen (Shekou) had been cancelled.

* This might have been because my visit to Macao SAR was on February 16, 2026, which was the eve of the Chinese New Year…

In the end, I purchased a ticket for the ferry bound for the “Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal” in Sheung Wan Hong Kong SAR, and took a detour to return to Shenzhen.

The one-way fare from “Taipa Ferry Terminal” in Taipa to “Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal” in Sheung Wan Hong Kong SAR was MOP 220（approximately 190 CNY）.

* When traveling from Shenzhen to Macao SAR by ferry, factors such as the season and weather conditions can play a role. Be sure to confirm the availability of return ferry trips in advance.

Inside the ferry bound for Sheung Wan, Hong Kong SAR.

 

Summary

Macao SAR is a city where East meets West, allowing you to enjoy a European atmosphere while being in China.

Also, when traveling to Macao SAR by ferry, be sure to check the seasonal and weather information in advance.