⚠️ Timetables, prices and access conditions may change without notice, for reasons beyond our control (season, weather, decisions by operators, venues or local authorities). Before every trip, check the information with the relevant authorities and service providers.
Direct flights to Hong Kong, about 12 to 13 hours from Paris; Hong Kong is the natural gateway to Macao.
Official websitecathaypacific.com→Direct flight Paris-Charles de Gaulle–Hong Kong, then ferry or bus to Macao.
Official websiteairfrance.fr→In 2026, the Macao Government Tourism Office offers international travellers a free one-way bus ride, subject to availability, from the transit area of Hong Kong airport to Macao over the bridge, without clearing Hong Kong immigration.
Official websitegcs.gov.mo→Up-to-date entry requirements: EU and Schengen citizens are exempt from visas for 90 days, with a valid passport.
Official websitemacaotourism.gov.mo→How long does it take to get to Macao?
Allow about 12 to 13 hours’ flying time between Paris and Hong Kong, then one hour by ferry or bus. Including the connection, plan on 15 to 17 hours door to door.
| Route | Duration | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Paris → Hong Kong | ≈ 12 to 13 h | Direct flight, Air France or Cathay Pacific |
| Hong Kong (Sheung Wan) → Macao | ≈ 1 h | TurboJET or Cotai Water Jet ferry |
| Hong Kong airport → Macao | ≈ 45 min to 1 h | Bus over the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge |
| Singapore, Bangkok or Taipei → Macao | ≈ 1 h 30 to 4 h | Flight to Macao airport (Taipa) |
The free bus in 2026
Until 31 December 2026, the Macao Government Tourism Office and Macau HK Airport Direct offer a free one-way bus ride to international travellers arriving at Hong Kong airport, subject to a quota. The bus leaves from the transit area (SkyPier terminal) and reaches Macao over the bridge without entering Hong Kong: handy with luggage.
Entry and arrival
EU and Schengen citizens can enter Macao visa-free for up to 90 days. Hong Kong also allows visa-free short stays for many nationalities. If you continue to mainland China (Zhuhai, Hengqin), Chinese rules apply. Check the rules for your nationality. The pataca is the local currency, but Hong Kong dollars are accepted everywhere at par.
When to go?
October and November are the most pleasant months. From May to September it is hot and humid, and ferries stop from typhoon signal no. 3. Book early for the Grand Prix (November) and Chinese holidays.
Are there direct flights from Europe?
No: no direct flights link Europe and Macao. The easiest way is to fly to Hong Kong, then take the ferry or the bus over the bridge.
How do I get from Hong Kong airport to Macao?
By bus over the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (free in 2026 for international travellers, from the transit area, subject to availability), or by shuttle to the bridge terminal, then the golden HZMB bus (about 65 patacas).
Do I need a visa?
Not for EU and Schengen citizens: 90 days visa-free in Macao. The rules are separate from those of mainland China.
How much is the ferry from Hong Kong?
Allow about HK$190 to HK$240 one way in economy class depending on the day and time, for a crossing of about one hour.
There are no direct flights between Europe and Macao. The easiest way is to take a direct flight to Hong Kong, then continue to Macao by ferry or by bus over the bridge. Macao airport, on Taipa, can also be reached with a stopover in Asia (Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, Beijing or Shanghai).
Header photo: Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge — N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons