Hong Kong to Macau by road

[mel-world]

Is the freeway open yet? If not, does anyone know when it will be opening? I'd like to catch the bus from Central but I guess there will be a couple of Immigration checks so likely to take as long as the ferry.

 

[moa999]

Testing nearing completion. Late October possible but no date scheduled
Joint report on China mega bridge drill to ask Beijing for launch date

 

[Jonesaus]

I'm also in the same predicament, travelling from Hong Kong to Macau in early November. Considering the unknown opening date and no idea on how bus transfers / immigration etc will work, i just went ahead and booked the ferry tickets.

will try remember to come back and update on what i see when I'm there in November.

 

[Daver6]

The ferry is pretty painless and with several locations to arrive and depart from on each side (including air-side at HK airport) it's the way to go. Cotai Water Jet offers free wifi which isn't bad. The others might too.

 

[mel-world]

I'll take the ferry as usual in a couple of weeks. I'll report back too if I see any start dates announced.

 

[moa999]

Some of the ferries also have Boeing engines

 

[kpc]

I like the ferry....bet you the tolls to use the road won't be cheap. They have massively upgraded the ferry terminal at Taipa so I suspect the ferry owners are still expectong lots of ferry traffic!

 

[mel-world]

"Mega bridge to open to public traffic on Wednesday". The headline on Page 1 of the South China Morning Post Saturday. So October 24. Many HKG locals say they will still use the ferry as you need to clear immigration twice on the way and that will take time on the bus. Plus the bridge ends at the airport, not downtown.

 

[RooFlyer]

As mel-world noted, bridge to open next Wednesday .BBC

Note that its not an 'open road':

Can anyone drive across the bridge?
No. Those who want to cross the bridge must obtain special permits, allocated by a quota system. And all vehicles will pay a toll.

The bridge is not served by public transport, so private shuttle buses will also ply the route. There is no rail link.

Authorities initially estimated that 9,200 vehicles would cross the bridge every day. They later lowered their estimations after new transport networks were built in the region.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I like the ferry....bet you the tolls to use the road won't be cheap. They have massively upgraded the ferry terminal at Taipa so I suspect the ferry owners are still expectong lots of ferry traffic!

O
Off-topic a bit, but have they built the light rail system they wanted to built that would pickup from the airport+Ferry terminals? I used to live in Macau, but that was sometime ago.

 

[Isochronous]

O
Off-topic a bit, but have they built the light rail system they wanted to built that would pickup from the airport+Ferry terminals? I used to live in Macau, but that was sometime ago.

I believe a monorail is under construction to link the Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal, and the Cotai Strip. Don't think it is complete though.

The bridge is not really going to squeeze out the ferry operators - it is mostly for freight, and I suppose bargain basement tour groups staying at the third rate Macau hotels might get packed on to the loser cruisers (buses) but that's it.

 

[Meggsy]

Some more information here;


World's longest sea bridge opens in China, linking Hong Kong and mainland

 

[SeatBackForward]

Where does the switchover from driving on the right to left happen? I assume at one of the border crossing facilities.

 

[Virgin Bart]

Where does the switchover from driving on the right to left happen? I assume at one of the border crossing facilities.

I wouldn't be surprised if there was a flyover.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I wouldn't be surprised if there was a flyover.

A little homework on my part found this:

The authority also confirmed that the entire 42km project, including the 12km section within the Hong Kong boundary, will follow the mainland’s rule of driving on the right, saying it is to conform with the bridge’s design.
Right side of road the only way to travel on cross-border bridge

 

[Jonesaus]

As I am writing this I am on the ferry from Macau to HKIA, and I can see the bridge off to the distance. Not close enough to see any traffic on it though.

The ferry isn’t particulary busy, but I don’t think its because the bridge is open. My driver who picked me up from HKIA airport last week said he wasn’t allowed to drive on the bridge, I imagine doesn’t have the permit.

 

[ermen]

1. bridge is open
2. you can book buses from (i) downtown HKG or (ii) take the shuttle bus at the HKG and Macau customs area. To get to the latter you can take a taxi or public transport.

I haven't been out there yet - but hearing its a little bit chaotic with queues at the moment though..

Is Tung Chung a new cross-border hub? Tourist influx from bridge unwelcomed

 

[Jonesaus]

Some up close pics going under if anyone’s interested