Macau international airport is on Taipa's east coast. Airport buses travel between the airport and major hotels on Taipa and the Macau Peninsula (every 15 minutes, US$0.80), and taxis meet all incoming flights (US$5).

Two bridges connect Macau to Taipa. The longest one (Friendship Bridge) leads directly to Macau International Airport located on the Island of Taipa. The islands are connected by a causeway which is 2.2 km long.The new Lotus Flower Bridge connects Taipa to the Chinese mainland and meets the Guangzhou-Zhuhai highway.

Besides the Barrier Gate (Portas do Cerco), the visitor can access Mainland China through the COTAI Frontier Post. Immigration and Customs are located in the reclaimed area between the islands of Taipa and Coloane.

Being such a tiny place, everywhere is within walking distance, and some places are only accessible by foot. So be sure to wear comfortable shoes while you are here and get a free tourist map from the Tourism Office on your arrival.. And if you get tired, you can try the cheap taxis.

Otherwise, hop onto one of the many buses - some important bus interchanges include the Jetfoil Terminal (referred to as Nova Terminal), the Hotel Lisboa, Almeida Ribeiro, Barra (near the A-Ma Temple), Praa Ponte e Horta (near the Guangzhou Ferry Pier on the inner harbour), Barra (near the Maritime Museum on the inner harbour), the Barrier Gate (referred to as Porto do Cerco) and the islands Taipa and Coloane. As in Hong Kong, change is not given on buses, but fares are low. There are two main bus companies, and some useful routes include:

Taxis

There are plenty of taxis, the flagfall charge is MOP$10.00 and each subsequent 200M is MOP$1.00. The taxi operate 24-hours a day and you can find them easily on the main streets. There are 2 types, the yellow cab and the black taxi. The fares for them are the same.

Besides normal taxis (black with cream roof), there is also radio-taxi-service – tel. (853) 939939 or (853) 519519 (yellow taxis).

There is no surcharge between Macau and Taipa island, but between Taipa and Coloane, a MOP$2.00 surcharge applies. Between Macau and Coloane there is a MOP$5.00 surcharge. Moreover there is a MOP$3.00 surcharge for each piece of luggage carried in the boot.

Be advised that most of the taxi drivers do not understand English, do prepare your destination in Chinese or have the pronunciation of it already. When used together with a map, this guide will reduce many of the usual misunderstandings.

Bus

Buses are the cheapest and most convenient way to get around in Macau.

Macau has an efficient bus service, not only in the city but also in the islands. Visitors can look for the destinations, itineraries and stops in the information panels located at every bus stop. All the buses have air conditioning. Between Macau and Taipa visitors can catch buses 11, 22, 28A, 30, 33, 34 and also the airport bus AP1. Buses 21, 21A, 25, 26, and 26A connect Macau, Taipa and Coloane.

There are two bus operators in Macau, TCM and TransMacau. Their routes can get you to most places here, the schedule is quite frequent and operate from 7:00 am till midnight. Be sure to get a map and a bus route from the Tourism office on your arrival, it would be essential to decide which bus to get on.

For journeys on Macau peninsula there is a flat fare at MOP$2.50. If you travel to Taipa, it costs MOP$3.30 and if your destination is Coloane village MOP$5.00. If you go to Hác Sá you will pay MOP$5.00.

Pedicab

Pedicabs, tricycle carriage for 2 passengers, are truly a Macau special. They offer a slow relaxing way to tour Macau, which cost MOP$80-100 per hour, an expensive way to tour Macau.

Be sure to negotiate and settle the price before you start on your Journey.

You can find Pedicab at The Macau Maritime Terminal and Hotel Lisboa Main Entrance.

Cycling

If you have the time and interest, you can rent a bicycle to travel between Taipa and Coloane. You can enjoy the scenic ride while work off the weight you gained during your travel in Hong Kong and Macau. The hourly rental fee is MOP$10-15.

Note that you are not allowed to cycle over the causeway from the mainland to Taipa. Rent at Largo Camoes, Taipa Village.

Car

This is one of the more convenient ways to get to Taipa and Coloane Island. You will be required to provide your ID or passport, valid driving licence (or international driving licence for some countries), a credit card for deposit and be 21 years of age.

But be warned, Macau's streets are tight and narrow, with motorbikes zip zap through the traffic,It could be rather dangerous to drive here. Another problem with driving is that it is difficult to find parking in Macau. Be sure to ask for the pay park lot locations when you rent a car.

There are two companies operating in Macau:

Avis-Rent-a-Car (located in the car park of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel - Tel: (853) 336789; 701786 / Fax: (853) 314112; information or reservations in Hong Kong - Tel: (852) 25766831) and Happy Mokes (office in Macau Ferry Terminal / Arrivals, room 1025 - Tel: (853) 439393; 726868; Fax: (853)726888.

Helicopter Flight
East Asia Airlines
Tel: Macau (853) 727 288, Hong Kong (852) 2559 9800

Harbour Cruise
The Maritime Museum offers 30 minutes harbour cruise departing daily at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm.
Reservation Tel: (853)595-481