Cotai Water Jet Ferry — Complete Ticket Guide
The fastest Hong Kong–Macau ferry — 60 minutes direct to Cotai. Klook from HK$165, HK$10 cheaper than at the gate. 70+ daily sailings, 06:30 to 22:30.
Quick Summary
| Economy (weekday / weekend / night) | HK$175 / 195 / 215 |
|---|---|
| Cotai First | HK$295 |
| VIP cabin (4 pax) | HK$380 |
| Klook deal | From HK$165 (save HK$10–30) |
| Crossing | 55–60 minutes |
| Schedule | 70+ daily, every 30 min between 06:30–22:30 |
| Macau arrival | Cotai Temporary Ferry Terminal (5 min from The Venetian) |
1. Why Choose Cotai Water Jet
Cotai Water Jet is operated by Melco Resorts, launched in 2007, and is one of the two main Hong Kong–Macau ferry operators (the other is TurboJet). The big distinguishing feature is docking in Cotai — Macau's hotel and entertainment hub (The Venetian, Studio City, City of Dreams, Wynn Palace are all here). It's a 5-minute walk from the terminal to most of these hotels, saving you 30 minutes of city bus.
Versus TurboJet (which docks at the Macau Peninsula Outer Harbour, near the Ruins of St. Paul's and Grand Lisboa): if your destination is Cotai → Cotai Jet; if it's the Macau Peninsula → TurboJet. Speed and price are roughly equal — let your destination decide.
2. Three Operator Comparison
| Operator | HK departure | Macau arrival | Crossing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotai Water Jet | Sheung Wan + TST | Cotai | 60 min | HK$175 |
| TurboJet | Sheung Wan | Outer Harbour + Taipa | 55 min | HK$175 |
| HZMB cross-border bus | Hong Kong Island / Kowloon | Macau Peninsula | 60–90 min | HK$65 |
3. Cabin Class Selection
- Economy: 3-2 layout, like a plane economy seat. HK$175. Fine for 80% of passengers.
- Cotai First: 2-2 wide seats + table + drinks + priority boarding. HK$295. Good for business travel and seniors.
- VIP Cabin: 4-seat private cabin + refreshments + private service. HK$380/pp (4 pax min). Ideal for families and business hosting.
Take note: Economy is genuinely fine — it's only a 60-minute trip. Coming off a long-haul flight and going straight to Macau? Cotai First lets you nap for 30 minutes — worth it then.
4. Boarding Process
- Arrive at Sheung Wan terminal: MTR Sheung Wan Exit D, direct.
- 30–45 minutes early (more during peak immigration).
- Collect ticket: Klook orders need a paper-ticket swap at the Cotai Jet counter using the QR code.
- Hong Kong exit immigration: passport / Home Return Permit / HKID accepted. 10–30 minutes.
- Boarding gate: gates close 15 minutes before sailing.
- 60 minutes on board: video, duty-free, nap.
- Arrive Cotai, Macau immigration (10–20 minutes).
- Free shuttles to The Venetian, Studio City, Wynn Palace, etc.
Holiday note: during Spring Festival, Easter, Christmas and Mainland Golden Weeks, immigration can stretch to 90 minutes. Add another 30 minutes of buffer.
5. Best Times
- Before 08:00: lightest crowds, immigration under 10 minutes.
- 14:00–17:00: peak, immigration 30+ minutes.
- After 21:00: quieter, but only one sailing per hour.
- Avoid: Saturday morning 10:00–12:00 — immigration up to 60 minutes.
6. Practical Tips
- Bring: original passport / Home Return Permit (digital copies not accepted).
- Luggage: 23 kg + 1 carry-on per person; excess is charged.
- Seasickness: choppy in 8+ Beaufort winds. Pack motion sickness pills. Rear seats are calmer than front.
- Not allowed: fruit, meat, seeds (Macau customs strict).
- Alipay / WeChat Pay: widely accepted in Macau, but small shops still take only MOP or HKD.
- Changes / refunds: Klook tickets refundable up to 24 h ahead. Direct-booked tickets are non-refundable.
7. How to Save Money
- Klook in advance: save HK$10–30;
- Pick a weekday: HK$20 cheaper than weekend;
- Avoid night sailings: post-22:00 sailings cost HK$40 more;
- Round-trip ticket: usually 5% off;
- Infants under 2: free (still need a seat reservation);
- HZMB cross-border bus: HK$65 saves HK$110 vs the ferry, but +30 min.
8. Combine With Other Activities — Hong Kong–Macau Day Trip
- 07:00 Sheung Wan terminal, ticket pickup + immigration;
- 08:00 sailing;
- 09:00 arrive Cotai;
- 09:30–11:30: The Venetian + gondola ride;
- 11:30–13:30: lunch + Grand Canal Shoppes;
- 14:00 bus to Macau Peninsula: Ruins of St. Paul's, A-Ma Temple, Senado Square;
- 17:00 Lisboa / Wynn for the fountain show;
- 19:00 dinner;
- 20:30 ferry back to HK;
- 21:30 arrive Sheung Wan.
9. Cross-Border Notes
- Mainland residents: need a HK/Macau travel permit + endorsement.
- Foreign passports: visa-free 30 days (Macau) / 90 days (Hong Kong, varies by nationality).
- Filipino / Indonesian domestic helpers: 14–30 days visa-free in Macau, 14 days in Hong Kong.
- Cold or fever: Macau may require a doctor's note.
- Strollers: allowed on board; fold for immigration.
10. Why Book Through Us
- HK$10–30 cheaper than the gate;
- Scan QR at the counter to swap for a paper ticket;
- 90-day flexible validity;
- Free cancellation up to 24 h ahead;
- Multi-currency checkout (HKD / CNY / USD).