Friendship Bridge Macau
Historic 2-way bridge connecting Macau Peninsula and Taipa, now primarily for buses, taxis, and pedestrians, offering scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Friendship Bridge Macau
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 2-way bridge connecting Macau Peninsula and Taipa, now primarily for buses, taxis, and pedestrians, offering scenic views.
"A historic link with scenic views, but be mindful of its narrow pedestrian path."
🚶♀️ Walk with Caution
The pedestrian path is narrow; be aware of buses. Consider running only if you're comfortable with close traffic.
🚌 Bus is Budget-Friendly
Buses from Hong Kong to Macau are cheaper and often more convenient than ferries.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Friendship Bridge Views
Macau side of the bridge
Experience a unique perspective of Macau's skyline and the Pearl River Delta from this historic 2-way bridge.
Pedestrian Walkway
Designated pedestrian path
Enjoy a stroll across the bridge, taking in the sea breeze and the engineering marvel. Be mindful of bus traffic.
Sunrise/Sunset Spectacle
Eastern side of the bridge
Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets painting the sky over the water, a photographer's delight.
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Access & Timing
Connecting to Macau
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk with Caution
The pedestrian path is narrow; be aware of buses. Consider running only if you're comfortable with close traffic. +1
🚌 Bus is Budget-Friendly
Buses from Hong Kong to Macau are cheaper and often more convenient than ferries.
🛄 HK Airport to Macau Direct
Take the free HZMB bus from Hong Kong Airport directly to Macau.
📸 Capture the Views
Great spot for sunrise and sunset photos. Bring your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk with Caution
The pedestrian path is narrow; be aware of buses. Consider running only if you're comfortable with close traffic. +1
🚌 Bus is Budget-Friendly
Buses from Hong Kong to Macau are cheaper and often more convenient than ferries.
🛄 HK Airport to Macau Direct
Take the free HZMB bus from Hong Kong Airport directly to Macau.
📸 Capture the Views
Great spot for sunrise and sunset photos. Bring your camera!
⏳ Factor in Wait Times
Buses can have wait times, especially at night. Plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Friendship Bridge is a historic landmark offering a unique pedestrian experience, though its narrow path requires caution. It serves as a vital link and provides scenic views, especially during sunrise and sunset. While not as grand as the HZMB, it holds sentimental value and offers a different perspective of Macau.
"The middle bridge that eligible for automobile to cross between the two islands in Macau. We first got on this bridge via the bus to our desert at Londoner. We use this bridge again when we use the taxi service back to our hotel. We did notice that using this bridge help save time but there's toll way fee at around 10 Mop"
Katethip Varanyuwatana
"Almost 3km bridge.
A narrow bridge with one lane each way.
A lovely panoramic view of Macau, Taipa, and Hengqin China.
Walking is allowed but this bridge is mainly used by public transportation."
Mary Mendoza
"Beautiful bridge built at the narrowest point between Macau and Taipa in 1970-74. This opened up the quick development of Taipa.
Due to budget constraints, inclination was maximized to reduce cost and still allow ships through, creating a slender and iconic arched body. This bridge's profile was used in the new post-handover flag of Macau.
Today, the bridge is reserved to public transport. There are two narrow sidewalks along it, which take about 20 minutes to walk through. It does allow interesting views of the city and the river, specially if walking towards Macau. Many joggers use it.
Note that the buses speeding closely might be uncomfortable and there are no facilities along it.
The bridge, departing from the hills of Taipa Pequena (where the tail is the sculpture panel) is said to be a dragon that crosses the river and which energy is gathered in the Ferreira do Amaral roundabout (with a fountain at the bottom), right at the entrance of the Old Lisboa Casino (and later, the Grand Lisboa and also Wynn Macau). An interesting fengshui detail, a science which seems to conduct so much of this gambling city's urban development."
João Xavier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You have two main options: the ferry (Turbojet) or the bus via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB). Buses are generally cheaper and more convenient, especially if you're coming from Hong Kong International Airport. +2
Yes, you can take the free HZMB bus (like the B6) from Hong Kong International Airport directly to Macau. This is a convenient option if you don't want to go through Hong Kong immigration. +1
The bus is typically more affordable and can be more convenient, especially with luggage. The ferry offers more legroom and a scenic sea view, but can be more expensive.
Travel time varies. The bus journey via the HZMB can take around 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and wait times. Ferry journeys are generally around an hour.
While the bridge itself is a toll road, there are free shuttle buses from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau. Some casinos also offer free shuttle services within Macau. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Many nationalities, including Singaporeans and Malaysians, do not need a visa for short stays in Macau. Always check the latest visa requirements for your specific nationality before traveling.
The Friendship Bridge is generally accessible 24/7 for authorized vehicles. Pedestrian access might have specific hours, so it's best to check locally if you plan a late-night walk.
There is no direct entrance fee for pedestrians or cyclists to use the Friendship Bridge. However, tolls apply for vehicles using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
Yes, you can walk across the Friendship Bridge. There is a designated pedestrian path, but it is quite narrow and buses pass by closely. +1
The speed limit on the Friendship Bridge is reportedly 40 km/h for vehicles.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset offer the best light for photography. The bridge is also beautifully lit at night.
The Macau side offers great views of the city skyline. The center arch and the approach to the bridge also make for interesting shots.
Yes, you can take photos from the bus as it travels across the HZMB, offering panoramic views of the Pearl River Delta.
Generally, casual photography is allowed. However, avoid using tripods or professional equipment that might obstruct traffic or pedestrian flow.
Expect scenic shots of the sea, the bridge's architecture, passing ferries, and the Macau skyline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While walking the Friendship Bridge is possible, it might be less ideal for very young children due to the narrow path and close traffic. Opting for free shuttle buses within Macau can help manage energy levels and keep costs down.
💰 Budget Travelers
Once in Macau, focus on free attractions like Senado Square, the Ruins of St. Paul's, and exploring the themed resorts. Utilize free casino shuttle buses to get around the Cotai Strip and other areas, saving on taxi or public transport fares.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB)
While the bus is a popular choice, some travelers prefer the Turbojet ferry for its comfort and sea views, though it can be more expensive. If you opt for the bus, be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours or late at night. Booking tickets for attractions and transport in advance through platforms like Klook can often secure discounts.
Walking the Friendship Bridge: A Traveler's Perspective
Despite these considerations, many still enjoy walking or even light jogging across the bridge, especially during sunrise or sunset for the scenic views. It's advisable to stick to the side facing oncoming traffic for a slightly better sense of space. The bridge provides a different perspective of Macau compared to the modern HZMB.
Budget Travel Tips for Macau
Beyond transportation, Macau offers numerous free attractions. The Ruins of St. Paul's, Senado Square, and many of the themed resorts (like The Venetian and Parisian) can be explored without an entry fee. Utilizing free casino shuttle buses can also help you navigate between different parts of the city efficiently.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit