Macau is a small territory, so airport transfers are short and affordable. Here is what you will actually pay in 2026.
Distance and travel time
MFM airport sits on Taipa Island. The Cotai Strip with its casino resorts is just 3-5 km away, about 5-10 minutes by car. Macau Peninsula, including the historic center and older hotels, is 8-12 km away, taking 15-20 minutes. Traffic is generally manageable, though it thickens around the Cotai area on weekends and holidays.
Cost by transport type
Taxi: Macau taxi fares start at MOP 19 for the first 1.6 km, then MOP 2 per 260 meters. A trip to the Cotai Strip runs about MOP 40-60 ($5-8 USD). To Macau Peninsula, expect MOP 70-100 ($9-13 USD). There is a MOP 3 surcharge per bag placed in the trunk, and a MOP 5 surcharge for airport pickups between midnight and 6 AM.
Free casino shuttle: No cost. If you are staying at The Venetian, Galaxy Macau, Parisian, City of Dreams, Wynn Palace, Studio City, or Grand Lisboa Palace, the shuttle is the obvious choice. Buses depart every 10-20 minutes.
Public bus: MOP 4.20 per ride (about $0.50 USD). Route AP1 goes to the main border gate area. MT4 covers several stops on the Peninsula. You need exact change or a Macau Pass stored-value card.
Private transfer sedan: $15-25 USD flat rate. Door-to-door, driver waiting at arrivals. Best if your hotel lacks a shuttle or you prefer personal service.
Private transfer minivan: $25-35 USD. Good for groups or families with heavy luggage.
Light Rail (LRT): MOP 6-10 depending on the distance. Connects the airport area to Cotai and the ferry terminal.
Cost by destination
- Cotai Strip resorts: Free (shuttle), MOP 40-60 (taxi), $15-20 (transfer)
- Taipa Village: MOP 30-40 (taxi), $15 (transfer)
- Macau Peninsula / Senado Square area: MOP 70-90 (taxi), $20-30 (transfer)
- Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal: MOP 60-80 (taxi), $18-25 (transfer)
- Hengqin (Zhuhai border): MOP 50-70 (taxi), $18-25 (transfer)
Currency tips
Macau uses the Pataca (MOP), but Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are accepted everywhere at a 1:1 rate. If you are coming from Hong Kong, you do not need to exchange money -- your HKD works fine. ATMs at the airport dispense MOP and some offer HKD. Most casino resorts also exchange currency.
When free is not the best option
Casino shuttles are free but come with tradeoffs. You wait for the next departure, the bus makes stops, and you share the ride with dozens of other passengers. If you arrive late at night, the shuttle may have stopped running. For a family with tired children and heavy luggage, spending $15-25 on a transfer that takes you directly to your hotel entrance is often worth the small cost.