How to get from Macau International Airport to Senado Square
China · Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Urban & Cultural · Macau · Macau International Airport · Senado Square
Macau International Airport (MFM) to Senado Square is a short hop across Taipa and the bridge into the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre; you can go by fast taxi or private transfer, cheap public bus, Macau LRT plus a short walk, or even free hotel shuttles—this guide compares each option with real-world times, rough costs and simple steps so you can be in the square in under an hour.
At A Glance (Macau International Airport to Senado Square)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi / Private Transfer (Airport → Senado Square) | ~15–25 minutes door-to-door | Fastest, late arrivals, luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~MOP 90–130 per car (metered taxi, incl. airport surcharge) or fixed-fare transfers ~MOP 130–220 per car on Welcome Pickups | GetYourGuide transfers | Trip.com transfers | ||
| 🚈 Macau LRT + Short Walk/Bus | ~25–40 minutes (incl. transfer/walk) | Light packers, easy navigation, mild sightseeing |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~MOP 6–10 for LRT + optional MOP 6 bus; use Macau Pass or cash, or prebook city tours around Senado on GetYourGuide | ||
| 🚌 Public Bus (51A + 26A / MT1 + Walk) | ~30–50 minutes including waits | Cheapest option, backpackers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~MOP 12 (two rides at MOP 6 each, exact cash or Macau Pass) with routes listed on Macau Airport public transport | ||
| 🚌 Hotel / Casino Shuttle + Walk/Taxi | ~30–45 minutes (incl. connections) | Guests of big resorts, budget-conscious |
| 🏷️ Cost: Free shuttle for hotel guests, then ~MOP 6–40 for onward bus or taxi; check resort schedules such as the Venetian Macao shuttle guide | ||
| ⛴️ Onward Ferry / Bus to Hong Kong (Bonus) | ~1–1.5 hours from Macau piers | Continuing to Hong Kong after sightseeing |
| 🏷️ Cost: Ferries from ~HKD 175 one-way; compare cross-border ferries and buses on 12Go Hong Kong–Macau | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Taxi or private transfer straight from the airport taxi rank to the streets around Senado Square.
- Cheapest: The public bus combo via 51A + 26A or MT1 plus a short walk is the lowest-cost choice if you pack light.
- Most Scenic / Flexible: Take the Macau LRT to Barra and then walk through the Historic Centre to Senado Square, or add a short bus hop.
- Best If Staying on Cotai: Use your resort’s free hotel or casino shuttle from the airport, then continue by bus or taxi to Senado.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Sort flights and hotels first: If you still need to book your trip into Macau, compare flights and hotels around Taipa and the Historic Centre with Booking.com Flights and stays near Senado Square on Booking.com hotels.
- Prebook private transfers in peak periods: During weekends and holidays, taxi lines can be long. Lock in a car or van in advance on Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, Klook airport transfers, or Trip.com transport options.
- Using public buses: Most airport buses have a flat fare of MOP 6 per ride; prepare exact change or tap a Macau Pass card. Routes and live information are available on the Macau Airport public bus page and the city’s operators’ sites.
- Using the Macau LRT: The Taipa Line links the airport to Barra on the Macau Peninsula. Single rides usually cost MOP 6–10 depending on distance; check maps and fares on the official Macao Light Rapid Transit site.
- Ride-hailing apps: App-based ride-hailing (like Uber/Grab) is not widely available or officially operated in Macau at the moment; rely instead on regular taxis or prebooked services such as Welcome Pickups and GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: If you want to explore luggage-free before check-in, the airport has 24-hour left luggage, or you can stash bags near the city centre through Radical Storage Macau.
- Plan onward ferries/buses: For same-day side trips to Hong Kong or onward travel, compare ferries and cross-border buses on 12Go Macau–Hong Kong.
🚕 Option #1 — Taxi / Private Transfer (Fastest, Most Direct)
Fast Door-to-door Most comfortable
- Overview: Metered taxis and private cars wait just outside Arrivals. It is a quick drive over the bridge to the Macau Peninsula and drop-off on or near Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, a short walk from Senado Square.
- How to book (with price): Standard taxis from Macau International Airport usually cost around MOP 90–130 to Senado Square, including the MOP 8 airport surcharge and small luggage fees. To skip queues and secure a fixed fare, prebook with Welcome Pickups airport taxi, GetYourGuide private transfer, GetTransfer Macau Airport→City, or a car on Klook private airport transfer.
- Pros: Fastest and simplest; 24/7 availability; ideal with luggage or kids. Cons: Higher cost than buses; short queues possible at peak times.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Private Transfer
- After customs, follow the Taxi / Ground Transport signs towards the north exit of the terminal.
- For a metered taxi, join the official taxi rank line; show the driver your hotel name or “Senado Square” written in Chinese/Portuguese.
- If you prebooked with Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer or a GetYourGuide transfer, look for your name sign at Arrivals and meet your driver.
- Confirm the destination as Senado Square / Largo do Senado. Many drivers will drop you on nearby Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro to avoid congestion.
- Pay in cash (MOP, or sometimes HKD) or as agreed in your booking; tipping is not expected but rounding up is common.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Taxi Rank / Private Pickup)
- Taxi rank location: Directly outside the Arrivals hall at Macau International Airport; just follow the taxi icons after exiting customs.
- Meeting points for private transfers: Most services meet you in the Arrivals hall holding a name sign; some apps share the exact spot in your confirmation email or voucher.
- Payment tips: Keep small bills for surcharges and luggage; if using a private transfer, everything is prepaid online via providers such as Trip.com transfers or Klook.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Public Bus (Cheapest, Local Experience)
Very low cost Frequent daytime Transfers required
- Overview: Public buses connect the airport on Taipa to the historic centre with one easy transfer. A common route is bus 51A (airport → Baia N. S. Esperança / Istmo) then 26A to the Almeida Ribeiro / OCBC stop, which is right by Senado Square.
- How to book (with price): No booking—just board and pay the driver. Each leg is typically MOP 6, so expect around MOP 12 total. Exact coins are required if you pay cash, or tap a contactless Macau Pass card for discounted fares.
- Pros: Cheapest way to reach Senado; frequent departures; good for solo or budget travellers. Cons: Can be crowded; limited luggage space; requires a transfer and some navigation.
Step-by-step: Public Bus
- After exiting customs, follow signs to Public Buses. The stops are just outside the terminal; look for yellow or white buses marked with route numbers like 51A or MT1.
- Board bus 51A toward Baia N. S. Esperança / Istmo or bus MT1 toward the Macau Peninsula. Drop your exact fare in the box or tap your Macau Pass when boarding.
- At the transfer stop (e.g., Baia N. S. Esperança or a central hub like Praça Ferreira Amaral), change to bus 26A or another route heading along Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro.
- Get off at Almeida Ribeiro / OCBC or any stop clearly labelled “Senado” or “Largo do Senado”. From there, follow the pedestrian signs into the square (2–3 minutes on foot).
- For late-night arrivals, check that your chosen routes still operate; otherwise use a taxi or private transfer option.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Stops)
- Airport bus bays: Located right outside the terminal on Avenida Wai Long; look for route listings including AP1, MT1, MT4, 26, 36, 51A.
- Tickets & payment: No tickets in advance—pay onboard with exact coins or a Macau Pass card, which you can buy and top up at convenience stores and some stations.
- Planning routes: Check the latest airport bus list on the Macau Airport public transport page and Macau bus operator sites before you land.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚈 Option #3 — Macau LRT + Short Walk/Bus (Easy & Scenic)
Simple route Scenic One transfer
- Overview: The Taipa Line of the Macao Light Rapid Transit (LRT) has an Airport Station. Ride the train across to Barra Station on the Macau Peninsula, then either walk 10–15 minutes or hop on a short bus ride to Senado Square.
- How to book (with price): Tickets are bought at the station on arrival; fares for this journey usually fall between MOP 6–10 depending on the number of stations. Add a short bus ride (~MOP 6) if you prefer not to walk. For maps, timetables and fare tables, see the official Macao LRT website.
- Pros: Clear signage in English, Chinese and Portuguese; avoids road traffic; good for light luggage. Cons: Limited operating hours; requires a walk or bus connection at Barra.
Step-by-step: Macau LRT + Walk/Bus
- From Arrivals, follow signs to LRT Airport Station via the covered passage at the north exit of the terminal.
- Purchase an LRT single-journey ticket or use a smartcard at the ticket machines or counter. Select your destination as Barra Station.
- Ride the Taipa Line from Airport toward Barra, staying on until the final stop. Enjoy views of Taipa and bridges along the way.
- At Barra Station, exit following signs for the Historic Centre / Almeida Ribeiro. From here, either walk uphill through the old streets (about 10–15 minutes) or catch a short bus (routes like 10, 10A, 18) toward Senado Square.
- Arrive at or near Senado Square, then continue on foot to explore the nearby Leal Senado Building, Ruins of St. Paul’s, and side streets.
Getting to the main embarking points (LRT Airport & Barra Stations)
- Airport Station entrance: Connected directly to the terminal via the north exit walkway; just follow the LRT signs after baggage claim.
- Tickets & cards: You can use single-journey tokens or contactless cards. The same Macau Pass can also work on LRT gates.
- Barra Station connections: Bus stops outside serve routes into the Historic Centre; walking is also easy with clear tourist signs toward Senado Square.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #4 — Hotel / Casino Shuttle + Walk or Taxi (Great for Resort Guests)
Free for guests Frequent Extra connection
- Overview: Many large hotels and casino resorts (Venetian, Parisian, Londoner, Sands, etc.) operate complimentary shuttle buses from Macau Airport to their properties. From Cotai or the Outer Harbour area, you can then take a bus or short taxi to Senado Square.
- How to book (with price): In most cases these shuttles are free for hotel guests and sometimes even walk-in visitors. Check the schedule for your resort, for example the Venetian Macao shuttle timetable. Budget separately for a taxi (~MOP 40–60) or bus (~MOP 6) from the resort to Senado.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly for hotel guests; comfortable coaches; links major hubs like ferry terminals and border gates. Cons: Indirect to Senado; you must match your timing to shuttle schedules; not ideal with very tight schedules.
Step-by-step: Hotel / Casino Shuttle
- Before you fly, confirm whether your hotel or preferred resort offers a free airport shuttle and note the operating hours and pickup bay.
- On arrival, follow signs to the Hotel Shuttles area in the airport parking lot. Look for buses branded with names like The Venetian, The Parisian, Londoner Macao, or other resorts.
- Board the appropriate shuttle (your luggage is stored in the luggage bays) and ride to your resort on Cotai or the Macau Peninsula.
- From your resort, continue to Senado Square by public bus (routes heading to Praça Ferreira Amaral / Almeida Ribeiro) or by metered taxi.
- After sightseeing, you can return to your resort using the same bus/taxi combination, then transfer back to the airport by shuttle if you are flying out later.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Shuttle Bays / Resorts)
- Airport shuttle area: Just outside the north exit of the terminal; resort shuttles line up with clear destination boards.
- Resort locations: Major Cotai resorts cluster around the Cotai Strip; from there, you can reach central Macau by taxi or public bus in around 15–25 minutes.
- Schedule checks: Timetables are usually listed on each hotel’s website—look under “Transportation” or “Shuttle Bus” pages.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
⛴️ Bonus — Onward to / from Hong Kong (Ferries & Buses)
Regional connections Flexible Separate ticket
- Overview: Many travellers combine a flight into Macau with onward travel to Hong Kong. From Senado Square it is a short taxi or bus ride to the Outer Harbour or Taipa ferry terminals, where fast ferries run to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
- How to book (with price): Ferries typically take about 1 hour and start from around HKD 175–200 one-way. You can compare ferry companies and times on 12Go Macau→Hong Kong, or book specific sailings directly on operators like TurboJET or Cotai Water Jet.
- Pros: Seamless way to connect Macau sightseeing with Hong Kong; frequent departures. Cons: Separate ticket and immigration formalities; seas can be choppy on windy days.
FAQ (Macau International Airport to Senado Square)
How long does it take to get from the airport to Senado Square?
Most travellers take about 15–25 minutes by taxi or private transfer, and around 30–40 minutes using LRT + walk or the public bus combo, depending on traffic and waiting times.
What is the cheapest way to reach Senado Square?
The cheapest option is the public bus, using bus 51A plus 26A (or MT1 plus a central bus) for about MOP 12 total. It is very affordable but less convenient with heavy luggage.
Is there a direct bus or train from the airport to Senado Square?
There is no single-seat bus or train that drops you exactly at Senado Square. Buses from the airport require one transfer or a short walk from Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, and the LRT requires a connection or walk from Barra Station.
Are taxis and private transfers available late at night?
Yes. The airport taxi rank operates 24/7, and prebooked private transfer services usually monitor flight delays and adjust pickup times. Public buses and shuttles, however, have limited late-night schedules.
Can I store my luggage somewhere if I visit Senado Square between flights?
Yes. Macau International Airport has a 24-hour left-luggage counter, and there are third-party luggage storage options around Macau city. You can also prebook a spot near the centre through Radical Storage if you prefer to leave your bags closer to Senado Square rather than at the airport.