China, August 2026 – Macau is continuing to develop its cross-border transport network, with the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system positioned to connect more closely with Hengqin and the wider mainland railway network. The Hengqin Line already provides a direct rail connection between Macau and Hengqin, supporting the integration of local urban transit with cross-border travel.
The 2.2-km Hengqin Line links the LRT network at Lotus Station in Cotai with Hengqin Station at the Hengqin checkpoint. The line includes an approximately 900-metre underground section and enables passengers to access the cross-border checkpoint by rail. The connection also provides an interchange point with the broader regional railway network serving Zhuhai and the Greater Bay Area.
For the rail sector, the development demonstrates the growing importance of integrating urban rapid transit with cross-border and intercity rail services. Hengqin Port has experienced strong passenger growth, recording an average of about 98,000 passenger crossings per day between January and August 15, 2026, nearly four times the level recorded at the former Lotus Bridge checkpoint in 2019.
The expansion also supports longer-term plans to create a more interconnected regional transport system across Macau, Hengqin and the wider Guangdong area. Connecting the LRT with intercity and high-speed railway services can provide passengers with additional transfer options while strengthening access between residential, commercial, tourism and employment centres.
The development reflects a broader trend towards cross-border rail integration in the Greater Bay Area, where transport planning increasingly extends beyond individual cities and jurisdictions. For Macau, improving LRT connections with Hengqin and the mainland railway network could strengthen the role of rail as part of a wider regional mobility system and support continued growth in cross-border travel.
Source: Macau Daily Times
Macau Expands LRT Links With Hengqin And Regional Rail Network
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Cross-border rail integration is becoming increasingly important across the Greater Bay Area as Macau, Zhuhai and neighbouring cities strengthen connections between urban transit and intercity railway networks. Macau is advancing plans to extend its Light Rapid Transit system towards Hengqin and improve links with major regional transport hubs.
