The formation of foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques is closely related to the cholesterol transport of macrophages, which is an important process in reverse cholesterol transport. The cholesterol transport is key procedure for eliminating excess cholesterol from peripheral tissue, maintaining cholesterol homeostasis and delaying the development of atherosclerosis. The cholesterol transport of macrophages is mediated by multiple proteins, such as ATP binding cassette transporter A1/G1, apolipoprotein A-Ⅰ, cholesteroyl ester transfer protein and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase. This review focuses on the current views on cholesterol transport process in macrophages and various functions of transporter proteins, in order to provide the new therapeutic ways for atherosclerosis-related diseases.