Mozambique offers pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich Portuguese-African culture along Africa's southeastern coast. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilha de Moçambique to the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago, this tropical paradise combines world-class diving, fresh seafood, and warm hospitality in one of Africa's most underrated destinations.
- Public
- Chapas (shared minibuses) are the main public transport - extremely cheap ($0.25-0.50/ride) but crowded and slow. No metro or formal bus network in Maputo. Not recommended for tourists with luggage.
- Taxi
- Uber and Bolt available in Maputo and relatively reliable. Traditional metered taxis in other cities require price negotiation before departure. Always agree on price first.
- Rental
- Car rental viable for Maputo and longer trips but 4x4 essential for beach destinations including Tofo, Ponta do Ouro, and Pomene. Rent from Avis, Europcar, or Hertz at Maputo Airport.
- Walking
- Maputo's low-lying Baixa area is walkable for short trips but heat and safety considerations limit long walks. Beach destinations like Tofo and Vilanculos are walk-everywhere towns.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Registered taxi - $15-20 (30 minutes)
- Shuttle
- Uber/Bolt rideshare - $8-12
- Bus
- Hotel shuttle - arranged in advance
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Limited formal bus service in Maputo. Main transport is chapas (minibus taxis)
- Cost
- Chapas: $0.25-0.50 per ride within cities
- Routes
- Extensive chapa network covering all neighborhoods
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, tuk_tuk, bicycle
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- $2-3
- Apps
- Uber (Maputo only), Bolt (Maputo only)
- App Names
- Uber (Maputo only), Bolt (Maputo only)
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Main intercity transport. Companies include Intercape, Panthera Azul, Nagi, TSL
Routes: Maputo to Johannesburg (SA) - $35-45 (Intercape, 8 hours), Maputo to Tofo/Inhambane - $15-20 (8-9 hours), Maputo to Vilanculos - $25-35 (10-12 hours), Maputo to Xai-Xai - $8-12 (3-4 hours), Maputo to Ponta do Ouro - $10-15 (4 hours)
Cost: $5-45 depending on distance and company
- Booking
- Online for Intercape, at terminals for local companies
Companies
- Intercape
- Premium service to South Africa, advance booking recommended
- Panthera azul
- Good domestic routes, air-conditioned
- Nagi
- Budget option, frequent departures
- Tsl
- Reliable for southern routes
Flights
Routes: Maputo to Vilanculos - $120-200 (1.5 hours), Maputo to Pemba - $180-280 (2.5 hours), Maputo to Inhambane - $100-150 (1 hour), Maputo to Beira - $120-200 (1.5 hours), Maputo to Nampula - $150-250 (2 hours)
Cost: $100-300 depending on route and advance booking
- Airlines
- LAM (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique)
- Airlink
- Booking
- Through airline websites or travel agents, book early for better prices
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Maputo International Airport (Aeroporto Internacional de Maputo)
From centre: 8 km northwest of city center
Options: Registered taxi - $15-20 (30 minutes); Uber/Bolt rideshare - $8-12; Hotel shuttle - arranged in advance; Private transfer - $20-30 pre-booked
Vilanculos Airport
From centre: 3 km from town center
Options: Taxi - $5-8; Hotel pickup - arranged with accommodation; Walking - 30-40 minutes with light luggage
Pemba International Airport
From centre: 5 km from Pemba city
Options: Taxi - $8-12; Hotel transfer - pre-arranged; Charter flights to Quirimbas islands
Inhambane Airport
From centre: 2 km from Inhambane town
Options: Taxi - $5-8 to town; Chapa to Tofo - $2-3 (shared minibus); Private transfer to Tofo - $15-20
Nampula Airport
From centre: 4 km from city center
Options: Taxi - $5-10; Hotel pickup available
Beira Airport
From centre: 10 km from city center
Options: Taxi - $10-15; Hotel transfer - pre-booked
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber
Available in Maputo only. Most reliable app-based transport with price transparency. Use for all city trips in Maputo.
Bolt
Available in Maputo. Slightly cheaper than Uber on average. Good alternative when Uber surge pricing applies.
LAM (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique)
National airline app for booking domestic flights. Maputo to Vilanculos, Pemba, Inhambane, Beira, and Nampula.
Intercape
Premium intercity bus service booking app. Maputo to Johannesburg and other southern African routes.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always use Uber or Bolt in Maputo rather than street taxis - safer, cheaper, and no fare haggling
Book domestic flights early - LAM and Airlink routes to Vilanculos and Pemba fill quickly in peak season
4x4 vehicle is essential for: Ponta do Ouro, Pomene, Machangulo, and any off-road beach destination
Intercape buses to Johannesburg (South Africa) are comfortable and reliable - book online in advance
Chapas (minibuses) are the cheapest way around cities but keep bags on your lap to prevent theft
Petrol stations are sparse in rural areas - fill up to maximum in any town before long remote drives
Avoid driving at night - unmarked speed bumps, livestock on roads, and poor lighting make it dangerous
Charter flights from Vilanculos to Bazaruto islands cost $150-300 but save 2-3 hours of boat travel