Mauritius Bus Guide – Fares, Routes & Tips

If you really want to know a country, you have to ride its bus. In Mauritius, the bus isn’t just a way to get from A to B; it’s a cultural experience. It is where you hear the latest Sega hits blasting from the driver’s radio, feel the breeze through open windows, and see the island unfold without a windshield separating you from the view.

While we recently covered the modern Metro Express, the reality is that the metro only covers the central corridor. For the rest of the island, the beaches, the villages, and the hidden corners, the bus is king. Serving over 80% of the island’s population, the bus network is the lifeline of Mauritius.

Here is everything you need to know about navigating the Mauritius bus network like a local in our Mauritius Bus guide!

Disclaimer: Please note that bus routes, timings, and fare prices mentioned in this guide are subject to change by the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA). This is a travel blog and is not an official transport website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official NLTA website or local operators.

Overview of the Mauritius Bus System

The bus network in Mauritius is extensive, covering over 600 routes that connect every major city, town, and remote village. Unlike many countries with a single operator, Mauritius has a mix of companies regulated by the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA).

You will likely encounter buses from:

• NTC (National Transport Corporation): The distinctive blue buses, often referred to as “Blue Tata.”
• UBS (United Bus Service): Known for their red buses.
• RHT (Rose Hill Transport): primarily serving the Rose Hill-Port Louis corridor.
• TBS (Triolet Bus Service): Dominating the northern routes.
• Individual Operators: Various smaller buses serving specific rural routes.

Service Types: Standard vs. Express

Understanding the difference between these two can save you a lot of sweat and time.

1. Standard Buses:
   • Features: Open windows (natural AC), frequent stops (literally every bus stop), and slower travel speeds.
   • Best For: Short local trips or hopping between nearby villages.
   • Cost: The cheapest option.
2. Express Buses:
   • Features: Fully air-conditioned, fewer stops (only at major terminals or key points), and significantly faster.
   • Best For: Long-distance travel, such as Port Louis to Grand Baie or Mahebourg.
   • Cost: Usually Rs 2–3 extra per journey, which is well worth it for the AC alone.

Operating Hours and Schedule

One of the most important things to remember is that buses in Mauritius do not run 24/7. The schedule varies significantly depending on whether you are in a city or a village.

Travel Tip: If you are staying in a coastal area like Flic en Flac or Grand Baie, do not rely on buses after sunset (around 6:30 PM). Taxis become your only option after hours.

Bus Fares: The “Stage” System

Unlike the Metro Express which uses the nifty MECard, the bus system operates on a cash-only, stage-based system. A “stage” roughly corresponds to a fare zone or distance segment.

Current Fare Structure (Estimates)

Typical Trip Costs:

• Short Trip (In-town): Rs 15 – Rs 20
• Port Louis to Curepipe (Express): Rs 35 – Rs 40
• Port Louis to Grand Baie (Express): Rs 40 – Rs 50
• Port Louis to Mahebourg: Rs 40 – Rs 50

Important Payment Rules:

• Cash Only: You must pay the conductor on the bus. No credit cards, no apps, no Apple Pay.
• Small Change: Conductors carry coin dispensers, but they dislike large notes. Always break your Rs 1000 or Rs 2000 notes at a shop before boarding. Ideally, carry Rs 10, Rs 20, and Rs 50 coins/notes.
• Keep Your Ticket: Inspectors frequently board buses to check tickets. If you cannot produce yours, you will be fined or made to pay again.

Navigating the Hub: Port Louis

Port Louis is the central nervous system of the bus network. However, it is critical to know that there are two distinct main bus terminals. Going to the wrong one is a classic rookie mistake.

1. Victoria Square (Gare Victoria):
   • Location: Near the Caudan Waterfront and the Metro station.
   • Destinations: South and West. (Rose Hill, Curepipe, Flic en Flac, Mahebourg, Airport, Tamarin).
   • Key Routes: 2, 3, 123, 198.
2. Immigration Square (Gare du Nord):
   • Location: Near the Central Market and Chinatown.
   • Destinations: North and East. (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Goodlands, Pamplemousses, Flacq).
   • Key Routes: 215, 20C, 21.

Detailed Routes by Region

To help you plan your itinerary, we have organized the most popular routes for travelers by region.

The North (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Pamplemousses)

Departing primarily from Immigration Square (Port Louis)

• Route 215 (TBS Express):
  • Route: Port Louis → Grand Baie.
  • Why take it: This is the “Express” version. It takes the motorway and skips the smaller coastal villages, getting you to Grand Baie in about 45 minutes.
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
• Route 20C:
  • Route: Port Louis → Trou aux Biches → Mont Choisy → Grand Baie → Pereybere → Cap Malheureux.
  • Why take it: The scenic route. It hugs the coast and is perfect if you want to see the ocean or stop at Trou aux Biches beach.
  • Duration: Expect 1 hour 15 minutes or more due to traffic.
• Route 82 (Express):
  • Route: Port Louis → Grand Baie via Triolet. Another fast option if Route 215 is full.
• Route 95:
  • Route: Pamplemousses (Botanical Garden) → Grand Baie. Useful for connecting attractions.

The West (Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Le Morne)

Departing primarily from Victoria Square (Port Louis) or Quatre Bornes

• Route 123 (NTC Express):
  • Route: Port Louis → Flic en Flac via Bambous.
  • Duration: Approx 1 hour (Standard) or 50 mins (Express). This is your direct link to the beach from the capital.
• Route 57:
  • Route: Quatre Bornes → Flic en Flac → Wolmar.
  • Why take it: If you are coming from the Metro Express, you can get off at Quatre Bornes station and switch to this bus to reach the beach.
• Route 120:
  • Route: Port Louis → Baie du Cap via Le Morne.
  • Why take it: One of the most beautiful bus rides on the island. It winds down the southern coast, passing the iconic Le Morne mountain.

The East & South (Mahebourg & Airport)

Departing from Victoria Square or Curepipe

• Route 198:
  • Route: Port Louis → Mahebourg (via Airport).
  • Duration: Approx 1 hour 25 minutes.
• Route 9:
  • Route: Curepipe → Mahebourg.
  • Why take it: A classic route connecting the misty central plateau to the historic coastal town of Mahebourg. Approx 1.5 hours.
• Route 18:
  • Route: Central Flacq → Mahebourg.
  • Why take it: Vital for connecting the East Coast hotels (near Flacq) to the Airport region.

The Central Plateau (The Urban Corridor)

This area is now heavily served by the Metro Express, but buses still play a major role.

• Route 2 (Express): Port Louis → Rose Hill → Phoenix → Curepipe. (Fast and frequent).
• Route 3: Port Louis → Rose Hill → Quatre Bornes → Vacoas.
• Route 162: Port Louis → Curepipe via Motorway (The fastest bus option to the center).

How to Access Official Timetables

Finding accurate bus times can be tricky as there is no single Google Maps integration for all lines. However, you have resources:

1. NLTA Website: The National Land Transport Authority maintains official PDFs of timetables. You can download the “Passenger’s Charter” and detailed route schedules (Routes 1-20D, etc.) from their site.
2. Mauritius-Buses.com: An excellent third-party resource that allows you to calculate itineraries between towns. Check it out here!
3. MoBis App: Operated by the CNT (National Transport Corporation), this app provides real-time location tracking for some NTC buses. It’s useful, but remember it doesn’t track private buses (UBS, TBS). Download for Android or Download for iOS
4. Ask a Local: This is often the most reliable method. A simple “Ki lèr bis passé?” (What time does the bus pass?) works wonders.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey

1. The “Buzzer” Etiquette Buses do not automatically stop at every shelter. To get off, you must signal the driver. Look for a buzzer strip on the ceiling or buttons on the handrails. Press it once well before your stop. If you are unsure where to get off, tell the conductor when you pay; they are usually helpful and will shout when you arrive.

2. Luggage Rules Buses in Mauritius are not designed for heavy travel.

• Small Bags: Day packs and handbags travel free.
• Suitcases: If you have a large suitcase, you will likely be charged for an extra seat.
• Availability: Avoid rush hour (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM) if you have luggage. The buses get packed, and there is no dedicated storage space.

3. Safety and Comfort

• Seating: The first few seats are often reserved for the elderly, disabled, or pregnant women. Please offer your seat if someone needs it.
• Driving Style: Mauritian bus drivers are skilled but aggressive. Hold onto the handrails tightly if you are standing, as sudden stops are common.
• Personal Safety: Buses are generally very safe. However, keep your bag on your lap and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded terminals like Victoria Square. For more context, read our guide: Is Mauritius Safe?.

4. Language Most bus destination signs are in English or French. However, knowing a little Creole helps. Check out our Vocabulary page or try a few Lessons to boost your confidence.

Summary

The bus system in Mauritius might not be the fastest in the world, nor the most digital, but it is incredibly affordable and covers nearly every inch of the island. Whether you are heading to a hidden gem in the south or hunting for the best street food in Rose Hill, the bus will get you there for the price of a samosa.

Just remember: bring coins, avoid the sunset cutoff if you’re on the coast, and enjoy the ride!