Mauritius Bus Guide 2026: Fares, Routes & Timetables

Travelling by bus is one of the cheapest ways to explore Mauritius. Regular adult bus fares generally run from Rs 17 to Rs 47, depending on the number of fare stages travelled, although a few routes have their own prices. You normally pay the conductor in Mauritian rupees, and buses connect Port Louis with towns, villages, beaches and places the Metro Express does not reach.

If you’re visiting Mauritius, the tricky part is usually not buying a ticket. It’s knowing which bus number to take, where it leaves from and whether there will be a bus back later in the day. This guide brings together the 2026 bus fare table, popular routes, Port Louis terminals, operating times and practical tips for getting around.

Last reviewed: 11 November 2026. The standard fare scale below is from the government tariff effective 8 May 2022, which remained the published reference at the time of this review. Published timetables can differ from actual departures because of traffic, holidays and operational changes.

Remember:

• Pay in cash and keep your ticket.
• Start at Immigration Square (Gare du Nord) for many northern routes, including Grand Baie, and Victoria Square (Gare Victoria) for routes such as Flic en Flac and Mahébourg.
• Do not assume that the last bus runs after dark, particularly if you need to make a connection.

Mauritius Bus Fares in 2026: Full Price Table

Most public buses in Mauritius use a stage-based fare system. A route is divided into fare stages, which are points along the journey used to calculate the ticket price. The conductor charges according to the stages between where you get on and where you get off. These are not necessarily the same as individual bus stops.

The standard adult fares below come from the official Road Traffic (Bus Fares) (Amendment) Regulations 2022. The figures are not estimates: they are the published tariff for ordinary routes covered by that schedule.

Important exception: The regulations list special tariffs for routes 38, 38A, 79 and 215. In particular, the published adult fare for route 215, Port Louis to Grand Baie, is Rs 43 for its specified Grand Baie stops, rather than the usual Rs 44 that would result from applying the general 13–30-stage scale. That difference is why an accurate fare finder must consider the route number as well as the distance.

View the official government bus fare regulations (PDF). Check with the conductor if you are boarding a special service or if a fare has changed since publication.

What do popular bus journeys cost? Here are some useful route-specific reference fares for adults travelling between the named termini or stops. A different boarding point or route can produce a different amount.

These are examples for the specified routes, not universal fares between towns. Some services have their own pricing, and the fare on a journey ending partway through a route can be lower. If you change buses, you pay separately on each one.

Find a Bus Route and Check Your Fare

If you already know where you want to go, use our Mauritius bus route finder below to browse popular tourist routes and bus numbers. It is intended as a quick guide, not a complete live timetable for every bus operating on the island.

If your route is not listed, or you need an exact first or last departure, consult the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) bus timetables.

Popular Mauritius Bus Routes for Tourists

Mauritius has several bus companies, including the National Transport Corporation (often called NTC or CNT), United Bus Service, Triolet Bus Service, Rose Hill Transport and smaller operators. Route numbers are more useful than bus colours when you’re deciding what to board. Check both the number and the destination shown on the front of the bus, as some routes have variations.

Going to Grand Baie: Route 215 is the most straightforward express option from Port Louis, but don’t rely on it without checking the day. The NLTA’s published route 215 table lists weekday and Saturday departures but has no Sunday or public-holiday departures in its schedule. If you’re travelling on a Sunday, ask at the terminal about current services and alternatives.

Going to Flic en Flac: Route 123 runs from Port Louis towards Wolmar, passing through the Flic en Flac area. Route 57 connects Quatre Bornes with Flic en Flac and Wolmar. Check whether your hotel is near the village centre or farther along the coast before choosing where to get off.

Going to the airport: Routes 9, 10 and 198 are listed by the airport operator as services reaching Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Route 198 connects Port Louis and Mahébourg, while route 9 connects Curepipe and Mahébourg. The airport bus stop is in the car park, not immediately beside every arrivals exit. Allow time to reach it and to handle luggage. See the airport’s official bus information.

Going across the central plateau: Buses remain useful for neighbourhoods and stops away from the railway. For journeys mainly between Port Louis, Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes and Curepipe, it is worth comparing the bus with the Metro Express, which has separate tickets and stations.

Mauritius Bus Timetables: First and Last Buses

There is no single first or last bus time for the whole of Mauritius. Timetables depend on the route, direction, operator and whether it is a weekday, Saturday, Sunday or public holiday. Some buses start before 6 AM; others begin later. Many rural and coastal services finish in the early evening, which matters if you plan to spend the day at the beach and return by public transport.

The table below gives examples from the NLTA’s published route schedules. Times shown are departures from the named starting terminus, not the time the bus reaches every stop along the way. They should be checked again before an important journey.

For example, the published last bus for route 123 leaving Wolmar towards Port Louis is 7:00 PM, which is different from the 6:15 PM last departure from Port Louis in the opposite direction. Always check the timetable for the direction you need.

On weekends and public holidays, fewer departures may be available on some routes. If you’re planning a late return, check the last bus before you leave in the morning. Give yourself time for missed connections, traffic and waiting at a stop.

The NLTA timetable page contains downloadable route groups, including routes 1–20D, 21–66C, 68–129, 131–197 and 198–255. A route PDF typically includes first and last departures, weekday frequency, fare stages and the main localities served. The schedules are a useful starting point, but they are not live vehicle tracking.

Port Louis Bus Stations: Victoria and Immigration Square

One of the easiest mistakes to make in Port Louis is going to the wrong bus station. The capital’s two main hubs serve different groups of routes, and they are not interchangeable when you’re trying to catch a particular bus.

Victoria Square is near the Victoria Urban Terminal and the Metro Express connection. It is convenient if you’re arriving in Port Louis by metro or travelling towards Flic en Flac or the airport. The correct platform can vary, so follow the terminal signs and check the route number.

Immigration Square, often called Gare du Nord, is the usual starting point for many buses heading towards Grand Baie and other northern destinations. It is close to Port Louis’ market and Chinatown area. Ask at the terminal if you’re uncertain whether your destination needs a direct bus or a change.

The easiest way to avoid wasted time is to check the bus number and starting terminal together. A place name alone is not always enough, because several routes may reach the same town by different roads.

How to Pay, Change Buses and Use Free Travel

For a normal public bus trip, bring Mauritian rupees in cash. After boarding, the conductor will usually come around to collect the fare. Tell the conductor where you’re going, pay the amount requested and keep the paper ticket until you get off. Small notes and coins are helpful, especially for short journeys.

At the time of this update, cash remained the dependable payment method for ordinary bus passengers. The government has been working on a cashless ticketing system, but visitors should not assume that bank-card or mobile payments are accepted on every bus. The Metro Express uses a separate ticketing system; its MECard is not a general public-bus ticket.

If you change buses, you normally buy another ticket. There is no general single-ticket transfer arrangement between independent routes. When comparing a two-bus journey with a direct one, remember to add both fares and the waiting time for your connection.

Free travel: Mauritius has government schemes for qualifying students, senior citizens and people with disabilities. Eligibility depends on the relevant official bus pass or student card and the conditions of the scheme. For example, qualifying students travel free on eligible school journeys, and the government has maintained the free-transport entitlement at age 60 for qualifying citizens. Being a tourist aged 60 or over does not automatically give you free travel. More information is available from the NLTA free-travel card guidance.

Practical Bus Travel Tips and Common Questions

Check the destination board. A route number may have variations or a different final stop. When in doubt, ask the conductor whether the bus passes your destination before you settle into a seat.

Tell the conductor where you’re getting off. You can also use the stop buzzer before your destination. This is particularly useful on routes where the stops are unfamiliar or the bus doesn’t stop at every shelter automatically.

Be careful with luggage. Regular buses are not designed for large suitcases, especially at busy times. Airport buses are useful for budget travellers, but a taxi or prearranged transfer may be more comfortable if you have several bags, small children or an early flight.

Allow extra time at rush hour. Weekday mornings and late afternoons can be busy around Port Louis and the central plateau. Bus travel times are affected by road traffic, and the journey can take longer than the published estimate.

Don’t plan a coastal return without checking the last bus. A route serving Flic en Flac or Grand Baie in the daytime may not be practical after dinner. It is better to confirm your return bus before spending the afternoon at the beach than to discover later that service has finished.

Are buses in Mauritius safe for tourists? Public buses are widely used by residents and are a reasonable option for daytime travel. Keep bags close in crowded terminals, hold a handrail when standing and pay attention when getting off near busy roads. For broader transport options, see our Mauritius Transport Guide.

Can you buy a day pass for the buses? Ordinary bus journeys are normally paid individually. Don’t count on finding a universal tourist pass that covers every operator and connection.

Is the bus or Metro Express better? The metro is often more predictable between stations on the Port Louis–Curepipe corridor. Buses reach many neighbourhoods, villages and beaches beyond the metro network. The best choice depends on your starting point and final destination.

How can you check a timetable? Start with the NLTA’s official route PDFs. For National Transport Corporation routes, the CNT route finder and operator website may help. The MoBis app covers participating CNT buses, not every operator across Mauritius.

Knowing a few words of Mauritian Creole can also help. Ki ler bis pase? means “What time does the bus pass?” and Sa bis-la al …? is a simple way to ask whether a bus goes to a place. Our Mauritian Creole vocabulary section has more everyday expressions.

For visitors who want to explore Mauritius beyond the main resort areas, the bus network can be a useful and affordable option. Start with your route number, confirm the correct departure terminal and check the final bus for your return journey. A little preparation makes the difference between a simple trip and a long wait at the wrong stop.

Independent guide: CreoleMauritius.com is not affiliated with the NLTA or any bus operator. Last reviewed 11 November 2026 using the published government fare regulations, NLTA schedules and airport transport guidance. Routes, special tariffs and actual departures can change. Check locally before essential journeys.