Transportation in Maputo

# Getting Around Maputo Maputo's transportation landscape requires a practical approach. The city relies primarily on **chapas** (shared minibuses), metered taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt. Chapas are the backbone of local transport—frequent, inexpensive, and covering most routes—but they operate informally with no fixed schedules or published routes. First-time visitors typically find ride-hailing apps more straightforward for navigation, as they provide upfront pricing and eliminate language barriers. From **Maputo International Airport**, located about 6km from the city center, your main options are taxis and ride-hailing services. Pre-arranged airport transfers offer fixed rates and peace of mind, while ride-hailing apps generally provide competitive pricing with transparent fares. Avoid unlicensed taxis at the airport—stick to official taxi ranks or book through your accommodation if you haven't arranged transport in advance. **What to know:** Maputo doesn't have a metro system or extensive public bus network like larger African capitals. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours (roughly 7-9am and 5-7pm). While chapas are budget-friendly, they require local knowledge to navigate effectively—routes aren't marked in English and stops are informal. For short trips within neighborhoods like the Baixa (downtown) or along the Marginal coastal road, walking is often viable during daylight hours. Keep small bills handy, as exact change is typically expected across all transport modes.

Download the Uber app before arrival as it's the most reliable way to book rides in Maputo

Keep small denomination meticais (local currency) for chapas (minibus taxis) as they typically don't accept cards or large bills

Negotiate taxi fares before getting in, as most taxis don't use meters - agree on the price to avoid disputes

The TPM city bus system requires exact change, so prepare coins in advance as drivers cannot make change