Transportation in Mozambique

Mozambique's transport scene is split between the coast and the interior. Along the coast, the reliable workhorses are the *chapas*, shared minibuses that leave when full and cost a fraction of a private taxi. Between major towns you'll find larger coaches run by established companies like TCO and Mecula, offering air-conditioned comfort at moderate prices. In cities, metered taxis and ride-hailing apps (Bolt is active in Maputo) sit at the "splurge" end, while three-wheeled *tchopelas* weave through traffic for short hops at cheap rates. If you're heading to the islands, dhows and fast passenger ferries leave from key harbors. The dhow is slow but costs next to nothing, the ferry is quicker and priced in between. First-time visitors should know that schedules are fluid: departures happen when seats fill, not when the clock says. Arrive early, pack light, and keep small bills, drivers rarely make change. In Maputo, the Junta bus terminal is the main hub for long-distance coaches. Ignore the freelance "helpers" outside and buy tickets inside the office. For safety, sit over the axle in chapas (less bounce, fewer pickpockets) and avoid night travel on rural roads. If you're flying in, the airport is close enough to town that a pre-booked hotel shuttle or a Bolt ride is the smoothest option. The curbside taxi touts quote inflated "tourist" rates, so agree on a metered fare or walk 50 m to the official rank.