How Much Does it Cost to Travel Fiji by Bus?© FijiPocketGuide.com
How Much Does it Cost to Travel Fiji by Bus?

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Fiji by Bus?

© FijiPocketGuide.com
Last Updated: 7 October, 2024

The Cost of Buses in Fiji

Many of us might have the image of tiny islands scattered across the South Pacific Ocean when we think of Fiji, but there are a limited few islands that are significant in landmass and can be explored by bus. Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, holds a wide array of towns, cities, villages, resorts, and landscapes that are accessible by bus. So if you’re on a budget holiday, travelling around the island by bus is an affordable and fun way to go. Check out the typical prices of buses in Fiji in our guide to “How Much Does it Cost to Travel Fiji by Bus?”

Table of Contents

5 Tips for Taking the Bus in Fiji

Taking the bus in Fiji is not only a budget-friendly option but also a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Before you hop on board, here are some essential tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

  1. Get an eTransport Card: You’ll need to get an eTransport Card, which can be purchased from Vodafone stores.
  2. Experience local life: Taking the public bus is a truly local experience in Fiji – give it a go!
  3. Understand the timetables: Express buses run on a timetable, while public buses run on “Fiji time“.
  4. Be mindful of credit: Note that while bus fares are cheap, you won’t receive a refund for unused credit unless you go to a Vodafone or eTransport agent.
  5. Check schedules on smaller islands: Be aware that public buses on Taveuni Ovalau couple as school buses, so they only run 2/3 times a day.

Now, let’s get to the cost of taking the bus in Fiji.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Fiji by Bus?© FijiPocketGuide.com

City Bus Prices

By far your cheapest mode of transport in Fiji, city buses are an affordable way to get around a city – or even an island in some cases – for just a few dollars.

City buses are available in towns and cities across Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. An eTransport Card is required to pay for all public bus transport in Fiji; however, tourists can purchase temporary cards with cash on the bus – see Where can you book bus transport in Fiji?

The Cost of City Buses in Fiji

For buses on Viti Levu, disposable eTransport Cards are available to purchase in denominations of FJ$2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. (Bear in mind that you won’t get a refund for the remaining credit unless you visit a Vodafone/eTransport agent).

Bus fares are determined by the distance travelled, which are called “stages”. When boarding a bus, inform the driver/conductor of your destination. The driver will press the “stage” for the corresponding destination. This amount will be deducted from your eTransport Card.

As of 2023, the stages for bus fares on Viti Levu are as follows:

StageAdult Bus FareSchool Bus Fare
1$1.02$0.51
2$1.61$0.80
3$2.21$1.10
4$2.60$1.30
5$3.27$1.64
6$3.86$1.93
7$4.39$2.19
8$4.97$2.49
9$5.57$2.79
10$6.17$3.09
11$6.69$3.35
12$7.22$3.61
13$7.69$3.84
14$8.63$4.31
15$9.24$4.62
16$9.73$4.87
17$10.29$5.15
18$10.92$5.46
19$11.53$5.77
20$12.09$6.04
21$12.72$6.36
22$13.28$6.64
23$13.89$6.94
24$14.45$7.22
25$15.14$7.57
26$15.62$7.81
27$16.25$8.12
28$16.87$8.44
29$17.43$8.72
30$17.91$8.95
31$18.60$9.30
32$19.16$9.58
33$19.72$9.86
34$20.13$10.07
35$20.89$10.45
36$21.45$10.73
37$21.94$10.97
38$22.78$11.39
39$23.25$11.63
40$23.54$11.77
41$24.40$12.20
42$24.93$12.46
43$25.45$12.72
44$26.05$13.02
45$26.58$13.29
46$27.16$13.58

As of 2023, the stages for bus fares on Vanua Levu are as follows:

StageAdult FareSchool Bus Fare
1$1.02$0.51
2$1.61$0.80
3$2.21$1.10
4$2.60$1.30
5$3.27$1.64
6$3.86$1.93
7$4.39$2.19
8$4.97$2.49
9$5.57$2.79
10$6.17$3.09
11$6.69$3.35
12$7.22$3.61
13$7.69$3.84
14$8.63$4.31
15$9.24$4.62
16$9.73$4.87
17$10.29$5.15
18$10.92$5.46
19$11.53$5.77
20$12.09$6.04
21$12.72$6.36
22$13.28$6.64
23$13.89$6.94
24$14.45$7.22
25$15.14$7.57
26$15.62$7.81
27$16.25$8.12
28$16.87$8.44
29$17.43$8.72
30$17.91$8.95
31$18.60$9.30
32$19.16$9.58
33$19.72$9.86
34$20.13$10.07
35$20.89$10.45
36$21.45$10.73
37$21.94$10.97
38$22.78$11.39
39$23.25$11.63
40$23.54$11.77
41$24.40$12.20
42$24.93$12.46
43$25.45$12.72
44$26.05$13.02

As of 2023, the stages for bus fares on Taveuni are as follows:

StageAdult Bus FareSchool Bus Fare
1$1.02$0.51
2$1.95$0.97
3$2.34$1.17
4$3.67$1.83
5$3.86$1.93
6$4.72$2.36
7$5.25$2.62
8$5.71$2.86
9$5.90$2.95
10$6.30$3.15
11$6.69$3.35

What does that mean between popular destinations? Approximate bus fares are, for example:

  • Nadi Airport to Nadi Town – FJ$1.30-$2
  • Nadi to Denarau – FJ$1-$2
  • Nadi to Lautoka – FJ$3-$4
  • Ba to Navala Village – FJ$4.40-$5
  • Inner-city Suva – FJ$1
  • Around Ovalau Island – FJ$2
  • Savusavu to Nabuka (Vanua Levu) – FJ$6.65-$7.50
  • Wairiki to Bouma (Taveuni) FJ$4-$6

Again, learn how to get bus tickets in Where to Book Bus Transport in Fiji?

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Fiji by Bus?© FijiPocketGuide.com

Inter-City Buses (Express Buses)

Inter-city buses, otherwise known as express buses in Fiji, take you between towns and cities on Viti Levu. These buses are more like “coaches” and often feature more comfortable seating than public buses and air conditioning. Learn more about taking the express buses in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.

The Cost of Inter-City Buses in Fiji

Note that, like city buses mentioned above, an eTransport Card is required to pay for all public bus transport in Fiji; however, tourists can purchase temporary cards with cash on the bus – see Where can you book bus transport in Fiji?

  • Nadi to Sigatoka (Coral Coast) – FJ$15-$18
  • Nadi to Pacific Harbour – FJ$18-$20
  • Suva to Pacific Harbour – FJ$5-$10
  • Nadi to Suva (via Queens Road) – FJ$22-$25
  • Nadi to Suva (via Kings Road) – FJ$25-$28

Again, learn more about the different express bus companies in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Fiji by Bus?© FijiPocketGuide.com

Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

Another type of bus found in Fiji is the hop-on-hop-off bus on Denarau Island. This bus takes passengers around the resorts and Port Denarau. Passengers pay one fee for the day or four days and can use the service as much as they like within the timeframe.

The Cost of the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus in Denarau

  • Bula Bus day pass – approx FJ$11
  • Bula Bus four-day pass – approx FJ$26
  • Children under 12 with a paying adult – Free

Learn more about getting to and around Denarau in the 5 Ways to Get to Denarau Island.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Fiji by Bus?© Tourism Fiji

Tour Buses

Finally, escorted bus tours around the island of Viti Levu are another way to get around the island by bus. Bus tour prices usually include all accommodation, all transport (including boat transport if applicable), some activities and some meals.

Check out some of the bus tours of Fiji in The Best Multi-Day Bus Tours of Fiji.

The Cost of Bus Tours of Fiji

Check out more costs to consider in Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost?

More on the Cost of Travelling Fiji by Bus

That’s it for the cost to travel to Fiji by bus. For more transport costs, check out the following:

Finally, check out Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost? for even more budgeting tips.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura (Lora) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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