How to Book & Pay for Bus Transport in Fiji? [2025]

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Where to Buy Local Bus Tickets

The cheapest and “most local” way to travel around Fiji’s main islands is via the local buses. With open-air windows and padded seats within a weathered-looking bus, the local buses are the real Fiji experience! Like local buses in other countries, the local buses follow specific routes, stopping at main town and city bus stops along the way. You can even hail down public buses from the side of the road by waving at the driver. Remember, these buses run on “Fiji Time” so a bus will arrive at each stop when it arrives.

How to Pay for Local Bus Tickets as a Tourist

You must pay for a local bus using compulsory eTransport Cards. Both permanent and disposable eTransport Cards are available to purchase, with disposable cards being valid for up to 30 days after the first day of use. Most tourists will opt for disposable eTransport Cards.

Disposable eTransport Cards are available to purchase in denominations of FJ$2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. They can be purchased on any local bus but you must pay for them with cash (Fiji dollars). You cannot pay for bus travel directly with cash.

If you still have credit left on your eTransport Card by the end of your holiday, the remaining balance can be refunded at Vodafone outlets as long as you have some accompanying ID, i.e., a passport.

How to Get a Permanent eTransport Card for Fiji

If you’re staying in Fiji for over 30 days (lucky you!), you may want to register for a permanent eTransport Card. Plus, it makes a great souvenir!

To get a permanent eTransport Card:

1. Look for “eTransport” or “Vodafone” signs at convenience stores and ticket kiosks.
2. Provide a valid form of identification (i.e. driver’s license, passport, FNPF/FRCS Joint Card, Voter Registration Card or birth certificate).
3. Top up your eTransport Card by handing over your card and money to the top-up agent.
4. The agent will tap the card on a POS to update the balance of the card.
5. You will be returned your eTransport Card along with a receipt with the updated balance amount.

Learn More About the Local Buses

Check out our complete guide to Commuting in Fiji to learn more about local buses, as well as other public transport methods.

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Where to Book Express Buses in Fiji

Express buses or scheduled coaches are large air-conditioned coaches running on a fixed schedule. There are express coaches for going between Nadi and Suva, either by the northern Kings Road or the southern Queens Road on Viti Levu. Express buses are a bit pricier than public buses, yet still extremely affordable, with rates around FJ$22-$28 per person between Suva and Nadi, decreasing in price the shorter the distance you go. Express buses will stop at the main towns’ and cities’ bus stops as specified on their timetables. Some express buses offer pick-ups and drop-offs at hotels and resorts.

How to Book an Express Bus Ticket

Express buses in Fiji work the same way as public buses when it comes to payment. You’ll need to purchase a disposable eTransport Card to ride. Don’t worry if you don’t have one yet – you can pay cash on the bus for a temporary card, which is usually the best option for visitors. These cards are available in denominations of FJ$2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Keep in mind that you won’t receive any change, but if you have remaining credit, you can get it refunded at an eTransport or Vodafone outlet or agent.

As for catching the bus, most express services can be hailed from scheduled bus stops. If you’re planning ahead, some express buses will even stop at hotels and resorts if booked in advance. To ensure you don’t miss your ride, we recommend being at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. These buses run on a tight schedule (unlike public buses mentioned above), and you wouldn’t want to see it zooming past as you run towards the stop!

Learn More About the Express Coaches

Take a look at How to Travel Fiji by Bus to see how to plan a whole holiday in Fiji using the buses.

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Where to Book Bus Tours and Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

Coach tours are a way of getting the full Fiji holiday experience. All the logistics are worked out for you; all you need to do is be ready on time and enjoy the ride. While most coach tours offer half-day to full-day trips, other tours like Intrepid Travel offer multi-day trips around Viti Levu.

Hop-on, hop-off buses are also available in Denarau Island, where you can hop on and hop off the bus at most of the resorts in the area and the town centre of Denarau.

How to Book Bus Tours in Fiji (Intrepid, Feejee Experience, etc.)

Bus tours must be booked before departure. They can be booked and paid directly with the tour company, through partner travel agents and resorts, or online at the tour company’s website or through OTAs like TourRadar. See the benefits of each booking option in our Where to Book Tours in Fiji. Plus, check out the bus tour companies listed in The Best Multi-Day Group Bus Tours of Fiji.

How to Book Hop-On Hop-Off Buses (Bula Bus)

Denarau’s Bula Bus requires a bus ticket for passengers to use the service. Bus tickets can be purchased from resort concierges and several outlets in Denarau town. Signs and stickers saying “Bula Bus” will indicate which outlets to purchase the ticket from (we usually get it from The Essentials Denarau General Store, which is right next to where the Bula Bus stops at Port Denarau Marina). Tickets are valid for the full day, allowing you to hop on and off the bus as often as you want. Learn more about the Bula Bus in our Denarau Transport Guide.