Travelling by bus is an experience in itself in the Seychelles
A well-developed network of bus routes
The bus is the main form of public transport on Mahé and Praslin.
The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) is a state organisation, founded in 1977, that carries passengers on public transport on Mahé and Praslin. It runs a well-developed network with more than 1,600 trips a day and a reliable timetable. A flat fare applies on both Mahé and Praslin, regardless of the length of the journey.
Around Mahé and Praslin by bus
It is perfectly possible, and rewarding, to explore Mahé or Praslin by bus. A single journey costs well under €1 per person (as of November 2026). There are plenty of stops where you can get off, look around, visit a beach or a restaurant, and then board a bus again, either back to the next stop or to where you started.
The coastal stretches are often nicer than from a hire car, because you sit higher up and do not have to concentrate on the narrow, winding roads. If you would rather drive yourself, you will find advice under Car hire in the Seychelles.
Tickets and fares
The buses are cashless. Since 1 July 2023 no cash has been accepted, and the former cash fare of 12 SCR and the 15 SCR surcharge for air-conditioned buses no longer apply. You need an SPTC card, which you hold against the reader next to the driver as you board. Alternatively, on buses with a QR sign on the windscreen, you can pay by QR code through the SPTC app.
| Variant | Price (as of November 2026) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Single ride with card | 10 SCR, some sources already list 8 SCR | Flat fare, no matter how far you travel |
| Travel card (standard) | from 50 SCR, wristband 100 SCR | Top-up balance, one card can be used by several people (tap once for each person) |
| 1-day visitor card | 100 SCR (approx. €5) | Unlimited rides |
| 4-day visitor card | 198 SCR (approx. €12) | Unlimited rides on 4 consecutive days |
| 8-day visitor card | 363 SCR (approx. €22) | Unlimited rides on 8 consecutive days |
Where to get tickets
You can order the visitor card online in advance through the app of the electronic entry system (SEBS) and collect it at the Travel Plus counter in the airport arrivals hall. Visitor cards are issued per person, and there is no shared ticket for several travellers.
Standard cards are available from Travel Plus at the airport, at the main bus station in Victoria, at SPTC offices, in post offices and in many shops displaying a top-up sign. Estimate how many journeys you will make and load enough credit. On Praslin it is best to get your card straight after arrival, as not every shop sells them.
Routes and journey times
Mahé
On Mahé the buses run daily from about 5:10 am. The last bus leaves the terminal in Victoria at 7:00 pm from Monday to Saturday and at 6:30 pm on Sundays. Most routes start at the bus station in Victoria. You will find the full weekday timetable as a PDF on the SPTC website.
The airport bus stop is about 100 metres from the exit of the arrivals hall. Around ten routes run from there, including to Victoria and the south. For Beau Vallon, change in Victoria. Allow about an hour for the journey from Victoria to Port Launay in the west. The bus is impractical with large suitcases, so the airport transfer is the better choice.
Praslin
On Praslin there are three main routes. Route 61 runs via the Vallée de Mai to Anse Boudin, route 62 via Consolation towards Zimbabwe, and route 63 via Anse La Blague to Côte d’Or. According to the SPTC the buses run from about 5:50 am to 7:30 pm, every 30 to 45 minutes on weekdays. At weekends and on public holidays there are noticeably fewer buses.
The bus does not go directly to two well-known beaches: for Anse Lazio, get off at Anse Boudin, and for Anse Georgette, at Anse Kerlan. From both stops it is about a 20-minute walk.
La Digue and the other islands
There is a public bus network only on Mahé and Praslin. On La Digue and the smaller islands, bicycles and walking paths are the usual way to get around. How to travel between the islands is explained under Getting around the Seychelles.
Tips for the journey
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay cash on the bus?
No. The SPTC has been cashless since July 2023. You need a card or the QR payment via the app.
Is the visitor card worth it?
If you make many trips a day, yes. For two or three trips, a standard card with credit is enough. The visitor card is convenient because you can order it before you arrive.
Do buses go to the beaches?
To many of them, yes, but some lie off the route and involve a walk. The overview of the Seychelles' best beaches shows which ones you can reach.
How do I contact the SPTC?
Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC), PO Box 610, Victoria, Mahé. Current contact details, timetables and information on topping up cards are available at sptc.sc.
Back to Getting around or on to Domestic flights in the Seychelles
