Maputo International Airport is about 7 km from the city center, a short drive that takes 15-25 minutes in normal conditions. Here is what the transfer actually costs.
Private Transfer
A pre-booked private transfer to central Maputo costs $25-45 depending on the vehicle. A standard sedan is at the lower end, an SUV or minivan at the higher end. The price is fixed when you book and quoted in US dollars. No negotiating, no surprises. The driver meets you at arrivals.
Airport Taxi
Taxis at Maputo Airport do not have meters. You agree on a price before getting in. To the city center, expect drivers to start at 3,000-4,000 MZN ($47-62). A fair price is 1,500-2,500 MZN ($23-39). The negotiation is part of the process. If you speak some Portuguese, you may get a better rate. In US dollars, drivers typically accept $15-25 for the city center run.
Tip: have smaller bills ready. Drivers may claim they do not have change for larger notes.
Bolt (Ride-Hailing App)
Bolt operates in Maputo and fares from the airport to the city center run 800-1,500 MZN ($12-23). You need the app installed and mobile data to use it. Availability can be spotty, especially outside peak hours. When it works, it is the cheapest motorized option.
Pricing to Other Destinations
- Polana / Sommerschield: $25-45 (private), 1,500-2,500 MZN (taxi)
- Costa do Sol beach: $20-35 (private), 1,000-2,000 MZN (taxi)
- Matola: $30-50 (private), 2,000-3,500 MZN (taxi)
- Bilene (beach town): $120-180 (private), 3-4 hours
- Xai-Xai: $150-220 (private), 3-4 hours
- Inhambane / Tofo Beach: $250-400 (private), 6-7 hours
- Ressano Garcia (SA border): $150-250 (private), 2 hours
Currency and Payment
The local currency is the Mozambican metical (MZN). Airport ATMs dispense meticais. US dollars are widely accepted for larger services like transfers. South African rand are also accepted in many places, given the proximity to the border. Credit cards are accepted by pre-booked transfer services but not by airport taxi drivers.
Exchange rates fluctuate. As of early 2026, $1 buys roughly 64 MZN. Always confirm which currency a price is quoted in.
The Bottom Line
Maputo is an affordable city for airport transfers by international standards. Even the most comfortable private transfer to the city center costs under $50. The main variable is not the distance but whether you want to negotiate at the curb or have everything settled before you land.