Bus & Minibus Prices in Zambia
Updated March 2026 · 8 models + 8 routes
Compare bus and minibus vehicle prices — Toyota Hiace, Coaster, Rosa, Yutong — plus city and inter-city passenger fare schedule.
Vehicle Prices — New & Used
| Model | Condition | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Hiace (15-seater) Most popular minibus for routes | New | ZMK 650,000 – 900,000 |
| Toyota Hiace (15-seater) Japanese import, well-maintained | Used (3-5yr) | ZMK 300,000 – 500,000 |
| Toyota Coaster (30-seater) Inter-city & school contracts | New | ZMK 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 |
| Toyota Coaster (30-seater) Popular for charter services | Used (5-8yr) | ZMK 450,000 – 800,000 |
| Rosa Bus (25-seater) Mitsubishi, school & tour use | New | ZMK 900,000 – 1,400,000 |
| Rosa Bus (25-seater) Durable, easy maintenance | Used (5-8yr) | ZMK 350,000 – 650,000 |
| Nissan NV350 (14-seater) Modern alternative to Hiace | New | ZMK 550,000 – 750,000 |
| Yutong (45-60 seater) Chinese, long-distance routes | New | ZMK 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 |
Bus Fares — Popular Routes
Lusaka city (within town)
ZMK 7 – 12
Lusaka – Kafue
ZMK 30 – 50
Lusaka – Kabwe
ZMK 60 – 100
Lusaka – Kitwe
ZMK 180 – 300
Lusaka – Ndola
ZMK 160 – 280
Lusaka – Livingstone
ZMK 200 – 350
Lusaka – Chipata
ZMK 200 – 350
Lusaka – Solwezi
ZMK 250 – 400
Public Transport in Zambia — Guide
Minibuses are Zambia's primary public transport, carrying an estimated 60% of urban commuters. Toyota Hiace is the dominant vehicle on city routes, while Coaster and Rosa buses serve inter-city routes. The sector is largely informal, regulated by RTSA and local councils.
Inter-City Services
Premium operators like Power Tools, Mazhandu Family Bus, and Juldan Motors offer air-conditioned coaches with assigned seating on major routes. Fares are 20-30% higher than standard buses but include comfort and reliability. Intercity Bus Terminus in Lusaka is the main departure point for all routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a minibus cost in Zambia?
A new Toyota Hiace 15-seater costs ZMK 650,000-900,000. Used Hiace (3-5 years, Japanese import) costs ZMK 300,000-500,000. For larger operations, Toyota Coasters (30 seats) range from ZMK 450,000 used to ZMK 1,800,000 new. Chinese Yutong buses offer budget pricing for long-distance routes.
How much does a bus fare cost in Zambia?
Within Lusaka, minibus fares range from ZMK 7-12. Inter-city fares vary by distance: Lusaka-Kabwe ZMK 60-100, Lusaka-Kitwe ZMK 180-300, Lusaka-Livingstone ZMK 200-350. Premium bus services (Power Tools, Mazhandu) charge 20-30% more for air-conditioned coaches with assigned seats.
Is minibus business profitable in Zambia?
A city-route minibus generating ZMK 800-1,500 daily revenue with costs of ZMK 400-700 (fuel, conductor, levies) yields ZMK 400-800 daily profit. Monthly profit of ZMK 10,000-20,000 means payback on a used Hiace in 18-30 months. Key risks include accident liability, road authority fines, and maintenance costs.
What licence do I need to operate a minibus in Zambia?
You need: RTSA Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence, Route permit from City Council, Vehicle fitness certificate (annual), Public liability insurance, and all drivers must hold a PSV driver's licence. Registration with RTSA costs approximately ZMK 2,000-5,000 annually. Non-compliance carries heavy fines.