Inhambane Bay, Mozambique

How to get to Inhambane.

Direct from Johannesburg. The EN1 from Maputo. The dhow from Maxixe.

Inhambane has its own airport (INH) with Airlink direct flights from Johannesburg and LAM hops from Maputo. By road it's ~470 km up the paved EN1 from the capital. The dhow ferry from Maxixe still runs the way it has for centuries.

See all routes Ask about a transfer

Plan the journey

Getting to Inhambane.

Pick your origin to see the public-transport options and our private transfer offer for that route. Or scroll the full list of every way in.

From

Maputo → Inhambane

~470 km up the EN1, or a quick LAM flight. Inhambane is the regional hub for the Tofo and Barra beach areas.

  • LAM Maputo → Inhambane (INH)
    Duration
    ~50 min
    Fare
    from $100 one-way
    Frequency
    Daily (most days)
    Operator
    LAM Mozambique
  • Self-drive on the EN1
    Duration
    ~7 hours · 470 km
    Fare
    Fuel ~$50

    Paved the whole way. Plan a fuel stop at Xai-Xai.

  • Long-distance bus (TCO, Nagi)
    Duration
    ~8–9 hours
    Fare
    MZN 1,000–1,500
    Frequency
    Several daily
  • Chapa (shared minibus, multi-leg)
    Duration
    ~9–10 hours
    Fare
    MZN 800

    Cheapest option. Multiple changes — only if you’re traveling light and have a full day.

  • EKAYA private transfer Private
    Duration
    ~7 hours
    Fare
    On request

Last verified May 2026. Fares are approximations — confirm with the operator.

From

Johannesburg → Inhambane

Airlink flies direct Johannesburg → Inhambane several times a week — the fastest route into the Tofo/Barra area.

  • Airlink direct Johannesburg → Inhambane (INH)
    Duration
    ~1h30
    Fare
    from $250 return
    Frequency
    Several times a week
    Operator
    Airlink
  • Self-drive via Lebombo or Kosi Bay border
    Duration
    ~12 hours · break overnight
    Fare
    Fuel + border ~$180

    Most travelers break in Maputo. See our self-drive guide.

Last verified May 2026. Fares are approximations — confirm with the operator.

From

Tofo → Inhambane

  • Self-drive
    Duration
    ~30 min
    Fare
    Fuel ~$5
  • Chapa from Tofo → Inhambane
    Duration
    ~30–40 min
    Fare
    MZN 100–200
    Frequency
    Throughout the day
  • EKAYA or lodge transfer Private
    Duration
    ~30 min
    Fare
    ~$25–40

Last verified May 2026. Fares are approximations — confirm with the operator.

Common questions

Before you book.

Where is Inhambane Airport?
Inhambane Airport (IATA: INH) is 7 km southwest of Inhambane city and 22 km west of Tofo. It serves Airlink direct flights from Johannesburg (~1h30) and LAM Mozambique flights from Maputo (~50 min).
How far is Inhambane from Maputo?
About 470 km by road, ~7 hours on the paved EN1. By air, LAM's Maputo → Inhambane flight is just 50 minutes. Long-distance buses (TCO, Nagi) run the route in 8–9 hours for MZN 1,000–1,500.
Are there direct flights from Johannesburg to Inhambane?
Yes — Airlink runs direct flights several times a week. Flight time ~1h30. Schedules shift seasonally; confirm with the airline before booking lodges in Inhambane, Tofo, or Barra.
How do I get from Maputo to Inhambane?
Four options: fly LAM (~50 min, ~$100 one-way), drive the EN1 (~7h), long-distance bus (TCO/Nagi, ~8–9h, MZN 1,000–1,500), or chapa (cheapest, slowest, multiple changes). The bus is the most popular option for travelers without a car.
Is there a bus from Maputo to Inhambane?
Yes — several daily, with TCO and Nagi Investimentos being the main operators. Departures from Junta in Maputo to Inhambane bus terminal. Around 8–9 hours. Tickets MZN 1,000–1,500. Buy at the terminal or through the operator.
How do I get from Inhambane to Tofo?
Tofo is just 22 km east of Inhambane city, ~30 minutes on a paved road. Take a chapa (MZN 100–200), a taxi, or a private transfer (~$25–40). Lodges at Tofo will often arrange the airport pickup if you flew in.
Can I cross to Maxixe by dhow?
Yes — the dhow ferry across Inhambane Bay to Maxixe takes about 30 minutes under sail and costs MZN 30–50. It runs throughout daylight hours. The most photographed water-crossing in Mozambique, and the route locals have used for centuries.

Last reviewed:

Land at INH. We'll be there.

Tell us your flight number, your hotel, and how many of you are arriving. We'll have someone waiting at Inhambane Airport with your name on a sign — and the bay on the way home.

Message us on WhatsApp

A reply in a few hours · English & Portuguese

Chat with us