Are you planning a trip across Zimbabwe? This guide will help you find the best buses from Harare to Bulawayo, including reliable options for stops in Kadoma, Chegutu, Kwekwe, and Gweru. Whether you’re a student heading back to campus, a professional on a business trip, or a traveler exploring the country, choosing the right bus service makes all the difference in comfort, safety, and punctuality. This article breaks down the top scheduled bus operators, their routes, and what to expect along the way.
1. Intercape Pathfinder
- Schedule: Departs daily at 07:30 AM from Harare, with additional departures at 2:00 PM on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays.
- Comfort Level: Highly comfortable luxury coaches equipped with air conditioning, onboard toilets, and televisions.
- Booking: Available online or via offices in Harare, Gweru, and Bulawayo.
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2. CityLink Luxury Coaches
- Route: Harare → Chegutu → Kadoma → Kwekwe → Gweru → Bulawayo
- Fare Estimates:
- Harare → Bulawayo: ~US$30
- Chegutu/Kadoma/Kwekwe: ~$20 each
- Gweru: ~$25
- Drop-off points:
- Chegutu: Chegutu Hotel
- Kadoma: Sichel Service
- Kwekwe: King Solomon Hotel
- Gweru: Clonsilla Chicken Inn
- Discounts: Seniors (65+) and minors qualify for discounted fares. Minors under 12 (unaccompanied) travel only on 7 AM & 10 AM buses.
3. Eagle Liner & Bravo Tours
- Eagle Liner: Runs twice daily between Harare and Bulawayo (~6 h travel time), priced around US$25.
- Bravo Tours: Also twice daily, slightly faster (approx. 5 h 40 m), priced about US$26.
- CityBus: Another option, with one daily departure (~6 h 30 m).
4. ExtraCity
- Pricing & Frequency: One of the cheapest—buses cost about US$35, with two departures daily (e.g., early morning and late afternoon).
4. Bravo Tours
- Pricing & Frequency: Bravo Tours offered a great price at $25 and also gave meals on the trip. While they were known to have daily trips, it is currently unclear if these buses have been discontinued.
Other Insights from Travelers
- Reddit users widely recommend CityLink for its reliability and comfort.
- EagleLiner is praised for timeliness and adherence to schedules.
- Some report that other services like ZUPCO are less reliable or unsafe.
Comparison Table: Bus Options at a Glance
| Operator | Schedule / Frequency | Route Coverage | Price (approx.) | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercape Pathfinder | Daily (07:30 AM) + select 2 PM runs | Harare – Bulawayo (via stops) | Higher-end | ~6 hours | Luxurious coaches, booking available |
| CityLink | Multiple daily | Harare → Chegutu → Kadoma → … | $20–$30 | ~6 hours | Commonly recommended, senior/minor fares |
| Eagle Liner | Twice daily | Harare ↔ Bulawayo | ~$25 | ~6 hours | On time, reliable |
| Bravo Tours | Twice daily | Harare ↔ Bulawayo | ~$26 | ~5h 40m | Slightly faster than competitors |
| CityBus | Once daily | Harare ↔ Bulawayo | — | ~6h 30m | Limited frequency |
| ExtraCity | Two daily departures | Harare ↔ Bulawayo | ~$35 | ~5h 30m | Cheapest listed option |
Travel Tips & Recommendations
- For comfort and convenience, CityLink and Intercape are top picks—CityLink for frequent stops, Intercape for premium travel.
- Budget-conscious? Try Eagle Liner, Bravo Tours, or ExtraCity for competitive fares and decent reliability.
- Stop-and-see route: If you’re traveling via Kadoma, Kwekwe, or Gweru, CityLink is strategic with its stopovers.
- Book early, especially during holidays—Coaches fill up fast.
- Safety first: Avoid less reputable providers, especially mass-transport minibuses. Good punctuality and secure boarding points matter—CityLink and Eagle Liner deliver here.