Save money on your next flight
Skyscanner is the world’s leading flight search engine, helping you find the cheapest flights to destinations all over the world.
Looking to get around Honolulu on public transportation? Buying a bus pass is the most convenient and affordable way to use TheBus, Honolulu’s public bus system.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about purchasing bus passes in Honolulu.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: You can buy bus passes at various locations around Oahu, including grocery stores, TheBus Pass Office at the Alapai Transit Center, and online through the Holo Card program.
Types of Bus Passes in Honolulu
Single Ride Pass
The Single Ride Pass is perfect for occasional riders or tourists who only need to take the bus once in a while.
With this pass, you can enjoy a single ride on any bus route in Honolulu. It offers a convenient and affordable option for those who do not need to travel frequently by bus.
The cost of the Single Ride Pass is $2.75 for adults and $1.25 for seniors, youths, and people with disabilities.
Day Pass
If you plan on using the bus multiple times in a day, the Day Pass is the most cost-effective option for you. With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides on any bus route for an entire day.
Whether you need to run errands, explore the city, or commute to work, the Day Pass allows you to travel freely without worrying about additional fares.
The cost of the Day Pass is $5.50 for adults and $2.50 for seniors, youths, and people with disabilities.
4-Day Pass
The 4-Day Pass is designed for visitors who plan on staying in Honolulu for a few days. With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides on any bus route for four consecutive days.
It provides great value for travelers who want to explore the city and its attractions at their own pace.
The cost of the 4-Day Pass is $35 for adults and $10 for seniors, youths, and people with disabilities.
Monthly Pass
If you are a regular commuter in Honolulu, the Monthly Pass is the most convenient and economical option for you.
With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides on any bus route for an entire month. It offers significant savings compared to purchasing individual fares every day.
The cost of the Monthly Pass is $80 for adults and $35 for seniors, youths, and people with disabilities.
For more information on bus passes and fares in Honolulu, you can visit the official website of TheBus, the public transportation system in Honolulu, at www.thebus.org.
Where to Buy Bus Passes In-Person in Honolulu
If you are planning to use the public transportation system in Honolulu, purchasing a bus pass can make your commute more convenient and cost-effective.
There are several options available for buying bus passes in-person in the city. Here are three popular locations:
TheBus Pass Office
TheBus Pass Office is the official place to purchase bus passes in Honolulu. Located at 811 Middle Street, this office offers a wide range of passes for different durations and purposes.
Whether you need a monthly pass for regular commuting or a day pass for a one-time trip, you can find it here.
The friendly staff at TheBus Pass Office can also provide information about bus routes and schedules to help you plan your journey effectively.
Grocery Stores
Another convenient option for buying bus passes in Honolulu is visiting local grocery stores.
Many supermarkets in the city, such as Safeway and Foodland, have customer service desks where you can purchase bus passes.
This option is particularly useful if you are already planning a grocery shopping trip, as you can buy your bus pass along with your groceries. It saves you time and ensures that you have your pass ready when you need it.
Also read: Cheapest Grocery Stores In Oahu, Hawaii
UH Manoa Campus Center
If you are a student or staff member at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, you can buy bus passes at the UH Manoa Campus Center.
Located at 2465 Campus Road, this center offers various services to the university community, including selling bus passes.
This is a convenient option for those who spend most of their time on campus and need a bus pass to navigate around the city.
It also provides an opportunity to interact with fellow students and staff while purchasing your pass.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information on bus pass availability and pricing. For more information on bus passes in Honolulu, you can visit www.thebus.org.
Buying Bus Passes Online Through Holo Card
If you’re looking for a convenient way to purchase bus passes in Honolulu, the Holo Card is the answer. The Holo Card is a reloadable smart card that allows you to pay for bus fares electronically.
Not only does it eliminate the need for carrying cash or searching for exact change, but it also offers the convenience of online purchasing.
How to Get a Holo Card
To get a Holo Card, you can visit the official website of TheBus, Honolulu’s public transit system. You can apply for a card online by filling out a simple application form and paying a one-time fee.
Once your application is processed, your Holo Card will be mailed to your designated address. It’s important to note that the Holo Card is non-transferable and can only be used by the registered cardholder.
Online Purchasing of Bus Passes
Once you have your Holo Card, you can easily purchase bus passes online. The official website of TheBus provides an easy-to-use online portal where you can select the type of pass you need and add it to your Holo Card.
The available options include monthly passes, daily passes, and senior or disabled passes. Simply choose the pass that suits your travel needs, make the payment, and the pass will be added to your Holo Card.
Advantages of Buying Bus Passes Online
Buying bus passes online through the Holo Card offers several advantages.
Firstly, it saves you time and effort by allowing you to purchase passes from the comfort of your own home. No more waiting in long lines at ticket booths or searching for retailers that sell bus passes.
Additionally, online purchasing provides flexibility as you can buy passes anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
Furthermore, the Holo Card allows for easy reloading, so you can top up your pass whenever needed.
By opting for online purchasing of bus passes through the Holo Card, you can enjoy a hassle-free and convenient way to travel around Honolulu.
So why wait? Get your Holo Card today and experience the ease of buying bus passes online!
Using Your Bus Pass on TheBus
Once you’ve purchased your bus pass in Honolulu, it’s important to know how to use it on TheBus. Here are a few steps to help you navigate the process:
Validating Your Pass
Before boarding the bus, make sure to validate your bus pass. This can be done by simply tapping your pass on the card reader located near the bus entrance.
The reader will emit a beep sound and display a green light to indicate that your pass has been successfully validated. Remember, failure to validate your pass may result in a fine or penalty.
It’s worth noting that TheBus uses a smart card system called Holo Card, which allows for easy tap-and-go access. The Holo Card can be purchased at various locations throughout Honolulu, including convenience stores and transit centers.
Refilling a Holo Card Online
One of the most convenient ways to refill your Holo Card is by doing it online. The website www.holocard.net provides a user-friendly platform for managing your card and adding funds to it.
Simply create an account, enter your card details, and choose the desired amount to refill. The website accepts various payment methods, making the process quick and hassle-free.
By refilling your Holo Card online, you can avoid the need to physically visit a location to add funds. This is especially beneficial for those who have a busy schedule or prefer the convenience of online transactions.
Remember to keep your Holo Card topped up with sufficient funds to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted ride on TheBus. Running out of funds may result in delays or the need to purchase a new pass.
Also read: Should I Rent A Car In Hawaii Or Uber?
Conclusion
With various pass options available, from single ride to monthly passes, you have flexibility in choosing what works best for your transportation needs in Honolulu.
Stop by an in-person location or set up a Holo Card online for easy access to TheBus with a pass. Enjoy getting around Oahu car-free and care-free using a convenient bus pass!
