How do Gibraltar's local bus routes work and are they free?

Question

Accepted Answer

Two operators run Gibraltar's buses: the Government-owned Gibraltar Bus Company (routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 plus night services) and Citibus (frontier routes 5, 10 and X5). Qualifying residents, commuters and military personnel can travel free on Gibraltar Bus Company routes, while visitors pay a fare or buy an all-day Hopper ticket.
The operators
Gibraltar Bus Company (Government-owned): routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9, plus night services.
Citibus (Calypso Transport Ltd, private): routes 5 and 10 and the X5, linking the frontier and airport with the town centre.
Useful routes for visitors
Route 2 runs from Market Place near Casemates to Europa Point.
Route 1 ends near the Moorish Castle, the closest bus stop to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.
Routes 5 and 10 serve the frontier and airport.
Are buses free?
Gibraltar ran a fully free bus service until 2012. Since then, free travel on Gibraltar Bus Company routes has applied only to qualifying residents, commuters and military personnel. Ask the Gibraltar Bus Company how to qualify. Citibus routes are fare-paying, though Citibus offers a free OAP pass.
Fares
Gibraltar Bus Company fares are set by the Transport (Bus Fares) Regulations. Card and cash payment are accepted on most buses.
Citibus currently lists an adult single at £1.80 (or €2.70) and multi-journey cards from £10 for 10 trips.
The Hopper ticket (adult £8.80, child £5.50 per Citibus's current listing) gives unlimited travel for the day on both operators' routes.
Tracking
The Gibraltar Bus Company publishes a live bus tracker online.

How do Gibraltar's local bus routes work and are they free?

Short answer

Detailed answer

The operators

Useful routes

Are buses free?

Fares