How do you get around Mauritius without a car?

Public buses

Mauritius has an extensive public bus network that connects most towns and villages at very low cost (MUR 25–50 per journey). The main bus companies — NTC, RHT, and several private operators — run frequent services along the main corridors: Port Louis to Curepipe, Grand Baie to Port Louis, and Mahébourg to Port Louis. However, bus routes are not well-mapped online, timetables can be unreliable, and rural connections are sparse. For daily commuting within the main corridor, buses work. For flexibility and the quieter west coast or east coast areas, they are inadequate.

Metro Express

The Metro Express is a light rail system connecting Curepipe to Port Louis via the central plateau towns (Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Vacoas). It is modern, air-conditioned, and runs on a reliable schedule. It is well-suited to commuting but covers a limited route and does not serve the coastal areas.

Yelo and taxis

Yelo is the main ride-hailing app in Mauritius, similar to Uber. It is available on iOS and Android and covers most of the island. A Yelo from Grand Baie to Port Louis costs approximately MUR 700–900. Metered taxis are available from hotels and taxi ranks but negotiating a fare is normal for longer journeys. Regular taxi drivers are commonly retained by expats on a part-time basis for a fixed monthly fee — a popular arrangement.

Bicycle and electric scooter

Urban cycling infrastructure is limited outside of dedicated tourist areas. Electric scooter rentals are available in Grand Baie and Flic en Flac for short-range mobility.

Car hire

For visitors or short-term residents, car hire is very practical. Rates start at around MUR 1,200 per day for a small car. Traffic on the main north–south corridor can be heavy at peak hours but is otherwise manageable.