Metro Express Hours: When Does the Train Run in Mauritius?

The Metro Express operates from approximately 05:30 to 23:00, Monday through Sunday, with trains running every 7 to 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 to 20 minutes during off-peak periods. The service runs the full length of the line, connecting Port Louis Caudan to Curepipe via Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, and Vacoas, covering 26 stations across roughly 26 kilometres.

These are the operating hours as of the most recent published schedule, but timetables can shift for public holidays and special events. Always check the Mauritius Metro Express official website or the MK Metro app before travelling, particularly if you are catching an early or late service.

The Metro Express Line: Stations and Route

The Metro Express line runs north to south through the urban spine of Mauritius. Key stations include:

  • Port Louis Caudan (northern terminus, near the waterfront)
  • Immigration Square (central Port Louis, close to government offices)
  • Victoria Hospital (serving the main public hospital in Candos, an essential stop for patients and visitors)
  • Rose Hill / Beau Bassin (commercial centre, midway point)
  • Quatre Bornes (busy interchange for the south)
  • Vacoas (residential hub)
  • Curepipe (southern terminus, the highest town on the island)

Victoria Hospital is one of the most practically important stops on the line. The station sits close to the main entrance of the public hospital, making the Metro Express the most reliable way to reach the facility without dealing with traffic or parking, especially during morning visiting hours.

Fares and How to Pay

Fares are distance-based and generally range from MUR 25 for short hops to MUR 50 for the full end-to-end journey. Contactless payment is accepted at ticket machines, and the Mauritius Metro Express app allows you to plan journeys and check live departures.

Concession fares apply to students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Proof of eligibility is required at the gate.

Peak and Off-Peak Times to Know

If you want a comfortable seat, avoid boarding at Port Louis Caudan or Immigration Square between 07:00 and 09:00 on weekday mornings, and between 16:30 and 18:30 in the evenings. Trains fill quickly at those times. The midday window, roughly 10:00 to 15:00, is noticeably quieter and a good time to travel if your schedule allows.

Weekend services run on a slightly reduced frequency but still operate from early morning to late evening, making the Metro Express a practical option for day trips between Port Louis and Curepipe.

Planning a Day Out: Combining the Metro with Other Stops

Cinema Mauritius

Several cinema screens in Mauritius sit within easy reach of Metro Express stations. Cinemas in the Bagatelle Mall area and in Rose Hill are accessible from stops along the line, making the Metro a convenient alternative to driving when you are heading to an evening showing. Check showtimes in advance through cinema operators' websites and match your return journey to the last service at around 23:00.

Getting to the North Coast: Grand Baie and Pereybere

The Metro Express does not currently extend to the north coast, so reaching Grand Baie or Pereybere requires a bus or taxi connection from Port Louis. From the Caudan terminus, buses to Grand Baie depart from the Immigration Square bus station. Journey time is roughly 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Pereybere, a small coastal village in the Riviere du Rempart district, sits just north of Grand Baie. It has a calm, shallow lagoon that is popular with families and local swimmers. The beach is public, the strip of snack stalls and small restaurants is unpretentious, and the pace is unhurried. If you are staying at a hotel in Grand Baie such as Le Mauricia or the Mauricia Beachcomber Resort and Spa, Pereybere is a short drive or a pleasant 20-minute walk along the coast road.

Le Mauricia and the Mauricia Beachcomber Resort and Spa are both located on the Grand Baie beachfront. Guests who want to use the Metro Express for a day trip into Port Louis or Curepipe should plan to take a taxi or bus from Grand Baie to the Caudan terminus, then board the Metro from there.

MCB Internet Banking

If you need to top up a Metro Express card, check your balance, or manage travel-related finances while on the move, MCB Internet Banking (offered by Mauritius Commercial Bank) is accessible via browser and mobile app. It is worth setting this up before you travel so that card top-ups and transfers can be handled without visiting a branch. MCB has ATMs at several stations and at the Caudan Waterfront, close to the northern terminus.

Practical Tips for Using the Metro Express

  • Arrive two to three minutes before departure. Gates close promptly and trains do not wait.
  • Keep your ticket or card active until you exit. Barriers require a valid tap-out to open.
  • Luggage space is limited. Large suitcases are manageable during off-peak hours but awkward at rush hour.
  • Air conditioning is consistent. The carriages are cool, which is welcome in the midday heat but can feel cold on an early morning run. A light layer helps.
  • Connectivity is good. Mobile signal is maintained through most of the route, including underground sections.

Victoria Hospital: Using the Metro to Get There

Victoria Hospital in Candos is one of the largest public hospitals in Mauritius. The dedicated Metro Express station makes it significantly easier to reach than it was before the line opened, when visitors relied entirely on buses or private vehicles. If you are visiting a patient or attending an outpatient appointment, the Metro drops you close to the main entrance. From Port Louis Caudan, the journey takes around 20 to 25 minutes.

For non-emergency medical visits, travelling off-peak (mid-morning or early afternoon) keeps the journey comfortable and avoids the busiest platforms.

Checking the Latest Metro Express Hours

Operating hours, frequencies, and fares are subject to revision. The most reliable sources are:

  • The official Metro Express Mauritius website
  • The MK Metro mobile app (available on iOS and Android)
  • The Metro Express customer service line

For public holidays, check announcements at least a day ahead, as some services run on reduced timetables.