Getting Around Mauritius

Car hire is by far the most popular and practical way to explore Mauritius at your own pace. Vehicles are widely available from international chains and local operators.

Mauritius drives on the LEFT. An international driving licence is accepted, though your home country licence is usually sufficient for EU, UK, US, Australian and most other nationalities.

Roads are generally in good condition on main routes. Traffic can be heavy around Port Louis, Ebène, Rose Hill, and Quatre Bornes during morning and evening rush hours (7–9am, 4–6pm). Allow extra time for these areas.

Scooters are a great way to explore the coastal roads and smaller villages, and significantly cheaper than car hire. Expect to pay MUR 500–800 per day.

You must hold a valid motorcycle licence from your home country. Helmets are mandatory by law — reputable hire companies will provide them.

Scooters are best suited to experienced riders. Traffic in town centres can be unpredictable and road surfaces vary. Not recommended for those without prior motorcycle experience.

Taxis are widely available but do not use meters. Always agree on a price before getting in. Prices are negotiable — ask your hotel concierge what a fair fare should be.

Licensed taxis are yellow. Be cautious of unlicensed operators, particularly outside the airport. Taxi apps operating in Mauritius include Taxito and PickMe, which offer fixed upfront pricing.

The airport taxi service (SSR International) operates on a fixed zone-based pricing system — rates are posted at the official taxi desk outside arrivals.

Mauritius has an extensive national bus network covering virtually every part of the island. Journeys cost MUR 30–60 — making it the most affordable transport option by a wide margin.

Two main operators: CNT (Central Transport Authority) covers central and eastern routes; RHT (Rose Hill Transport) covers the west and north-west. Schedules and routes are available at mauritiusbus.com.

Most buses do not have air conditioning and can be crowded during peak hours. Journeys take longer than driving due to frequent stops, but the bus is a genuinely authentic way to experience local life.

The Metro Express is a modern light rail service connecting Port Louis in the north to Curepipe in the south via Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, and several intermediate stops.

Trains are clean, air-conditioned, and run frequently throughout the day. Fares are MUR 50–80 per journey. It is the fastest way to travel the Port Louis–Curepipe corridor, completely avoiding road traffic.

The network is being extended to Cité Atatürk (near the airport) and further extension to SSR International Airport is planned. Check the Metro Express app for current schedules and route maps.

SSR International Airport is located at Plaisance in the south-east of the island. There is an official taxi rank immediately outside the arrivals hall with a fixed zone-based price list.

Most hotels offer airport transfer services — usually more convenient than arranging a taxi independently, though at a premium. Many transfer companies also offer shared shuttle services at lower cost.

Journey time to the main tourist areas: Grand Baie (north) approx. 1 hour; Flic en Flac (west) approx. 45 minutes; Belle Mare (east) approx. 20 minutes.