Mauritius is a small island, but distances can be deceptive because roads wind and traffic builds around towns. Choosing the right way to get around will make your holiday smoother and give you the freedom to explore. Here are your main options and how to use them.
Renting a car
For most visitors, hiring a car is the best way to see the island. It lets you reach quiet beaches, mountain viewpoints, and country restaurants that buses do not serve. Remember that Mauritius drives on the left, a legacy of its British history. Most visitors can drive on their national licence or an international permit for the length of a normal holiday.
The main roads and the motorway that links the airport, Port Louis, and the north are good. In villages, roads can be narrow, and you will share them with buses, scooters, dogs, and the occasional stray. Take roundabouts slowly, watch for pedestrians, and avoid driving after dark in rural areas if you can, as street lighting is patchy. Parking is easy at most beaches and attractions, and fuel stations are plentiful near towns.
Buses
Buses are the cheapest way to travel and a genuine slice of local life. A network of routes connects almost every town and village, and fares are very low. There is no need to book, you simply pay the conductor on board. Buses can be slow and do not always run to a precise timetable, so allow plenty of time. The main hubs are Victoria Station and Immigration Square in Port Louis, where routes fan out across the island.
The Metro Express
The Metro Express is a modern light rail line that runs through the busy central corridor, linking Port Louis with Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Vacoas, and Curepipe. It is clean, comfortable, and a quick way to skip road traffic between these towns. If your plans include the central conurbation, it is well worth using.
Taxis
Taxis are widely available and can be hired for a single trip or for a whole day of sightseeing, which many visitors find convenient. Taxis do not usually run a meter, so agree the fare before you set off. Your hotel can call a reliable driver, and hiring one for a day is a relaxed way to see several sights without navigating yourself.
Apps, scooters, and cycling
Ride hailing is growing on the island, and a few local apps let you book a car from your phone in the main towns. Scooters are available to rent and are fun for short coastal hops, though only confident riders should take them into heavier traffic. Cycling is pleasant along quiet coastal lanes, but the main roads are best avoided by bike.
Getting to and from the airport
The international airport sits in the south east of the island. Most hotels offer a transfer, which is the easiest option after a long flight. Prebooked private cars and taxis are also available at the arrivals hall, and the motorway makes the drive to the north or west straightforward, though it can take well over an hour depending on your destination and traffic.
How long does it take?
As a rough guide, the airport to Grand Baie in the far north is around ninety minutes, the airport to Flic en Flac on the west is about an hour, and crossing from the east coast to the west can take well over an hour once you leave the motorway. The central towns are close together but often slow going in traffic. None of these journeys is long by international standards, yet the winding roads and busy town centres mean it always pays to set off in good time and to relax into the island pace.
Practical tips
- Journeys often take longer than the map suggests, so build in extra time.
- Keep some cash in rupees for buses, taxis, and parking.
- Download an offline map before you set out, as signal can drop in the hills.
- Rush hour around Port Louis is busy, so plan trips through the capital outside peak times.
- Always agree taxi fares in advance to avoid surprises.
With a little planning, getting around Mauritius is easy and even part of the fun. Pick the option that suits your itinerary and enjoy the freedom to discover the island at your own pace.
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable Mauritius holiday. Read more island guides.
