Getting Around Madagascar
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use taxis and pousse-pousse in Antananarivo. Rural: Rent a 4x4 for national parks and dirt roads. Islands: Ferries and domestic flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Ivato to your destination.
Train Travel
Madarail Network
Limited passenger rail operated by Madarail, mainly freight but with occasional tourist services connecting Antananarivo to eastern towns.
Cost: Antananarivo to Moramanga ~10,000-20,000 MGA (~$2-5), journeys 2-4 hours on scenic routes.
Tickets: Buy at stations or through local agents; services are infrequent, check schedules in advance.
Peak Times: Weekends for tourists; avoid rainy season (Nov-Apr) due to potential delays.
Tourist Train Excursions
Special heritage trains like the Train des Pignes offer day trips from Antananarivo to Andrainjato for ~50,000 MGA (~$12).
Best For: Scenic rides through highlands, ideal for history buffs and families over multi-day bus trips.
Where to Buy: Book via tour operators or Madarail office; includes guided commentary and stops.
Regional Connections
Rail links to Toamasina port exist but are mostly cargo; passenger options via charters to Fianarantsoa.
Booking: Arrange through eco-tour companies weeks ahead; costs 30,000-60,000 MGA for longer routes.
Main Stations: Gare Soarano in Antananarivo; limited facilities, combine with taxis for full travel.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for remote areas and national parks. Compare rental prices from $40-80/day for 4x4 at Ivato Airport and Antananarivo.
Requirements: International license, credit card, minimum age 21; driver guides recommended for off-road.
Insurance: Full coverage mandatory due to rough roads; includes theft and damage protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways (where paved).
Tolls: Minimal, but checkpoints common; pay small fees (~5,000 MGA) for road use.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and livestock; roundabouts give way to right.
Parking: Free in rural areas, guarded lots in cities ~10,000 MGA/day; avoid leaving valuables.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sparse outside cities at ~5,000 MGA/liter (~$1.20) for petrol, diesel similar.
Apps: Use Maps.me or Google Maps offline; GPS essential for unpaved routes.
Traffic: Chaotic in Antananarivo; rural roads often dirt, drive cautiously in rainy season.
Urban Transport
Antananarivo Taxis & Metro-Like
No metro, but taxis and minibuses (taxis-be) cover the city; single ride 5,000-10,000 MGA (~$1-2), day pass rare.
Validation: Negotiate fares upfront; apps like Taxibe for fixed rates in capital.
Apps: Use local ride-hailing for routes and payments; overcrowding common.
Bike & Rickshaw Rentals
Pousse-pousse (cycle rickshaws) in Antananarivo and coastal towns, ~3,000-5,000 MGA/hour.
Routes: Flat areas like Nosy Be ideal; mountain bikes for national park trails.
Tours: Guided bike tours in Isalo or Ranomafana, combining adventure with wildlife spotting.
Buses & Local Services
Minibuses and long-distance taxis-be operate nationwide, connecting cities like Antananarivo to Tamatave.
Tickets: 10,000-50,000 MGA per ride, buy at stations or onboard with cash.
Coastal Routes: Ferries from Toamasina to Sainte Marie ~20,000 MGA, seasonal schedules.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near taxi-be stations in cities for easy access, close to parks for wildlife viewing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and major events like whale watching.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for mosquito nets, generator power, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
3G/4G in cities and main roads, spotty in remote areas; 5G emerging in Antananarivo.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Telma, Orange Madagascar, and Airtel offer prepaid SIMs from 10,000-30,000 MGA (~$2-7) with decent coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 20,000 MGA, 10GB for 40,000 MGA, unlimited for 100,000 MGA/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and tourist cafes, limited public access outside cities.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major hotels offer free WiFi; cafes in Antananarivo reliable.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in urban areas, slower in rural; suitable for maps and messaging.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3, no daylight saving.
- Airport Transfers: Ivato Airport 16km from Antananarivo center, taxi 50,000 MGA (30 min), or book private transfer for $20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports and hotels (10,000-20,000 MGA/day); limited in smaller towns.
- Accessibility: Challenging due to unpaved roads; some hotels offer ground-floor rooms, tours adaptable.
- Pet Travel: Rare, but possible on domestic flights with carrier; check taxi-be policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on taxis-be roofs for small fee (~5,000 MGA), domestic flights extra charge.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Madagascar
Ivato International Airport (TNR) is the main hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Ivato Airport (TNR): Primary international gateway, 16km from Antananarivo with taxi connections.
Arrachart Airport (TLE): Domestic hub in Antananarivo for internal flights, close to city.
Nosy Be Fascene (WAM): Key for northern islands, regional flights to wildlife areas.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (May-Oct) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying via Johannesburg or Paris and domestic to save on direct flights.
Budget Airlines
Air Madagascar, Air Austral, and Ethiopian Airlines serve domestic and regional routes.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transfers when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in recommended 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, fees 5,000-10,000 MGA; use bank ATMs, limited in rural areas.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in hotels/tourist spots, Mastercard less common; cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in capitals, but cash dominant; mobile money like MVola widespread.
- Cash: Essential for taxis-be, markets, rural areas; keep 100,000-500,000 MGA in small notes.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, 5-10% in restaurants or 2,000 MGA for guides appreciated.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor rates.