Getting Around Mauritius
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use affordable buses for Port Louis and coastal towns. Rural: Rent a car for Black River Gorges and southern beaches. Islands: Ferries and boats. For convenience, book airport transfers from MRU to your destination.
Bus Travel
National Bus Services
Affordable and extensive bus network connecting all major towns with frequent services operated by companies like United Bus Service.
Cost: Port Louis to Grand Baie €1-2, journeys under 1-2 hours between most towns.
Tickets: Buy from onboard conductors, exact change required, or use contactless cards at major stops.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for less crowding and faster rides.
Bus Passes
Multi-journey cards or weekly passes available for €10-20, offering unlimited rides on select routes for frequent travelers.
Best For: Multiple town visits over several days, significant savings for 5+ trips.
Where to Buy: Bus terminals, kiosks, or official apps with instant activation at major hubs like Port Louis.
Inter-Island Ferries
Ferries connect mainland to Ile aux Cerfs and Rodrigues, with services from Mahebourg or Port Louis.
Booking: Reserve seats days in advance for weekends, discounts up to 20% for early bookings.
Main Ports: Main departure from Port Louis, with connections to coastal piers.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring beaches and national parks. Compare rental prices from €30-50/day at MRU Airport and major resorts.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check for collision damage waiver in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways.
Tolls: No tolls on main roads, but some bridges may have small fees.
Priority: Roundabouts give way to traffic already inside, yield to pedestrians at crossings.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered €1-2/hour in Port Louis and tourist spots.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available island-wide at €1.20-1.40/liter for petrol, €1.10-1.30 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps for remote areas.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Port Louis during rush hours and around popular beaches.
Urban Transport
Port Louis Buses
Comprehensive network covering the capital, single ticket €1, day pass €4, 10-journey card €8.
Validation: Pay conductor upon boarding, no tickets issued but fines for evasion.
Apps: National Transport Authority app for routes, schedules, and real-time updates.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Bike-sharing in coastal areas like Flic en Flac, €5-10/day with stations at resorts.
Routes: Scenic coastal paths and flat northern roads ideal for cycling.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours available in Grand Baie, combining beaches with adventure.
Taxis & Local Services
Metered taxis and app-based services like Yugo operate in urban areas and resorts.
Tickets: €2-5 per short ride, fixed rates for airport transfers €20-40.
Coastal Shuttles: Resort shuttles connect beaches to hotels, often free for guests.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus routes in towns for easy access, coastal resorts for beaches.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season (Nov-Apr) and holidays like Diwali.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for cyclone season travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, pool inclusion, 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
Excellent 4G/5G coverage in populated areas, 3G/4G in remote spots like national parks.
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
EMTEL, My.t, and Mauritius Telecom offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with island-wide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, resorts, cafes, and public areas like beaches.
Public Hotspots: Major bus terminals and tourist sites have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (10-50 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Mauritius Time (MUT), UTC+4, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: MRU Airport 45km from Port Louis, bus €2 (1 hour), taxi €25, or book private transfer for €30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airport (€5-10/day) and bus terminals in major towns.
- Accessibility: Buses and taxis have limited access, resorts often equipped for mobility needs.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on ferries (small free, large €10), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses off-peak for €2, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Mauritius
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (MRU): Primary international hub, 45km southeast of Port Louis with bus connections.
Small Domestic Strips: Limited airstrips for Rodrigues flights, seaplane options for Ile aux Cerfs.
Regional Access: Direct flights from Europe, Africa, and Asia, convenient for southern hemisphere travel.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for peak season (Nov-Apr) 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 Dubai for potential savings on long-haul flights.
Budget Airlines
Air Mauritius, Condor, and regional carriers serve MRU with connections from Europe and Africa.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-3, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at resorts and shops, cash preferred in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay common in urban spots, Apple Pay and Google Pay increasingly accepted.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and small vendors, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated for good service in restaurants and taxis.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.