Although there are a few ways to get to Mauritius, the best way is by plane. Air Mauritius, based in Port Louis, is the country's national airline. It has an impressive network and is connected to several international destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia. The international airport is called Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and operates international services to 30 destinations, running 80 flights per week.
Once you get here, driving around the island is an easy and scenic way to explore Mauritius.
Our Mauritius transportation guide below will tell you all you need to know about getting to and getting around Mauritius. To help you explore this beautiful island, we have many Mauritius tours and activities on offer.
Mauritius Transportation Guide
By Plane
Staring from modest beginnings in 1972, Air Mauritius (the national carrier) now runs 30 weekly flights to all major European cities. This includes 15 combined flights with Air France to and from Paris. In addition, there are daily flights to Plaisance Airport and Rodrigues operated by Air Mauritius.
Air Mauritius has phaeton rubicola or Paille-en-Queue, a fish eating tropical bird as its symbol. For a country with just 1.2 million people, Air Mauritius has turned out to be a major intercontinental airline. To its credit, it also became the first southern African country airline to fly an all-Airbus fleet for its medium and long haul routes.
Other International Airways operating in Mauritius
- British Airways - Four weekly flights
- Emirates - Three weekly flights
- Condor - One Flight per week
Air Europe, Air France, Austrian Airlines, South African Airways, Air India, Air Zimbabwe, and Virgin Airlines also serve Mauritius with their home countries.
Regional Airlines such as Air Madagascar, Air Austral, and Air Seychelles connect Mauritius with the neighbouring islands.
Upon entering the country, visitors are required to give information regarding their accommodation. Visitors from countries where malaria is endemic may be required to give blood samples for screening.
Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Mauritius.
Flights to Mauritius
By Boat
Vessels arriving at the Mauritius port are mainly cargo ships. But there are also some passenger vessels which come in from neighbouring islands. The Coraline Shipping Agency sails once a week from Port Louis harbour to Reunion Island and also to Rodrigues Island.
There are two vessels, namely Mauritius Pride, launched in 1991, and Mauritius Trochetia, in operation since 2001, which sail to Madagascar from Port Louis via Reunion Island and Rodriguez. Both of them serve as passenger as well as freight carriers. Recently, the Genoa-based Costa Cruise fleet started an Indian Ocean cruise, which includes a stop at Mauritius.
Getting Around
Bus and Taxi
The main mode of road transport is the extensive network of bus services. About a third of the bus service is provided by the National Transport Corporation. The other means of road transport are taxis that provide their services all over the island. Taxi fares are largely regulated and the taxis come equipped with meters, although many taxis do not choose to use them. The taxis are attached to specific provinces or hotels and this is printed on the yellow panel of the driver's door. Although tipping is not necessary, it is always appreciated.
Driving
Another way to get around Mauritius is by using contract cars that are owned by private companies, including major international and independent firms. Tourists often hire these contract cars. You can also do the same as driving around the island is quite easy and pleasant. However, you need to be careful about driving at night as some regional roads are poorly lit.
Some road rules need to be followed; for instance, the driver needs to be over 18 years and speed limits of 90 km per hour on motorways and 50 km per hour in other areas should not be exceeded. A valid foreign licence is accepted and using seat belts is mandatory.
One major highway runs from the north to the south. The other network of roads covering the island is good, albeit a little narrow. Due to the small size of the island you can reach any part of it from Port Louis in about 45 minutes. Driving from one end of the island to the other may take you just about an hour.
Other Transport
You can also discover Mauritius by bicycle and motorbike, which are available for hire. There are special cycling tours where you will be accompanied by a guide.
Helicopters are also used for reaching neighbouring islands and also for sightseeing tours. However, these can set you back by a fair bit.
