Driving in Mauritius: licences, car rental and road rules

Rent a car for flexibility on day‑trips; budget €30‑50 per day, bring an international driving permit, and obey left‑hand traffic. Use taxis if you prefer not to drive.

Car rental agencies operate at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and in major towns such as Port Louis and Grand Baie. Most agencies require a credit card and a driver’s licence issued for at least one year; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory for licences not in English.

Vehicles are mostly automatic; manual cars are available but limited. Insurance is usually included as third‑party coverage, with optional collision‑damage waiver for an extra €5‑10 per day.

Roads are generally in good condition, with signage in English and French. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns and 80 km/h on highways. Police checks are random; keep your licence, IDP, passport and rental contract handy.

Fuel stations use the Mauritian rupee (Rs). Expect to pay around Rs 70 per litre in 2026. Credit cards are accepted at most pumps, but carry cash for smaller stations.

Parking in Port Louis can be tight; look for marked bays or paid lots. On the coast, many resorts offer free parking for guests.

Peak traffic on the Port Louis motorway occurs 07:00–09:30 and 16:00–18:30; allow extra travel time.

Roads in rural areas may be narrow and share space with buses; drive cautiously.

If you plan to visit Rodrigues, consider a domestic flight instead of a long drive.