Getting around Mauritius: trains, buses, driving and domestic flights

Mauritius is about 65 km north to south and 45 km across, so nothing is far in distance — the time goes on slow roads, buses and Port Louis traffic. Costs below are 2026 estimates.

Decide first whether you will drive. If yes, book a car for the whole stay and pick one or two bases, because the car makes the island small. If no, pick a single base with restaurants and a beach within walking distance, and budget for taxis or a driver for the days you move.

Hire car: book ahead in high season (roughly June–September and December–January), take the full insurance waiver, and check whether the excess is reduced. Fuel stations are common on the main roads. Expect narrow lanes, buses that stop without warning, and scooters overtaking on the inside. Do not drive after dark on unfamiliar coastal roads if you are tired.

Taxi and driver: taxis wait at the airport, hotels and main beaches. There are no meters, so agree the price before you get in, in rupees. A driver for a full day is often the cheapest way for two to four people to see several sights, and drivers usually know the good lunch stops.

Metro Express: the light rail runs through the centre of the island between Port Louis and Curepipe, with stops at places such as Beau Bassin, Quatre Bornes and Phoenix. It does not reach the coasts or the airport, so treat it as a way to cross the central towns, not as a beach transport system. Buy a ticket at the station.

Bus: the network covers the island and fares are very low. Buses are slow, can be crowded, and mostly stop by early evening, so do not plan a late return by bus. Keep small notes and coins for the conductor.

Domestic flight and boats: Rodrigues is a separate island about 1 h 30 by air from MRU and is not reachable by a short boat crossing. Boat trips around Mauritius are day excursions, not transport; book with a licensed operator and follow the rules for dolphin encounters.

Port Louis motorway traffic runs heavy 07:00–09:30 and 16:00–18:30; time airport or cross-island drives outside those windows. Sunday is quiet: many shops close early and buses are less frequent.

Driving is on the left, as in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. If you are used to the right, take the first hour slowly. Speed limits and roundabout rules are enforced; carry your licence and an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English.

For anything involving water — catamarans, dolphin swims, lagoon trips — use licensed operators and check the weather and sea state on the day. Travel insurance that covers water activities is worth having before you book.