Mauritius Transport

Air
The primary entry gate to Mauritius is the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport located at Plaisance. This international air hub is home to Air Mauritius, the national airline, which offers both international and domestic routes. International destinations served include major cities in Africa, Australia, Europe and Asia.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport
The main gateway for international visitors to Mauritius, Plaisance’s airport offers regular flights to major cities on all continents, with the main carrier being national airline Air Mauritius.

A variety of other airlines, both international and regional, offer flights here including Air Austral, Air Madgascar, Air Seychelles, Air Europe, Air France, Air Zimbabwe, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Condor, South African Airways and Emirates.

Facilities at the airport are limited, with the facility being just a single-storey building. Essential facilities such as banking, dining, duty-free shopping, a post office and money exchange counters are provided. For the comfort of VIP passengers, there are two lounges.

Located 26 miles southeast of the capital, Port Louis, transfers from the airport to the capital can be made by taxi, local bus or private hire car, with car rental agencies represented at the airport. Some hotels pick their guests up in private shuttle vans, but generally this must be pre-arranged prior to your arrival.

Sea
The ferry operator Coraline sails once a week to Rodrigues Island from Port Louis (tel: +230 210 5944/6120). Advance bookings should be made if you want to ensure a space aboard.

Air
Air Mauritius offers some domestic flights to and from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at Plaisance to other local islands. Daily flights connect the airport at Plaisance with Rodrigues (flight time: 1 hour, 15 minutes). Tickets should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
It is also possible to take a scenic helicopter ride around the island with Air Mauritius, for which bookings can be made at their main office at the Paille en Queue Court in the centre of Port Louis (tel: +230 603 3754; e-mail: helicopter@airmauritius.com).

Bus
Local buses are a good and inexpensive way of getting around. Services are plentiful, with three main companies offering numerous routes across the island: National Transport Corporation (NBC) (tel: +230 426 2938), United Bus Service (UBS) (tel: +230 212 2026) and Mauritius Bus Transport (MTB) (tel: +230 245 2539).

Car
The island has an excellent network of roads connecting all the major island hubs. The primary highway runs north to south, with smaller, paved roads providing access to some of the less populated areas. Driving etiquette here is considered a bit erratic and visitors should exercise caution. Traffic drive on the left hand side.
Car rental agencies on the island are plentiful and include both major international and local firms. Drivers wishing to rent a vehicle must be over 23 years old and must be in possession of a foreign licence; it is not necessary to have an International Driving Permit. All passengers must wear seatbelts including the driver and the speed limits are 80kph (50mph) on the motorway and 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas.

Taxi
Taxis are commonly available and are ideal for short hops around the island. They are government regulated and charge fares according to a meter. Many cabs are connected to a particular hotel, which can be seen advertised on a yellow panel on the drivers' door. Tips are not customary for taxi drivers, but they are appreciated.