How to get around in Mauritius
Mauritius may be small in size compared to bigger countries, but you can still expect to spend an hour or two driving to attractions. But the good news is you can travel from the North to the South of the island within just three to four hours. There are no trams or trains on the island. So, let’s take a look at the other modes of transport to travel the length and breadth of Mauritius.
How to get around Mauritius by taxi?
If you’ve booked Blue Bay Mauritius hotels, you can get your hotel to organize a tourist taxi. Most hotels like the Anantara Iko Mauritius offer to schedule pickups. You can find the hotel’s signage on the yellow panel on the car’s driver’s door. Outside of hotels, you can find taxis near shopping centres or bus stations. If you look in the Mauritius Yellow Pages to book taxis in advance. They do have meters in taxis, but it is better to agree to the fare before you get in the taxi. You’ll find that taxis are pretty inexpensive in Mauritius. The drivers get commissions, so you can ask them for suggestions for shopping and restaurants. There is a shared taxi option available too. They charge only a little over the bus fare. But the taxi only departs when the seating capacity is full. You can ask hotel staff for information to find shared taxi services.
How to get around Mauritius by bus?
In Mauritius, buses are inexpensive and a fun way to explore the island. They operate everywhere except for the Plaine Champagne and Le Morne Peninsula. There are a few main bus hubs - Port Louis in the north and Flacq in the east. You can find the main bus hubs in the south in Mahébourg. In the central plateau go to Curepipe and Quatre Bornes to catch a bus. The bus operators start as early as 5 30am in urban areas and around 6 30 am in less populous areas. In urban areas buses run until 8 pm while they stop services at 6 30pm in other areas. However, finding direct routes can be tricky, hence you’ll spend time transferring from bus to bus to get to certain destinations. Express buses are air-conditioned and much more comfortable than standard ones.
Benoît Prieur creator QS:P170,Q42790984, Un bus sur Coastal Road à Flic-en-Flac (mars 2020), CC0 1.0
How to get around Mauritius by car and motorbike?
Self-driving has become popular as of late in Mauritius. As long as you have an international driving license you can choose this option. The traffic signs are in English. The speed limit is between 30 km/hr in towns and 110km/hr. There is a catch though. Driving tends to be erratic in Mauritius. If you are used to driving, you might find it difficult to navigate the traffic. You will find driving on the south and east coasts more pleasant and easier. You can rent Mini Cooper convertibles and 4WDs at rental shops at resorts or at the airport. Local rental companies are cheaper than international players. They also offer scooters and motorcycles. You need to be at least 23 years of age to rent a car and 18 years old to rent a scooter. There is a lack of petrol stations, so it makes sense to fill up the tank whenever you can.
Can you get around Mauritius by bike?
Mauritius unfortunately is not a cycling-friendly destination. The towns are full of narrow and congested roads. But you can go pedalling along the quitter, coastal roads.
How to use excursion transport in Mauritius?
This is the most convenient way to see Mauritius. Hotels and island tour companies offer minibus excursions at reasonable prices. These can last a full day or half a day.
