The majority of travellers will arrive by plane at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport, located in the island’s southeast. From here, you can also take daily flights across to the sister island of Rodrigues through Air Mauritius.
If you are keen on exploring the island, rather than just commuting between the airport and the resort, there are several different means of transport available. Typically, the most popular option for tourists is to arrange minibus excursions run by reputable tour companies which can be booked through your resort or hotel. These are generally offered as part of a group itinerary, but can also be arranged on a private, bespoke basis.
For those seeking greater independence, self-driving across Mauritius is becoming increasingly popular. Many Western tourists favour this option, since the majority of road signs are in English and you drive on the left hand side of the road. However, be aware that road travel can be slow. Don’t let the island’s compact size fool you – although just 45 by 65 kilometres, two hour drives from hotels to attractions can be expected. There are two major highways connecting the island, but beyond this, roads are winding, narrow and often without pavements.
Elsewhere, public bus routes are a cost-effective means of exploring Mauritius, but be sure to choose the express rather than standard buses, since these are equipped with air-conditioning and offer a much faster service. The main bus transport hubs are located in Port Louis, Curepipe, Quatre Bornes, Flacq and Mahébourg.
Finally, bike hire is not generally advised in Mauritius due to erratic traffic. However in quieter coastal locations, this can be a fantastic way to explore. This especially applies to the quieter south and east coasts, and Le Morne Peninsula, where bike rental is available from hotels and tour agencies to discover a cyclist’s paradise that is almost entirely free of traffic.
