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Mauritius is an amazing country. Unfortunately for budget travelers, it can get pretty expensive. When I recently visited, I tried to save money wherever I could. I discovered how to travel around Mauritius without having to rent a car. In this guide, I’ll discuss different options for transportation in Mauritius.
Table of Contents
Where is Mauritius?
Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean. It is about 700 miles (1,100 kilometers) east of Madagascar. Despite its distance, it is still considered a part of Africa.
Is Mauritius Worth Visiting?
Yes, Mauritius is absolutely worth visiting! I recently traveled there and had an amazing time. Not only are there beautiful beaches all around the island, but there are also impressive attractions unique to the country. Seven Coloured Earths and the Chamarel Waterfall were my favorite attractions. The food in Mauritius also makes it worth a visit (try the octopus curry!).
Getting Around Mauritius by Bus
I am a big advocate for taking the bus in Mauritius. There are so many different buses and routes available, making it convenient to explore the island without a car. Here’s what you need to know about getting around Mauritius by bus:
Bus Routes and Coverage
Mauritius has a well-developed bus system that covers all of the major towns and tourist destinations. The easiest way to figure out which bus you need is simply to ask other people at the bus stop. The bus terminals usually have signs to let you know where each bus is going. However, if you want to plan ahead, check out this guide to the bus routes in Mauritius.
Bus Types
Standard Bus
The standard buses are the most common types of bus in Mauritius. These buses do not go directly to their destination, but rather go into surrounding areas to pick up passengers along the way. There is also never A/C on these buses, so put the window down!
Express Bus
Express buses are a little more expensive, but they get you to your destination much more quickly! I recommend them if you are traveling between major cities on different parts of the island. Otherwise, I would recommend jumping on the first bus that becomes available.
Bus fare
The bus fare varies based on distance, bus company, and whether the bus is standard or express. The cheapest fare that I paid was 8 rupees (about $0.18 USD) to get from Mahebourg to the airport. I also paid just 35 rupees ($0.75 USD) to go across the island from Mahebourg to Port Louis.
My most expensive bus fare was 44 rupees ($0.97 USD). Overall, riding the bus in Mauritius is very cheap, especially compared to how relatively expensive accommodations are there.
How to Pay the Bus Fare
When your bus arrives, you’ll get on and take a seat. Once you start moving, a worker will go seat-by-seat asking everyone where they are heading. He’ll print you a ticket and you’ll pay him. Try to pay in change, rather than a large banknote.
Getting Around Mauritius by Scooter
The small size of Mauritius provides an excellent opportunity to explore the island via scooter. This was one of my favorite parts of visiting Mauritius. Here’s what you need to know about getting around Mauritius by scooter.
Where to Rent a Scooter
As soon as you arrive to the airport, you can rent a scooter for the duration of your trip. However, I would recommend that you rent your scooter from smaller towns in Mauritius. Not only will this be cheaper than renting from the airport, but this will also keep you from having to transport your bags/suitcase via scooter.
There are scooter rental shops in most major cities in Mauritius. I rented a scooter in Flic-en-Flac for about 600 rupees ($13 USD) per day. I saved a lot of money by taking the bus for most of my trip, rather than renting a scooter the entire time.
Don't Bring a Scooter to Port Louis
This is just a recommendation, but don’t bring a scooter to Port Louis. There are not many places available to park your scooter. In addition, there are many places, such as the harbor, where scooters are not permitted. Finally, Port Louis has some busy roads and highways, and riding a scooter there could be dangerous.
Where to Explore via Scooter
You can travel around the whole island by scooter. However, my favorite part of the island to explore via scooter was the southwest. The roads are not as busy here, so it is safe to ride a scooter. In addition, you can go to crowded tourist attractions, such as Seven Coloured Earths and the Chamarel Waterfall, without worrying about parking. You can also check out the beaches in Le Morne, some of the best on the island!
Getting Around Mauritius by Metro Express
If you are traveling between Port Louis and Curepipe, you can also take the Metro Express. This light-rail train is a quick and cost-effective way to travel across some of the island’s more populated cities.
It is also a convenient way to travel across the island if you are coming from a smaller town. I took a bus from Flic-en-Flac to Quatreborne, then took the Metro Express to Curepipe, then another bus to Mahebourg. The Metro Express only cost 45 rupees (about $1 USD).
Where to Stay in Mauritius
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Mauritius. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
Grand Baie
Located on the northern coast of Mauritius, Grand Baie is a famous beach town known for its nightlife. This is a great destination for young people who want a lively atmosphere or to participate in water sports. Check out the Residence Peramal, a condo hotel that is located just feet away from the beach. This is a great option for a group of friends, as you can get your own studio, relax on the balcony, and use their barbecue facilities.
Trou aux Biches
Located on the northwest coast of Mauritius, Trou aux Biches is famous for its turquoise waters and coral reefs. This is a popular destination for honeymoons and romantic getaways. If you are staying in Trou aux Biches, I recommend checking out the Easy Stay Residence. This beachfront property is only a few minutes from several different restaurants and shops. You can stay here for about $75 USD/night.
Le Morne
Located on the southwestern peninsula of Mauritius, Le Morne is known for its pristine beaches and impressive natural surroundings. You can enjoy a luxurious resort, such as LUX* Le Morne Resort, where you can swim in one of its 5 pools and eat in one of its 3 restaurants.
If you need someplace that is a little more budget-friendly, check out the JN Sunflower. This beachfront apartment is highly-rated among guests, and is only $35 USD/night!
FAQs About Mauritius
1. Is Mauritius part of Africa or Asia?
Although it is located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a part of Africa.
2. What language is spoken in Mauritius?
While there is no official language in Mauritius, the vast majority of the population speaks Mauritian Creole, which is similar to French. Many people there could speak basic English, but you should prepare yourself by learning French.
There are also several Indian languages spoken in Mauritius. When a shopkeeper couldn’t understand my rudimentary French, I was able to communicate with him in Hindi instead.
3. Is Mauritius safe for travelers?
Yes, Mauritius is very safe for travelers. Just be aware of your surroundings. Some areas of Port Louis can be a little sketchy at night, such as around Les Jardins de la Compagnie. But I never felt unsafe.
4. How many days do you need in Mauritius?
Mauritius is a small island, but I would recommend spending at least 4-5 days here. If you want to relax on the beach, you can easily spend a couple of weeks here without getting bored!
5. Cheapest way to get to Mauritius?
Flying from the United States to Mauritius can be very expensive. Planning a trip to Mauritius from Kenya, South Africa, India, or Dubai is much more economical. The main airport in Mauritius is the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport.
6. Is there Uber in Mauritius?
No, Uber is not available in Mauritius.
Very usefull link. Thank you
I’m glad it helped, Monika!