Getting Around, Port Louis Travel, Transport and Car Rental
(Port Louis, Mauritius)
You will have to fly to get to
Mauritius, but once you are here you can easily explore Port Louis by foot. Taxi transport is useful if you get tired or want to travel from one end of the capital to the other, and car rentals are the ideal way to get out and explore the rest of this stunning island.
Nothing is very far from Port Louis, and the island's roads are often especially scenic. Public buses are also available for travelling between towns and make a great way to meet the locals on your way.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) / Arriving by Air
Address: Plaine Magnien, Mauritius, MU
Tel: +230 603 6000
Mauritius' international airport is located 48 km / 30 miles south-east of Port Louis, being on the south-eastern side of the island, next to Plaine Magnien and close to Mahebourg. SSR Airport handles regular daily flights from most of Europe's major cities, as well as a number of African destinations and other regional travel hubs. Major European carriers provide most of the air service, so it shouldn't be too difficult to make your way to Port Louis. Air Mauritius is the principal airline, with others including Air Austral, Air France, British Airways and Condor. From the airport there is a bus service connecting the terminal to the city centre every 30 minutes. You can also use taxi transport or hire your rental car right at the terminal, in the arrivals area.
Car Rental
It isn't cheap to rent a car in Port Louis, so you may want to consider renting your car in one of the other main tourist towns, such as Grad Baia or Flic en Flac. Nearly every car rental company will happily deliver your rental car to you, wherever you are on the island, and so it pays to call around and find the best rates. The traffic in Port Louis is rather congested, meaning that if you don't plan to leave the city often, it is not worth renting a car just to get around the capital. However, if you are keen on exploring this magical island, then a rental car is the best way to travel at your leisure. A choice of car parks is available around the Caudan Waterfront, being open between the hours of 07:00 to 23:00.
Buses and Coaches
Port Louis has two bus stations, both of which are located in the centre of the city. To catch a bus to a northern or eastern destination, go to Immigration Square, just north of the Central Market. This is the bus station for buses headed to towns like Grand Baia, Trou aux Biches and Pamplemousses. To get to southern and western towns such as Curepipe, Quartre Bornes and Mahebourg, go to the Victoria Square terminal, to the south of the city centre. Buses depart from Port Louis between 06:00 and 18:00.
Taxis
Taxis are easily identified by their yellow signs atop the car. They can be found in front of most hotels, some restaurants and major tourist sights, including the Central Market. Your hotel can also call for a pick up. Always settle the fare before you take off, since Port Louis taxis don't use meters. You can expect to pay slightly more at night. Try and avoid using taxis during the peak rush hour periods, as you will likely spend more time sitting in the taxi than actually moving.
Boats and Ferries
Boat services connect Mauritius and the 'neighbouring' Rodrigues Island once a week. The voyage takes approximately 24 hours and is a pleasant way to travel. You can also book passage to Reunion, but it should be noted that you will need to make a reservation in advance for this trip. Ferries for both routes depart from Quai D of the city's harbour.
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