Africa > 🇲🇬 Madagascar
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Madagascar can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Madagascar; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Madagascar?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Madagascar?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Madagascar
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Antananarivo | TNR | |
| Betioky | BKU | |
| Miandrivazo | ZVA | |
| Toamasina | TMM | |
| Toliara | FTU |
Madagascar — Should You Rent a Car?
Madagascar is a dream destination for wildlife lovers, adventurers, and anyone who has ever wanted to step into a real-life nature documentary. Home to lemurs, baobabs, and some of the world’s most unique ecosystems, it stands apart from mainland Africa and most other continents. But, with rough roads and vast distances, many travellers wonder:
🚗 Should You Rent a Car in Madagascar?
Usually yes — but with a big catch. Renting a car in Madagascar is often recommended, especially if you’re exploring beyond the capital Antananarivo, but most rentals come with a driver. That’s because many roads outside of key routes are in poor condition, and navigating them requires local knowledge and serious 4×4 experience.
🚙 Why a Rental Car (with Driver) Makes Sense
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Wild & Remote Landscapes
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Famous routes like the RN7 from Antananarivo to Toliara offer access to Antsirabe, Ranomafana National Park, Isalo National Park, and spiny forests in the south.
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The Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava is best reached by private vehicle. Public transport rarely gets close.
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Flexibility
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You can set your own pace and stop for markets, scenery, or wildlife sightings.
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A 4×4 with a driver can tackle unsurfaced roads, river crossings, and unexpected detours.
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Local Support
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Drivers often act as guides, translators, and negotiators. They know where the petrol stations are (and how to find spare parts).
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🚍 Why You Might Not Need a Car
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Public taxis (“taxi-brousse”) go between major towns, though they’re slow, cramped, and don’t reach remote areas.
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Domestic flights are great if you’re pressed for time, e.g., flying from Antananarivo to Nosy Be, Diego Suarez, or Toamasina.
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Some destinations like Nosy Be or Île Sainte-Marie are better explored on foot, scooter, or by hiring a local tuk-tuk.
🚆 Trains in Madagascar — Rare, Rustic, and Slow
Madagascar has a very limited railway network. What exists is more of a cultural experience than a practical way to get around the country. There are two main passenger trains still in operation, but they are infrequent, slow, and vulnerable to delays — sometimes by days.
🚂 Key Train Routes
1. Fianarantsoa–Coastal Railway (FCE)
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Connects Fianarantsoa (highlands) to Manakara (east coast).
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Journey time: 8–12 hours (or more) for ~163 km.
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Passes through lush greenery, waterfalls, and villages — a real slice of rural life.
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Primarily used by locals transporting goods; tourists join for the scenery and atmosphere.
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Expect hard benches, window shutters, and long stops.
2. The TCE (Toamasina–Antananarivo)
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A freight-focused line from Madagascar’s main port (Toamasina/Tamatave) to the capital.
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Passenger services sometimes run, but are highly irregular.
🚄 Train Travel in Madagascar — Worth It?
✅ Great for hardcore railway enthusiasts and slow-travel lovers
✅ Offers a glimpse into local life and spectacular scenery
🚫 Not suitable for planning a tight itinerary
🚫 No fast or modern rail links — expect delays, breakdowns, and crowds
🧭 Best Combined With Road Trips or Flights
Use trains more as a bonus experience than a core mode of transport. You can:
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Ride the FCE train as a side trip while exploring RN7 or Ranomafana National Park
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Take the train to Manakara, then switch to road transport onward to the coast or to return inland
Madagascar’s trains are charming in their own unpredictable way — but they still take second place to driving, flying, or even river transport when it comes to getting around efficiently.
🛣️ Road Conditions & Driving Reality
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Major roads like RN2, RN4, and RN7 are tarmacked but can be potholed or washed out.
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Secondary routes are often dirt or sand tracks.
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Cyclones can close roads for days or even weeks.
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Night driving is strongly discouraged due to livestock, unmarked hazards, and lack of street lighting.
✈️ Flight + Drive Combo
Consider flying to Toliara, Diego Suarez, or Toamasina, then renting a vehicle locally with a driver. This helps cut out long, gruelling overland stages.
🔄 Final Verdict
So — should you rent a car in Madagascar?
✅ Yes, especially with a driver, if you’re exploring national parks, coastal areas, or the iconic baobab-studded interior.
🚫 No, if you plan to stick to big towns, fly between destinations, or stay in tourist-friendly islands like Nosy Be.
Madagascar is huge, untamed, and rewarding — and a car with a driver opens the door to most of its magic.
