Africa > 🇲🇺 Mauritius
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Mauritius can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Mauritius; 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 Mauritius?
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 Mauritius?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Mauritius
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Port Louis | MRU | |
| Rodrigues Island | RRG |
Mauritius — Car or No Car?
Mauritius is a tropical island paradise surrounded by coral reefs, rolling sugar-cane fields, and volcanic peaks. Despite being small — just 65 km long and 45 km wide — it offers a remarkable variety of landscapes. The big question for visitors is: should you rent a car in Mauritius?
If you want total freedom to explore hidden coves, mountain lookouts, and charming villages, a rental car makes travel easy. However, if you plan to relax at a beach resort or explore the capital by public transport, you can comfortably manage without one.
🚘 Why Renting a Car Can Make Sense
Mauritius is made for road trips. Scenic drives link Black River Gorges National Park, Le Morne Brabant, and the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths — all reachable within a few hours. The coastal ring roads also lead through fishing villages, viewpoints, and beachside cafés.
Traffic drives on the left, road quality is generally good, and distances are short. Just allow extra time for narrow bends, occasional potholes, and rush-hour traffic near Port Louis.
🚍 Buses and Local Transport
Public buses cover almost the entire island. They’re inexpensive, sociable, and ideal for travellers with flexible schedules. The downside is that buses are slow and sometimes finish before dusk, particularly outside the main routes along the north and west coasts.
Taxis and private transfers are easy to arrange through hotels. Many visitors also hire a driver for the day, which combines convenience with local insight.
🚈 Metro Express — A Modern Urban Option
A highlight of recent years is the Metro Express, a light-rail line linking Port Louis with Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, and Curepipe. For anyone staying in or near the capital, it’s a fast, clean, and affordable way to get around.
The line is partly elevated, giving passengers broad views over the central plateau and city skyline. Services run from early morning to early evening, and tickets can be bought easily with reloadable cards or single-use passes.
Although the Metro Express doesn’t reach the beaches or nature parks, it’s perfect for urban sightseeing days or for avoiding Port Louis traffic.
🛣️ Roads and Infrastructure
Mauritius has invested heavily in roads and bridges in recent years. Major highways now connect the airport, Port Louis, and the key resort regions, making cross-island travel quicker than ever.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport has also seen modernisation and expansion, with new terminal facilities improving both arrival and departure experiences.
🌺 Scenery and Photo Stops
This island is a paradise for anyone who loves taking pictures. The variety of scenery — from volcanic peaks to lagoons, rainforest, and farmland — means you’ll want to stop constantly for photos. Having your own car allows you to pull over wherever the view inspires you, rather than waiting for scheduled bus stops.
🌴 Rodrigues Island — The Outer Island
Mauritius’s outer island, Rodrigues, lies roughly 600 km to the east. A ferry service connects Port Louis with Port Mathurin, taking 36 to 48 hours, but it’s infrequent and mainly used for freight.
For most travellers, the 90-minute flight is far more practical. Rodrigues is small and tranquil — perfect for walking or taking short taxi rides. Renting a car there isn’t necessary unless you plan extensive exploring.
🧭 Verdict — Should You Rent a Car in Mauritius?
🚗 Yes, if you want to explore the whole island — from beaches to mountains — at your own pace, stop for views, and chase sunsets wherever they appear.
🚌 No, if you’re staying mainly in one or two resorts and prefer to rely on the Metro Express, buses, or taxis for shorter trips.
Mauritius is an island that rewards exploration. Whether you go by car, bus, or rail, the key is simply to get out and discover its landscapes, its contrasts, and its effortless island charm.