Africa > 🇸🇨 The Seychelles
The city by city Car or no Car advice for The Seychelles can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in The Seychelles; 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 The Seychelles?
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 The Seychelles?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in The Seychelles
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Desroches Island | DES | |
| Praslin | PRI | |
| Seychelles | SEZ |
The Seychelles are a tropical paradise of coral reefs, forested peaks, and turquoise lagoons. With over 100 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, visitors often ask one practical question: should you rent a car in the Seychelles?
🚗 Exploring Mahé by Car
On Mahé, the main island, renting a car is almost always worth it. The roads twist through hills and hug the coastline, so driving feels like a scenic adventure rather than a chore. Because traffic is light and distances are short, you can circle the island in just a few hours while stopping at beaches like Anse Royale, Anse Intendance, or Beau Vallon.
While taxis are reliable, they are also expensive. Bus services do exist, but they can be slow, crowded, and stop early in the evening. By contrast, a rental car gives you complete freedom to explore whenever you like. Prices start around €45–60 per day, and compact automatics are the most practical choice for the winding roads.
So, should you rent a car in the Seychelles if you’re based on Mahé? Absolutely — it’s the best way to experience the island’s variety and spontaneity.
🚌 Public Transport and Local Options
Public buses, run by the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC), cover most towns and villages on Mahé and Praslin. They are very cheap and reliable during the day, but they operate limited evening services and are infrequent on weekends. For travellers who prefer structure and don’t mind waiting, buses can work well. For those who want flexibility, they quickly become restrictive.
If you’re staying on La Digue, the smallest of the three main islands, you won’t need a car at all. Most visitors rent a bicycle and explore at a relaxed pace. The island is almost traffic-free, and its charm lies in how slow and peaceful everything feels.
🛥️ Ferries, Flights, and Island Connections
Travelling between islands adds another layer to your trip. Fast ferries connect Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, while short Air Seychelles flights operate between Mahé and Praslin. However, you can’t take rental cars between islands, so you’ll need to return your Mahé vehicle before travelling onward. If you’re spending time on Praslin, you can easily rent another car there for roughly the same daily rate.
🌿 Scenic Roads and Photo Opportunities
Driving in the Seychelles rewards curiosity. Every few kilometres, you’ll want to pull over for a photo — whether it’s a viewpoint above a jungle valley or a hidden beach that catches the afternoon light. The island’s compact size means you can explore at your own rhythm, stopping whenever something beautiful appears — which happens often.
🧭 Summary — Should You Rent a Car in the Seychelles?
Why you should:
-
Total freedom to explore Mahé and Praslin on your schedule.
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Much better value than relying on taxis.
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Perfect for spontaneous beach stops and photography.
Why you might not:
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Buses are cheap and cover main routes.
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Narrow mountain roads can feel challenging.
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Cars can’t travel between islands.
🚙 Conclusion:
If you want to experience the real Seychelles — not just the resorts but the lush hills, local markets, and quiet beaches — then renting a car is the best option. On La Digue, swap the car keys for a bike; it’s the most enjoyable way to explore. Between ferry rides, jungle drives, and ocean views, the Seychelles reward travellers who venture just a little further 🇸🇨✨.
