How to get to Mauritius: where it’s best to fly from and airport transfers to your hotel

Mauritius is a paradise island in the Indian Ocean, a land of endless summer, incredible natural beauty and coral reefs. How do you get to Mauritius? It is easier than it may seem.

The main thing to know is that all roads to Mauritius lead through the air - it is an island lost in the ocean. Imagine a world map. Find Africa. Now move your gaze to the right, away from the continent’s south-eastern coast. There, in the very heart of the Indian Ocean, you will find the island nation of Mauritius.

Since Mauritius is quite an isolated island, the main way to get here is, of course, by plane. The island’s only international airport is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). It is located in the south-east, about 48 km from the capital, Port Louis.

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How to get to Mauritius from Africa

Africa is the closest continent to Mauritius, which is why air connections are very well developed here. It is the main hub for flights to the island. If you are already travelling around Africa, getting to Mauritius is not a problem. Flights from major cities are regular and take relatively little time.

South Africa:

• From: Johannesburg, Cape Town
• Airlines: South African Airways, Air Mauritius.
• Travel time: from Johannesburg about 4 hours (from $200), from Cape Town about 5 hours (from $300).

This is one of the fastest and most popular routes to Mauritius. Many travellers even combine a safari in South Africa with a beach holiday in Mauritius in one trip.

Kenya:

• From: Nairobi.
• Airlines: Kenya Airways.
• Travel time: about 4-5 hours, around $660.

Another convenient option that lets you combine a Kenyan safari with the beaches of Mauritius.

Photo by Sourabh Adhya on Unsplash

Asia: convenient connections through major hubs

United Arab Emirates (UAE):

• From: Dubai.
• Airlines: Emirates, Air Mauritius.
• Travel time: about 6.5 hours. Prices from $700 (with a connection via India - about $300).

Dubai is probably the main hub for flights to Mauritius. There are several flights a day. For many travellers from Europe and Asia, a connection in Dubai is the most convenient option.

India:

• From: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore.
• Airlines: Air Mauritius, Air India, Vistara.
• Travel time: from Mumbai 6-7 hours, prices from $200-300.

Thanks to close historical ties, air links between India and Mauritius are excellent.

Turkey:

• From: Istanbul.
• Airlines: Turkish Airlines.
• Travel time: 10 hours, around $650.

Istanbul is another major hub that connects Mauritius with Europe and the CIS countries.

So, flights from Africa itself are quick and convenient, ideal for combined tours. But the island is also closely connected logistically with Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai and Istanbul, which act as a bridge for travellers from all over the world.

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From the CIS countries to Mauritius: direct flight or connection?

Since the end of 2023, Aeroflot has resumed direct flights from Moscow (Sheremetyevo) to Mauritius. This is the most convenient and fastest option, but flights are not always available - check the airline’s website.

• Flight duration: about 10-11 hours.
• Seasonality: the flight programme is usually active during the high tourist season, from autumn to spring, and may be suspended.

Connecting flights via third countries

Travellers from the CIS countries can also consider flying to Mauritius through major hub airports. The most convenient option is via Dubai (UAE). Emirates flies to Mauritius from Dubai twice a day. With a good connection, you can buy a single through ticket.

The second most convenient option is Istanbul (Turkey): Turkish Airlines flies to Mauritius from Istanbul almost every day. Istanbul Airport is a key hub for many countries, so it is easy to reach. A single through ticket can also be arranged here.

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From Europe to Mauritius

Getting to Mauritius from Europe is easy, but not cheap, especially when it comes to direct flights. Connecting flights can be cheaper, but they take much longer.

Direct flights (around 11-12 hours)

• From Paris: Air Mauritius, Air France, Corsair and French Bee operate flights. Price around $1,000. Travel time - about 12 hours.
• From London: Air Mauritius and British Airways operate flights. Price around $750. Travel time - 12 hours.
• From Frankfurt: there are seasonal flights from Lufthansa. Price around $700. Travel time - 11 hours.
• From Rome: there are seasonal flights from ITA Airways. Price from $630. Travel time - 10-11 hours.

Connecting flights

If there is no direct flight from your city, you can always fly with a convenient connection via major hubs. The most popular options are via Dubai (Emirates) or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).

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To Mauritius from the USA

There are no direct flights from the United States. The most logical route is with a connection in one of Europe’s major cities, such as Paris or London. Total travel time can be around 24 hours.

Keep in mind that prices depend heavily on the season, the airline and how early or late you book. To get a good fare, book your tickets at least 3-4 months before your trip.

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How to get from Mauritius airport to your hotel

So, you have landed in paradise! After a long flight, you arrive at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). It is located in the south-east of the island, near the town of Mahébourg, while most popular hotels and resorts are in the west and north. Now the main task is to get to your accommodation comfortably.

Distance map: how long will the trip take?

To help you get your bearings, here is the approximate travel time and distance from the airport to the main tourist areas, without traffic:

• To Mahébourg (the nearest town) - 15 minutes.
• To Port Louis (the capital) - 45 minutes.
• To Flic en Flac (west) - 50 minutes.
• To Trou d'Eau Douce (east) - 55 minutes.
• To Black River / Rivière Noire (west) - 1 hour.
• To Grand Baie (north) - 1 hour 10 minutes.
• To Le Morne (south-west) - 1 hour 10 minutes.
• To Cap Malheureux (north) - 1 hour 15 minutes.

Distances are relatively short because of Mauritius’s size. The island is 65 km long and 48 km wide.

Private hotel transfer

This is the easiest and most stress-free way to start your holiday. You book a car online in advance. On arrival, a driver will meet you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. There are many online services. They let you choose the vehicle class and add a child seat option. Prices naturally depend on distance. For example, a transfer to the popular Flic en Flac area costs around $30.

Car rental right at the airport

If you plan to explore the island actively, the best option is to rent a car as soon as you land. This gives you full freedom of movement from the first minute of your holiday to the last, and in the end it is often more cost-effective than taking taxis all the time.

In the arrivals hall at Mauritius airport, you will find desks for all major rental companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, SIXT and local firms.

Prices range from $30 to $270 per day depending on the class of car. You must be over 23, have more than one year of driving experience, and you will need an international driving permit.

Tip: book your car online in advance, at least a month before your trip, especially in high season. After arrival, the type of car you need may simply not be available, or prices may be higher.

Shared transfer

There are inexpensive direct shared transfers from the airport to hotels by shuttle bus. You need to book your seat online in advance. Shared transfers can be up to 30% cheaper than private ones.

Taxi at the airport

The taxi rank is on the first floor in the arrivals area. It is a simple option, but there are a few nuances. Most taxi drivers accept credit cards, but it is better to confirm this in advance.

• Price. Taxis in Mauritius do not use meters, and the fare is a matter of negotiation. Airport drivers often charge tourists more and may add extra fees for luggage. A trip to popular resorts can cost 1,500-2,000 Mauritian rupees ($30-40) or even more. Always agree the price with the driver before getting into the car.
• Night rate. Be prepared that from 20:00 to 5:00 prices may be twice as high and there may be fewer cars available.

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Public transport

Route No. 98 - from the airport to Port Louis. There is a direct service between Mauritius airport and the capital, running daily every 15 minutes. The journey takes 1.5 hours. It stops at Victoria Square bus station in the city centre. This is the main bus station, through which almost all routes to Mauritius’s popular beach resorts pass.

Routes No. 9 and 10. These go towards the coastal resorts of Le Morne and Belle Mare. They require at least two changes. It is worth checking the Mauritius Buses online service. No. 9 runs every 10 minutes between Mahébourg bus station and Curepipe Jan Palach South, passing the airport. No. 10 runs between the Mahébourg transport centre and Rivière des Galets, via the airport, every 20 minutes.

What to keep in mind:

• There is hardly any room on buses for large suitcases.
• The trip will take 2-3 times longer than by car. To resorts in the north, more than two hours.
• From the final stop, you will still need to find a way to get to your hotel, often by taxi.
• Buses run from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm and are quite irregular.
• It is cheap. A ticket to Port Louis costs around $2.

For a comfortable start to your holiday, a pre-booked private transfer is the best option.

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Helicopter transfer

The fastest and most beautiful way to get from the airport to your hotel in 15-20 minutes. You will see the island from its best angles.

You can choose between comfortable 4-seat and 6-seat Airbus helicopters, some of the most reliable and quiet models. Ideally, you will land directly on your hotel’s helipad. If there is none, you will land at the nearest certified landing site, for example in Triolet (north), Chamarel (south-west) or on Île aux Cerfs (east). From there, a comfortable ground transfer to your hotel will be arranged.

Important details

• Landing at some private or public helipads may involve an extra fee. A short ground transfer from the helipad to the hotel is also charged separately.
• Space in the helicopter is limited, so there are strict rules on baggage weight and quantity depending on the number of passengers.
• If you have more luggage, you can order a separate delivery service. This means additional expenses.
• The price depends on the distance and the type of helicopter. Rates range from $915 to $1,200.

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