Driving in Mauritius: What you need to know + Local tips

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So you’re thinking about driving in Mauritius? You’ve come to the right place!

I live in Mauritius and I’ve been driving in the country for 10 years now, and today I’m going to share all my top tips.

I’ll also tell you what it’s like to drive in Mauritius – whether it’s easy or not, what are the road conditions like, speed limits, updated gas/petrol prices, parking situation, etc.

I’ll also share some road trip ideas and alternatives for those who prefer not to drive a car in Mauritius.

So keep reading to find out everything you need to know about driving in Mauritius.

***This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)

Read more about Mauritius:

• Most beautiful roads in Mauritius
• Guide to renting a car in Mauritius
• 44 Amazing places to visit in Mauritius
• The best areas to stay in Mauritius + hotel recommendations
• When is the best time to visit Mauritius Island?
• The ultimate Mauritius itinerary for 7 days, 10 days, or 2 weeks

Why you should rent a car in Mauritius

Renting a car in Mauritius gives you the ultimate freedom to go at your own pace and visit more off the beaten path.

Since some of the attractions in Mauritius aren’t easily accessible by public transportation, especially those found in Chamarel village and the South of Mauritius, more and more tourists are opting to rent a car when visiting Mauritius.

I recommend using Discover Cars as they allow you to compare the rates of both local and international car rental companies so you get the best deal.

They also offer full insurance coverage (costing only around EUR 12 per day) which can be used on top of the basic insurance provided by the car rental company if you need extra peace of mind.

CHECK CAR RENTAL RATES IN MAURITIUS

Tip: When booking your car, make sure to always check the ratings and reviews. Choose a car rental company with at least “very good” or “excellent” rating to minimize issues. You can also read reviews by typing “Discover Cars + the car rental company name” on Google.

Note that although the legal driving age in Mauritius is 18 years old, most car rental companies will only rent to people above the age of 21. Some may also require the license to have been issued for at least 1 year.

Related post: Tips for renting a car in Mauritius

Driving in Mauritius – FAQ

Do you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Mauritius?

Most visitors don’t need an international driving permit to drive in Mauritius. For example, licenses issued by the UK, France, and South Africa are recognized in Mauritius.

If your driver’s license isn’t written in Latin letters, it’s best to apply for an IDP.

What documents do you need to drive in Mauritius?

• A valid driver’s license issued by your country of origin
• International driving permit (optional, see above)
• Passport

Which side of the road do they drive in Mauritius?

We drive on the left-hand side in Mauritius.

What is the speed limit in Mauritius?

The speed limit signs are expressed in km/h. There are signs almost everywhere so watch out for them.

The Mauritius speed limit is 30-60 km/h in residential areas, 70-80 km/h on open roads, and 110 km/h on highways/motorways.

Speed cameras are easily noticeable as they are painted bright yellow. You’ll usually find signs warning about speed cameras ahead.

Below are the fines for exceeding the speed limit (source):

Exceeding by more than 15 km/h: Rs 2,500

Exceeding by more than 15 but less than 25 km/h: Rs 5,000

Exceeding by more than 25 km/h: Rs 10,000

Related post: What to do on Mauritius Island: A local’s guide

What’s the drink-drive limit in Mauritius?

When driving in Mauritius, you’re only allowed to have 20 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, 27 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of urine, or 9 μg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath (source).

Road Conditions in Mauritius

The roads in Mauritius are generally in good condition. The highways/motorways are wide and consist of two or three lanes on each side.

The roads are also well-paved and relatively flat except for those in the village of Chamarel which are full of twists and turns. It’s still safe to drive in Chamarel as the road has been widened recently.

You might also come across a few bumpy roads in some villages but nothing a small car can’t handle.

If you’re planning to explore more off the beaten path to Le Souffleur or Pont Naturel for example, it might be best to rent a 4×4 for a more comfortable ride or park your car somewhere and walk the rest of the way.

Is it safe to drive in Mauritius?

It’s relatively safe to drive in Mauritius. The roads are in good condition, most drivers are courteous, and you won’t usually encounter people speeding excessively (although there are a few exceptions).

Like anywhere else in the world, you always need to be aware of your surroundings.

Always watch out for motorcyclists as some of them are notorious for speeding or overtaking on the left, especially at intersections. Always double-check your rearview and side mirrors just to be on the safe side.

Most road accidents involve motorcycles which is why I recommend renting a car over a motorcycle.

There are also a couple of other things to watch out for when driving in Mauritius. Luckily you won’t encounter these situations often but you still need to be aware of them:

• Vehicles overtaking without using their blinkers.
• Vehicles parked randomly on both sides of the road.
• Bus drivers racing each other.
• Buses going too slow.
• Pedestrians crossing the street randomly without looking on both sides.
• Stray dogs crossing the streets, especially in rural areas.

Note that there’s usually a lot of traffic during peak hours (7.30 a.m to 9.30 a.m, noon to 1 p.m, and 4 p.m to 6 p.m), particularly in towns and in the capital city. If you’re heading out early in the morning or in the afternoon, you might sometimes be stuck in traffic for over one hour.

It’s also not uncommon to see vehicles bumping into each other during heavy traffic, so make sure to always keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front.

Parking in Mauritius

Parking is free at all shopping malls, supermarkets, beaches, national parks, and tourist attractions.

If you need to park in towns or cities like Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, or Port Louis, you need to buy a parking coupon that can be obtained at any gas station. These cost around Rs 20-30 per hour depending on the parking zone.

If you’re visiting Port Louis, I recommend parking at the Caudan Waterfront since it’s not always easy to find a parking spot in the city center.

Non-covered parking at the Caudan Waterfront costs Rs 80 for the first 4 hours and then Rs 80 for each additional hour.

Parking is then free from 4 p.m on weekdays, from 12.30 p.m on Saturdays, and the whole day on Sundays and public holidays.

Price of gas/petrol in Mauritius

As of December 2024, gas/petrol costs Rs 61.20 (USD 1.30) per liter and diesel costs Rs 58.95 (USD 1.25) per liter.

You can find gas stations pretty much everywhere in Mauritius. Most of them are open from 6 a.m to 9 p.m while some operate 24/7 (mainly the Engen ones).

There’s no need to get out of the car as an attendant will pump the gas for you. Most of the gas stations accept payment by debit or credit card but some may require a minimum fill-up of Rs 500 for payment by card.

Does Google Maps work in Mauritius?

Google Maps work fairly well in Mauritius, about 90% of the time. There might be some rare cases where Google Maps will make you take the longer route or even a wrong turn. In case of doubt, just ask a local for directions.

CHECK CAR RENTAL RATES IN MAURITIUS

More things to know about driving in Mauritius

• Road signs are in English and similar to those in the UK.
• Handheld phones aren’t allowed while driving in Mauritius.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, even for those sitting in the back.
• If you’re exiting a side road or parking lot and hear another vehicle honking at you, you must stop and wait until the coast is clear.
• Vehicles will flash their light to give way.
• There are no toll roads in Mauritius.
• Headlights don’t need to be turned on during the day unless the visibility is very low due to rain or fog.
• If you need police assistance, you can call 999 or 112. The ambulance phone number is 114.
• You’re not allowed to drive a manual car if your driver’s license is for an automatic car only.
• I recommend renting an automatic car if it’s your first time driving in Mauritius or if you’re not used to driving on the left.

Related post: Best places to stay in Mauritius for every budget

What if you don’t want to drive in Mauritius?

I get it that not everyone feels comfortable driving in a new country, so below are a few other options for getting around Mauritius:

Bus – A single bus ticket costs between Rs 17 and Rs 44 (slightly more for air-con buses). The routes and schedules aren’t available on Google Maps so you’ll need to inquire with the locals or at the bus terminals. Buses generally run from 5.30 a.m to 8 p.m. You can also use this website or this one to get a rough idea of the different bus routes.

Organized tours – This is great for those who don’t want to worry about logistics – take your pick from these tours and excursions in Mauritius.

Private taxi – If you want to customize your itinerary and visit each attraction at your own pace, you can hire a private taxi for the day. Click here to hire a private taxi with driver.

Tram – The tram or “Metro Express” currently runs between Port Louis and Curepipe and also between Rose Hill and Reduit. A single ride costs between Rs 30 and Rs 55 (or cheaper with the ME Card). The tram operates daily from 6 a.m to 7 p.m.

Shared taxis – You can find shared taxis in most towns and villages. Prices are fixed, about Rs 60 or less per person, depending on the distance covered.

Road Trip Ideas in Mauritius

Now that you know what it’s like to drive a car in Mauritius, here are my top recommendations for road trips in Mauritius:

1. Chamarel viewpoint, Chamarel waterfall, Seven Colored Earth Geopark, Black River Gorges viewpoint, Alexandra Falls.
2. La Cambuse, Pont Naturel, Le Souffleur, Gris Gris Beach.
3. Bel Ombre, Macondé Viewpoint, Le Morne, La Gaulette, Tamarin, Flic en Flac.
4. Port Louis, Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, Chateau de Labourdonnais, Mont Choisy Beach.
5. Grand Baie, La Cuvette, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux, Bain Boeuf, Anse la Raie.
6. Blue Bay, Pointe D’Esny, Mahebourg Waterfront, Bois des Amourettes, Pointe du Diable.
7. Trou D’Eau Douce, Palmar, Belle Mare, Bras D’Eau, Poste la Fayette, Roches Noires.

I hope you found this guide to driving in Mauritius helpful. If you’re planning to rent a car in Mauritius, I recommend booking through a reputable company like Discover Cars to get the best deal. And finally, if you have any questions, please let me know in the comment section below.

Read more about Mauritius:

• How to spend 1 week in Mauritius
• 11 Top beaches for swimming in Mauritius
• What to do in North Mauritius
• Top things to do on the south coast of Mauritius
• East Mauritius travel guide
• The best hiking trails on Mauritius Island
• The most beautiful waterfalls in Mauritius
• Mauritian foods you need to try
• 20+ Stunning viewpoints in Mauritius