Nissan March
$31.43per day · $220 for 7 days
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Driving in Mauritius: What to Know Before You Hire a Car
You drive on the left side of the road in Mauritius, as in the UK. Before you collect a rental car, sort out three things: your licence and any permit, narrow roads shared with motorbikes and pedestrians, and the local speed limits.
Key points
- Traffic keeps left. If you normally drive on the right, choose a quiet place to get used to it before entering busy traffic.
- Check the rules for the country that issued your licence and the hire firm's terms: an IDP may be required alongside your licence.
- Cars may do 110 km/h on a motorway, 80 on A roads, 60 on B roads, 40 on C roads and 30 on streets (Mauritius Police Traffic Branch), with fixed and mobile speed cameras.
- Do not drive after a drink. The police limit is 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, and since 29 September 2026 a first conviction carries a fine of Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000.
- Plan roads you do not know for daylight. Pedestrians walk on main roads, motorbikes often have no lights after dark and stray livestock turns up.
Is it difficult to drive in Mauritius, or will it stress you out?
It is manageable, and it needs attention. Alexandra Richards hired a car to explore Mauritius with her young children, and in her Selamta account of the tripSource [1] she describes how the compact island and improved roads helped her family travel independently.
Official advice is more cautious. The UK Foreign OfficeSource [2] warns of narrow roads without pavements and frequent accidents, and the Government of CanadaSource [3] describes uneven, poorly lit roads, many bordered by deep ditches without guardrails.
Which licence do you need to drive in Mauritius, and do you need an IDP?
The hire desk will want to see your licence, and some firms ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) with it. Carry one next to your own licence, because governments differ on whether it is required.
For a licence issued in Germany, the German Foreign Office requires an IDP alongside the national German licence, which must have been valid for at least one year (Auswärtiges AmtSource [4]). France accepts a licence issued in France for tourist stays and only recommends a permit (France DiplomatieSource [5]).
Other countries differ:
- The UK Foreign OfficeSource [2] accepts a UK photocard licence.
- Canada allows a Canadian licence for up to four weeks (Government of CanadaSource [3]).
- Italy recognises the Italian licence but recommends a temporary local one from the Traffic Branch at Line Barracks in Port Louis (Viaggiare SicuriSource [6]).
If your licence was issued in another country, read your own government's travel advice for Mauritius first, then ask the hire company what it wants to see.
What the hire company adds
The hire company sets its own rules on top of the law. The UK advice says hire companies often add requirements of their own: a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and an International Driving Permit. The Government of Canada gives 18 as the legal age to drive a car, so a company's own minimum can be higher.
What to bring
| Confirm before collection | What to check |
|---|---|
| Your original driving licence | Check licence eligibility and the documents required for each named driver. |
| The identity document required by your offer | The UK Foreign Office says police may ask to see ID, such as a passport or driving licence. |
| International Driving Permit, if required for your licence or selected offer | Confirm the official licence requirements and the rental terms before departure. |
| A payment card, if required by your selected offer | Read the payment and deposit conditions for the selected offer. |
Looking at deposits? Compare the terms of each offer, including car hire with no deposit in Mauritius.
A new rule is coming: from January 2027 the amended law requires drivers to carry either their original driving licence or the Mauritian Digital Driving Licence, so a visitor carries the original (Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and InnovationSource [7]).
What does car rental in Mauritius cost right now?
Car rental prices depend on where you collect the car, so compare the pick-up places you are considering, automatic options included.
| Pick-up place | Offers | From, per day | Typical, per day | Automatic | No deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mauritius Airport (MRU) | 108 | $31.43 | $50.50 | 99% | 88% |
| Grand Baie | 98 | $31.41 | $55.29 | 99% | 89% |
| Flic en Flac | 99 | $31.41 | $60.90 | 99% | 87% |
| Port Louis | 70 | $31.41 | $54.65 | 99% | 84% |
| Mahebourg | 85 | $31.41 | $56.09 | 100% | 96% |
| Bel Ombre | 90 | $35.90 | $68.11 | 99% | 86% |
According to Autalo's daily price check of 108 rental offers at Mauritius Airport on , a 7-day rental starts at $31.43 per day, and a typical car costs about $50.50 per day. 99% of these offers are automatic and 88% need no deposit.
At Mauritius Airport, 99% of the offers we currently see are automatic.
Is it safe to drive in Mauritius, including at night?
Take it seriously: the UK Foreign OfficeSource [2] says accidents are common, and France adds missing signs and lighting and drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The police Traffic BranchSource [8] says crashes are mostly behavioural and names pedestrians and riders as the main victims, so watch people and motorbikes as closely as other cars.
Resort roads: Grand Baie and Flic en Flac
Grand Baie lies about 25 km north of Port Louis by road, and Flic en Flac about 25 km south-west of it. The police keep fixed speed cameras at Pamplemousses on the way north and at Tamarin and Bambous in the west, so watch for people and bikes on those approaches.
People and bikes
- Pedestrians and cyclists use main roads, motorways included, by day and by night. Watch out for pedestrians on any road.
- Motorbikes are slow and often have no headlights at night. Look twice before overtaking after dark.
Roads and other drivers
- Some roads have deep ditches, no guardrails or missing traffic signs, and stray livestock wander onto them.
- Drivers do not always respect traffic laws, Canada says, and some use high beams or no headlights.
Cyclone season
The UK Foreign Office says the tropical cyclone season usually runs from November to May. During a cyclone you are not allowed to leave your accommodation, and car insurance policies often become invalid.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Mauritius, and what are the traffic rules?
On the left, as in the UK.
Speed limits
Mauritius sets the limit by class of road, and the Police Traffic Branch publishes it for cars and motorcycles.
Follow the posted signs, because limits change with the road.
Cameras are fixed and mobile. The police Traffic BranchSource [8] lists fixed fines by how far you are over the limit.
A camera notice goes to the vehicle's owner, and whoever is served with it must pay within 28 days at any District Court.
Alcohol
The limit is set by the police.
The penalties went up on 29 September 2026. On conviction for drink or drug driving the licence is suspended for two to six months.
Older sources still quote Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 for a first conviction, the penalty before the 2026 amendment. Even very low levels can mean fines or prison, so do not drive after a drink.
Seat belts and phones
Driver and front-seat passengers must wear a seat belt if the seat has one, unless exempt, says Italy's foreign ministry; buckle up in every seat.
The Mauritian police name unfastened belts and using a mobile phone among the main causes of crashes, so keep the phone out of your hand: the 2026 amendment makes using a handheld mobile phone while driving an offence.
Papers and the police
The UK Foreign Office says police may occasionally ask to see ID, such as a passport or driving licence, and that drivers are expected to carry yellow chalk or another yellow indelible marker in the vehicle.
The chalk is for marking where your car stood and its registration number on the road after an accident or breakdown, before you move it off the road where possible. Ask the hire desk whether the car has one.
Parking fines
Traffic wardens issue the parking notices. The National Land Transport AuthoritySource [9] lists the fines below.
Road rage
The 2026 amendment also makes road rage an offence, with a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 and up to 12 months in prison (Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and InnovationSource [7]).
How long does it take to drive around Mauritius, and can you do it in a day?
Mauritius is a small island, and a loop through the major towns, starting and ending at the airport, comes to about 215 km. These are the six legs.
- The airport to Centre de Flacq is about 45 km.
- Centre de Flacq to Grand Baie is about 30 km.
- Grand Baie to Port Louis is about 25 km.
- Port Louis to Flic en Flac is about 25 km.
- Flic en Flac to Le Morne is about 35 km.
- Le Morne to the airport is about 55 km.
Whether it fits in one day depends on how many stops you add. Decide which places you want to see, drive the legs that connect them and keep the rest for another outing.
Fuel for the loop
The Petroleum Pricing Committee sets the retail price of fuel, and the State Trading Corporation publishes it. Since 29 September 2026 petrol (Mogas) costs Rs 77.70 a litre and diesel (gas oil) Rs 78.35 (STC retail pricesSource [10]). The committee revises both prices from time to time, so check the date on that page before you budget.
How far is everything from the airport?
The airport is in the south-east, near Mahébourg, so the south is close and the north and west are a longer road. Rounded road distances:
- Mahébourg is about 5 km from the airport.
- Curepipe is about 30 km from the airport.
- Bel Ombre is about 40 km from the airport.
- Flic en Flac is about 45 km from the airport.
- Port Louis is about 45 km from the airport.
- Chamarel is about 45 km from the airport.
- Le Morne is about 55 km from the airport.
- Grand Baie is about 70 km from the airport.
Which pick-up place? Take the car at the airport if you want it from the first minute or your first night is in the south. If your hotel is in Grand Baie or Flic en Flac, take a transfer and collect there instead of driving 70 or 45 km after a long flight.
See car hire at Mauritius Airport for the current offers. Quatre Bornes, Rose Hill and Curepipe have their own pick-up pages too.
Where to drive in Mauritius: routes by rental car
Start with a south-to-north route: from the airport through Bel Ombre, Chamarel and Port Louis to Grand Baie.
- The airport to Bel Ombre is about 40 km. End the first day on the south coast.
- Bel Ombre to Chamarel is about 16 km.
- Chamarel to Port Louis is about 45 km.
- Port Louis to Grand Baie is about 25 km, and puts you in the north.
For the east, go from the airport to Centre de Flacq (about 45 km) and on to Grand Baie (about 30 km). That route joins the south-east to the north.
Start the Chamarel leg early. Bel Ombre and Flic en Flac have their own car-hire pages if you would rather collect the car on that coast.
Is it worth renting a car in Mauritius, or is public transport enough?
Taxis and buses can cover trips from your resort, and a hire car gives you your own stops. Germany says taxis and buses normally run between 5:00 and 21:00, and France calls the bus network developed and reliable.
Most taxis have no meter (France, Canada), so agree the fare before you get in and use registered taxis. Canada adds that ride-sharing apps are available.
Can you take a hire car to Rodrigues?
Get written confirmation from both the hire company and the shipping operator before you plan on taking a hire car to Rodrigues. The Mauritius Shipping Corporation's Coraline pageSource [11] describes passenger and cargo services and lists vehicles as cargo. It quotes three or four sailings a month and about 36 hours for each sea passage; confirm the current service before booking.
Vehicle cargo arrangements and the hire company's permission are separate questions.
Flying instead
Flying is the other way over: France lists a regular Air Mauritius flight to Rodrigues, about 1 h 30; Germany's advice lists a valid passport or German national ID card for the inter-island flight. If you fly, arrange transport on Rodrigues separately.
For car hire on the main island, see car hire in Mauritius.
What to do after a breakdown or an accident
Stay at the scene and call for help. The Government of Canada tells drivers to remain there and report an accident to the local police.
- Call the emergency numbers Canada lists: police 999 or 112, medical assistance 114, fire 995 or 115. The UK advice says to report incidents to the tourist police on 999. Canada also gives a local police number, 230-208-1212.
- Call the rental company's number from your contract.
- Photograph the damage and the scene before moving the car, if it is safe to do so.
- If you feel unsafe where you are, Canada advises driving to the nearest police station or a secure place, then reporting the accident to the police and your insurer as soon as possible.
Keep the hire agreement and its insurance papers in the car. Cover and any excess are set in the agreement for that car.
What should you check before you hire a car in Mauritius?
Do these checks before you sign: the car, the paperwork and the fuel. Current offers: Mauritius Airport.
- Walk round the car with the agent and photograph every scratch and dent, including the wheels.
- Check that the lights, wipers, spare wheel and the yellow chalk are present.
- Confirm the fuel level at pick-up and what the contract says about the return.
- Ask which roads or areas, if any, the contract excludes.
- Check every driver is named on the agreement.
Cars at Mauritius Airport
Renault Kwid
$31.43per day · $220 for 7 days
See conditions →
Kia Picanto GT Line
$33.67per day · $236 for 7 days
See conditions →Frequently asked questions
How much is petrol in Mauritius?
Since 29 September 2026, petrol (Mogas) costs Rs 77.70 a litre and diesel Rs 78.35, as set by the Petroleum Pricing Committee. Details are in the circuit section.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Mauritius?
For a German licence, German advice requires an IDP alongside it; French advice only recommends one with a French licence. Hire firms may add document requirements. Details in the licence section.
Can I drive in Mauritius with a UK licence?
Yes, the UK Foreign Office says a UK photocard licence can be used and should be carried. Hire firms may add conditions of their own, such as a year of driving experience or an IDP.
Can I drive in Mauritius with an EU, Australian or Canadian licence?
A valid Canadian licence works for up to four weeks. German advice requires an IDP with a German licence; French advice recommends one with a French licence. For licences issued elsewhere in the EU or in Australia, check the applicable official driving rules before the hire firm's terms.
Where is the best place to pick up a hire car in Mauritius?
At the airport for the south or the first minute; in Grand Baie or Flic en Flac if your hotel is there and you would rather take a transfer.
What side of the road do you drive on in Mauritius?
On the left, as in the UK.
Is it difficult to drive in Mauritius?
It takes attention. Left-hand traffic, narrow roads, motorbikes and people on main roads all ask for it, so plan unfamiliar roads for daylight.
How long does it take to drive around the whole island?
The loop through the main towns is about 215 km, and how long it takes depends on your stops. Details are in the circuit section.
Can you drive around Mauritius in a day?
It depends on how many stops you add. Pick the places you want most and keep the other legs for another outing.
Is it safe to drive in Mauritius?
Accidents are common, so watch for people on foot, motorbikes without lights at night and stray livestock, and plan unfamiliar roads for daylight. Details are in the safety section.
Are the roads good in Flic en Flac and Grand Baie?
Use the same precautions as elsewhere: watch for people and bikes and follow posted limits. Grand Baie is about 25 km north of Port Louis, Flic en Flac about 25 km south-west.
Can you have a drink and then drive?
No. The police limit is 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, and since 29 September 2026 a first conviction carries a fine of Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000; see the rules.
Is it safe to drive in Mauritius during cyclone season?
The UK Foreign Office says the season usually runs from November to May and that car insurance often becomes invalid during a cyclone.
Can foreigners drive in Mauritius?
Yes, on a licence from their own country, but the permit rules differ: the UK Foreign Office accepts a UK photocard licence, Canada allows a Canadian licence for up to four weeks, and German advice requires an IDP alongside a German licence. Details are in the licence section.
Is it worth renting a car in Mauritius?
A hire car makes sense if you want to choose your own stops; taxis and buses can cover trips from your resort. Germany says they normally run between 5:00 and 21:00.
Can I take a hire car on the ferry to Rodrigues?
The Mauritius Shipping Corporation lists vehicles as cargo. Ask the shipping operator and the hire company for written confirmation before booking transport for a hire car. If you fly, arrange your transport on Rodrigues separately. Details are in the Rodrigues section.
Do you need to carry yellow chalk in the car?
The UK Foreign Office says drivers are expected to. Ask at the hire desk; the use is explained under papers and the police.
Who do you call after an accident in Mauritius?
The police, on 999 or 112. Steps are in the breakdown section.
What are the dos and don'ts of driving in Mauritius?
Do keep left, carry your licence (and an IDP if your licence needs one) and the yellow chalk. Don't drive after a drink, hold a phone while driving or leave unfamiliar roads for after dark. Details are in the rules.
What is the speed limit in Mauritius?
It depends on the road: for cars, 110 km/h on a motorway, 80 on A roads, 60 on B roads, 40 on C roads and 30 on streets (Mauritius Police Traffic Branch). Details are in the rules.
Can you use your phone while driving in Mauritius?
No. The 2026 amendment to the Road Traffic Act makes using a handheld mobile phone while driving an offence. Keep it out of your hand.
Sources (15)
- [1] Alexandra Richards — Mauritius, away from the shore (Selamta, September–October 2026) alexandrarichards.net · Checked Back to the text
- [2] UK Foreign Office — Mauritius safety and security (road travel) gov.uk · Checked Back to the text: 123
- [3] Government of Canada — Mauritius travel advice (driving, road safety, emergency numbers) travel.gc.ca · Checked Back to the text: 12
- [4] Auswärtiges Amt — Mauritius travel and security advice (driving, licence, buses) auswaertiges-amt.de · Checked Back to the text
- [5] France Diplomatie — Maurice, informations utiles (roads, licence, speed limits, buses, Rodrigues flights) diplomatie.gouv.fr · Checked Back to the text
- [6] Farnesina, Viaggiare Sicuri — Mauritius country sheet (licence, seat belts), updated 19/10/2026 viaggiaresicuri.it · Checked Back to the text
- [7] Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation — Amendments to the Road Traffic Act (drink driving penalties, handheld phones, road rage, licence from January 2027), 29 September 2026 mitci.govmu.org · Checked Back to the text: 123
- [8] Mauritius Police Force, Traffic Branch (speed fines, alcohol limit and penalties, speed cameras, causes of crashes) police.govmu.org · Checked Back to the text: 123
- [9] National Land Transport Authority — parking fines FAQ nlta.govmu.org · Checked Back to the text
- [10] State Trading Corporation — retail prices of Mogas and Gas Oil stcmu.com · Checked Back to the text
- [11] Mauritius Shipping Corporation — Coraline marine services (Rodrigues sailings) mauritiusshipping.net · Checked Back to the text
- [12] National Land Transport Authority — Road Traffic legislation list nlta.govmu.org · Checked
- [13] OpenStreetMap routing — road distances between Mauritian places (OSRM) openstreetmap.org · Checked
- [14] OpenStreetMap / OSRM — directed route from Bel Ombre to Chamarel openstreetmap.org · Checked
- [15] Mauritius Police Force — maximum speed limits by class of road police.govmu.org · Checked
