Mauritius SSR Airport Transfer: Taxi, Shuttle, Bus, Prices 2026

What's the best way to get a transfer from Mauritius airport?

For comfort, choose a pre-booked private transfer (30-80 EUR depending on the destination). For a budget option, the express bus serves Port-Louis for under 2 EUR. Airport taxis cost 1,500 to 2,500 MUR depending on the destination.

In brief


Where	SSR Airport, southeast of the island, in Plaine Magnien near Mahebourg
Price	About €12 to €80 depending on the option (taxi, shuttle, private transfer) and the distance
Time needed	From 15 minutes (Blue Bay) to 1h30 (Grand Baie)
How to get there	Official taxi, pre-booked private transfer, express bus, shared shuttle, or car rental
Best time	Year-round, but book a private transfer in advance during high season (July-August, December-January)

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) Airport

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, commonly known as SSR Airport or Mahebourg Airport, is the main entry point for international travelers to Mauritius. It’s located in the southeast of the island, about 4 km from the town of Mahebourg, 48 km from Port-Louis, and over 55 km from Grand Baie to the north.

Its southeastern location means transfers to the popular tourist areas in the north and west involve longer, and therefore more expensive, trips. This is an important factor to consider in your budget planning. If you’re staying in Belle Mare or Blue Bay in the southeast, the good news is that you’re much closer to the airport than travelers staying in Grand Baie.

The airport has a well-equipped main terminal with currency exchange bureaus, ATMs, duty-free shops, cafeterias, and all the usual services of an international airport. Immigration checks are generally fast for European nationals. To prepare your entry paperwork, check our guide to entry requirements for Mauritius.

Option 1: the pre-booked private transfer

The private transfer is the most recommended option for a stress-free arrival, especially if you’re traveling with family, a lot of luggage, or arriving at night. It’s by far the most comfortable option. You can book a private airport-to-hotel transfer in Mauritius directly online for a guaranteed welcome with your name on a sign on arrival.

How it works

You book a private driver or shuttle before departure, and they wait for you in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign. No negotiating, no stress, no waiting: the vehicle takes you straight to your accommodation. The price is fixed in advance, paid online or on arrival depending on the provider.

Private transfer rates in 2026

These prices are indicative and cover the whole vehicle (generally up to 4 people):

Airport - Mahebourg / Blue Bay: 20 to 35 EUR
Airport - Belle Mare / Trou d’Eau Douce: 30 to 45 EUR
Airport - Flic-en-Flac: 40 to 60 EUR
Airport - Port-Louis: 35 to 55 EUR
Airport - Grand Baie / Pereybere: 55 to 80 EUR
Airport - Le Morne / Riviere Noire: 45 to 65 EUR
Airport - Tamarin: 50 to 70 EUR

For groups of more than 4 people, a minibus may be offered with a surcharge. Ask for a quote if you’re traveling in a group.

Where to book a private transfer

Several platforms let you book in advance:

Your travel agency or tour operator (often offered as an option when booking your flight)
Your hotel (a service frequently offered, sometimes included in all-inclusive packages)
Specialized local providers (search Google for “private airport transfer Mauritius”)
Kiwitaxi, Welcome Pickups, or similar platforms to compare prices

For all-inclusive hotels in Mauritius, the transfer is often included in the package. Always check your booking confirmation before arranging a separate transfer.

Pros and cons

Pros: maximum comfort, no waiting, no negotiating, ideal at night or traveling with young children, driver tracks your flight in real time.

Cons: costs more than a negotiated taxi or the bus. For groups, the cost per person remains reasonable.

Option 2: the official airport taxi

At the exit of the baggage claim and customs area, you’ll find the official airport taxi counter. Indicative rates are posted there for the main destinations. These black-plate taxis are the only ones authorized to pick up passengers at the airport.

Indicative airport taxi rates in 2026

These prices are for the whole vehicle, not per person:

To Mahebourg: 600 to 800 MUR (12 to 16 EUR)
To Blue Bay: 700 to 1,000 MUR (14 to 20 EUR)
To Belle Mare / Trou d’Eau Douce: 1,200 to 1,500 MUR (24 to 30 EUR)
To Port-Louis: 1,400 to 1,700 MUR (28 to 34 EUR)
To Flic-en-Flac: 1,500 to 1,800 MUR (30 to 36 EUR)
To Grand Baie: 2,000 to 2,500 MUR (40 to 50 EUR)
To Le Morne: 1,800 to 2,200 MUR (36 to 44 EUR)
To Tamarin: 1,700 to 2,000 MUR (34 to 40 EUR)

These prices are for the whole vehicle, not per person. A group of 4 pays the same fare as a solo traveler.

Tips for airport taxis

Negotiate the price before getting in, even if a posted rate exists. Taxis in the official queue are generally reliable and the drivers experienced. Some speak French, others prefer English or Creole — but communicating your destination is always possible.

Avoid people who approach you in the arrivals corridor before the official exit. These unlicensed drivers sometimes charge twice the normal rate.

Pay in Mauritian rupees. If you arrive without local cash, currency exchange bureaus and ATMs are accessible before baggage claim exit. For everything about the local currency, read our guide to money in Mauritius.

To understand the negotiating culture with Mauritian taxis, our full guide to taxis in Mauritius gives you all the keys.

Option 3: the express airport bus

The bus is the most economical option for travelers with little luggage heading to Port-Louis or its surrounding area.

The airport express line

The national public transport company (NTA - National Transport Authority) operates a direct link from the airport to Port-Louis (Gare du Nord). This service is the only direct bus from the airport.

Frequency: roughly every 30 to 60 minutes during the day. Duration: 1h00 to 1h30 depending on traffic (congestion around Port-Louis during rush hour can lengthen the trip). Price: about 100 MUR (2 EUR) — 20 to 25 times cheaper than a taxi to Port-Louis.

From Port-Louis, you can transfer to other destinations on the island. Our full guide to the Mauritian bus network details all the connections available from Gare du Nord in Port-Louis.

Bus limitations

The bus doesn’t directly serve hotel areas like Grand Baie, Flic-en-Flac, or Belle Mare. You’ll need to factor in transfers and waiting times. This option is therefore not recommended:

With bulky suitcases (buses have no luggage hold)
In the evening or at night (buses stop running around 8-9 pm)
For destinations far from Port-Louis
With young children

For budget travelers staying in Port-Louis or Curepipe, however, it’s a perfectly valid option.

Option 4: the shared shuttle

Shared shuttles are offered by some tourism providers. The concept: several passengers heading in the same direction share an air-conditioned minibus.

Price: 15 to 30 EUR per person depending on the destination.

Pros: cheaper than an individual taxi, comfortable vehicle, no negotiating.

Cons: you wait for the vehicle to fill up, and other passengers may be dropped off before you, which can add 30 to 60 minutes to your trip. Not ideal after a long overnight flight.

This service is sometimes offered by hotels or local agencies. Ask your accommodation if a shuttle is organized for your arrival time.

Option 5: renting a car right at the airport

If you plan to rent a car during your stay, picking up the vehicle directly at the airport is convenient. The main agencies (Europcar, Hertz, Jumbo Car) have desks in the arrivals hall or offer pickup from the parking lot.

Advantage: immediate freedom right after landing, savings on the airport transfer (you don’t have to pay for a taxi on top of the rental).

Disadvantage: driving on the left while tired after a long overnight flight can be difficult and risky. If you arrive after an 8-10 hour flight, it’s sometimes better to take a taxi to the hotel and pick up the car the next morning, once rested.

To learn everything about driving on the left in Mauritius and the specifics of the road network, check our guide to driving in Mauritius. And to choose the best agency, our car rental guide compares the available options.

Comparison table by destination

For Grand Baie (55 km, 1h15-1h30 trip)

Private transfer: 55 to 80 EUR for the vehicle — maximum comfort, direct arrival
Airport taxi: 40 to 50 EUR — negotiable, good option
Bus: no direct route, transfer at Port-Louis plus a taxi or local bus required
Car rental: rental rate plus a direct drive, ideal if you’re well-rested

For Flic-en-Flac (70 km, 1h15-1h30 trip)

Private transfer: 40 to 60 EUR
Airport taxi: 30 to 36 EUR
Bus: 2 to 3 transfers, 3 hours minimum, impractical with luggage

For Belle Mare (25 km, 35-40 min trip)

Private transfer: 30 to 45 EUR — ideal for families
Airport taxi: 24 to 30 EUR — very reasonable for this short distance
Bus: impractical, multiple transfers

For Mahebourg or Blue Bay (10-15 km, 15-20 min trip)

Private transfer: 20 to 35 EUR
Airport taxi: 12 to 20 EUR — very economical option for this short distance
Bus: a few local buses available, but luggage is an issue

Practical tips for your arrival

Bring rupees in cash: even if your hotel is prepaid, having 3,000 to 5,000 MUR in cash on arrival lets you handle your transfer smoothly. The ATMs at the airport work well, but fees can be high depending on your bank. Learn more in our guide to budgeting in Mauritius.

Night arrivals: if you land between 10 pm and 6 am, opt for a pre-booked private transfer or an official taxi. Buses don’t run at night.

Delayed flights: if you have a booked private transfer, inform the provider of the delay via WhatsApp or SMS. Most track flights in real time through tracking apps, but a confirmation from you is always appreciated.

Traveling with children: private transfers are by far the best option with young children. Check whether a child seat (booster or infant seat) can be provided when booking — most reputable providers offer this service for an extra 5 to 10 EUR.

Connectivity on arrival: if you need a connection to call your transfer or use Google Maps, consider activating an eSIM before departure or buying a SIM card at the airport. Our guide to internet and eSIM in Mauritius explains all the available options.

All-inclusive hotels with transfer included: many large hotels include the airport transfer in their packages. Check the terms of your booking before arranging a separate transfer. To find out if the all-inclusive option is right for you, check our guide to all-inclusive hotels.

In case of a problem on arrival

If your scheduled transfer doesn’t show up after 20 to 30 minutes, contact the provider immediately. Keep their Mauritian phone number (starting with +230) accessible offline on your phone, in your favorites or notes.

As a last resort, official taxis at the airport exit are always available and reliable. They serve as a guaranteed safety net, regardless of your arrival time.

For general safety on arrival and during your first days in Mauritius, our Mauritius safety guide gives you all the practical advice, including how to avoid common scams at the airport.

Return flight: organizing the transfer the other way

The return trip deserves just as much planning as the arrival, especially for an early morning flight. If your private transfer dropped you at the hotel, most providers also offer the return trip: book it at the same time as the arrival transfer to guarantee availability, especially in high season.

Allow a 3-hour margin before an international flight to account for check-in and security lines, and more if you’re departing from a remote area like Grand Baie. If you’re planning to rely on a taxi found on the spot for the return trip, ask your hotel to book one the day before: taxis don’t always wait outside every establishment, especially in the more remote areas of the south.

Special case: arriving with a connection or in the evening

If your flight lands after 9 pm or involves a long connection with several hours’ wait, be sure to opt for a pre-booked private transfer or an official taxi. The express bus stops running after 8-9 pm and shared shuttles can needlessly lengthen an already late trip.

For families or senior travelers arriving tired from an overnight flight with a connection, the comfort of a driver waiting with a name sign is well worth the extra cost compared to a taxi. If you’re planning to rent a car, consider picking up the vehicle the next morning instead of driving on the left, exhausted, in the dark — see our guide to driving in Mauritius for the specifics of the road network at night.

Mistakes to avoid

Accepting an approach from an unofficial driver in the arrivals corridor — these rates are often doubled; always go through the official exit and the licensed taxi counter.
Arriving with no rupees in cash at all — ATMs and currency exchange bureaus are accessible before baggage claim exit; bring enough to pay a taxi or a tip, see our guide to Mauritian currency.
Underestimating the trip to the north or west — Grand Baie or Flic-en-Flac are more than an hour’s drive from the airport in the southeast; factor this duration into your arrival planning.
Choosing the bus with bulky luggage or after 8 pm — the bus has no luggage hold and doesn’t run at night; book a taxi or a private transfer instead in these cases.
Renting a car right at the airport after an overnight flight with no rest margin — driving on the left while tired increases the risk of an accident; a taxi to the hotel followed by picking up the car the next day remains safer.

Frequently asked questions

How much time should I allow between landing and exiting the airport?

Allow an average of 30 to 45 minutes between landing and exiting the baggage claim area, including immigration control and baggage retrieval. This delay can lengthen if several wide-body aircraft land at the same time. A reliable private transfer driver tracks your flight in real time and adjusts their wait accordingly, so there’s no need to notify them in case of a slight delay.

Can I pay for the transfer in euros at the airport?

Private transfers booked online are generally paid in euros by card at the time of booking, or sometimes in cash on arrival depending on the provider. Official airport taxis generally require payment in Mauritian rupees, though some drivers accept euros at a less favorable exchange rate. It’s therefore safer to bring some rupees in cash on arrival.