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Car Rental in Mauritius

Mauritius is only about 60 kilometres from north to south, making it easy to explore the entire island by car in a single day. Book your rental car online and collect it directly at the airport.

Terms

Rental terms in Mauritius

The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.

  • Driver age — from 21 years.
  • Driving experience — from 1 years.
  • Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
  • Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
  • Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
  • A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
  • No-deposit rentals are often available.
  • National driving licence.
  • Driver’s passport.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) — if your licence is not in Latin script.
  • A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
On the road

Driving rules in Mauritius

A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.

Driver’s guide — Mauritius
Currency MUR
Speed limits 50 city · 80 rural · 110 motorway (km/h)
Blood alcohol limit up to 0.5 ‰
Daytime headlights not required
Vignette (toll roads) not required

Traffic rules: Mauritius

  • Drive on the left (British system). Vehicles have right-hand drive, and overtaking is on the right.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and up to 110 km/h on motorways.
  • The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Rental companies generally recommend complete abstinence from alcohol while driving.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
  • Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
  • Children under 12 are not allowed to travel in the front seat.
  • There is no vignette system. Some roads are tolled, but free alternative routes are available across the island.
  • Mauritius has three motorways: M1 (Airport–Port Louis), M2 (towards Grand Baie), and M3 (the mountain bypass around the capital).
  • Tropical cyclone season lasts from November to April. During severe weather warnings, some roads may be temporarily closed.
Questions

Frequently asked questions about car rental in Mauritius

License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Mauritius?

By law, a national driving licence is sufficient during the first four weeks of your stay. If your licence is not issued in the Latin alphabet, such as Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Many rental companies recommend carrying an IDP regardless to avoid issues during roadside checks.

What is the minimum age for renting a car?

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old with one year of driving experience. Drivers under 25 may be charged a young driver fee depending on the rental company and vehicle category.

Is a security deposit required?

Yes. A deposit is blocked on the driver’s bank card. The amount depends on the rental company and vehicle class and is displayed during booking.

Where can I pick up and return the car?

The main pick-up location is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSR) in Plaine Magnien. Most rental companies also offer delivery to hotels and other locations across the island.

Can I leave Mauritius with a rental car?

No. Rental cars may only be used on the island of Mauritius. Nearby islands, such as Île aux Cerfs and Île aux Bénitiers, are accessible only by boat or catamaran, and vehicles cannot be transported.

Which insurance should I choose?

Basic CDW/TP insurance is included in the rental price. Full CDW with zero excess protects you from paying for minor damage.

What is the fuel policy?

The standard policy is full-to-full. Fuel prices in Mauritius are regulated by the government.

When should I book?

The high season runs from May to December, when demand is highest and airport rentals sell out quickly. January to April is the tropical cyclone season, so check weather forecasts and book early regardless of the season.

Nearby

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