Getting Around Seychelles

Air

Air Seychelles operates frequent domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin, with a flight time of approximately 15 minutes. Charter flights also serve several smaller islands with airstrips. Helicopter transfers are available to selected islands and resorts.

Road

Road transport is concentrated on Mahé and Praslin, with Mahé having the country's most extensive road network. Roads connect Victoria with settlements, beaches and attractions around the coast and across the mountainous interior.

Praslin has a smaller network linking its main settlements and beaches, while La Digue has relatively little motorised traffic and most visitors get around by bicycle.

Side of the road

Road Quality

Roads on Mahé and Praslin are generally paved and in reasonable condition, but many are narrow, steep and winding, particularly across Mahé's mountainous interior. Sharp bends, limited shoulders and open roadside drainage channels require care, while heavy rain can make roads slippery and occasionally cause localised flooding or landslides.

Road Classification

Roads are broadly divided into primary and secondary routes. Mahé's main coastal and cross-island roads form the principal network, with smaller secondary roads serving residential areas, beaches and more isolated communities. Road names and destination signs are generally more useful to visitors than road classifications.

Car Hire

Car hire is widely available on Mahé and Praslin, including from operators at Seychelles International Airport and through hotels and local rental companies. Most vehicles are small cars suited to the islands' narrow roads, and both manual and automatic models are available.

A compact car is generally the most practical choice, particularly on Mahé where roads can be narrow, steep and winding. Car hire is rarely necessary on La Digue, where bicycles are the usual means of transport for visitors.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available on Mahé and Praslin, particularly at airports, ferry terminals, hotels and in Victoria, and a yellow TAXI sign on the roof can identify licensed taxis. They can also be booked in advance through hotels or directly with operators. Fares are relatively high compared with public buses; where a meter is not used, agree the fare before setting off.

Bike

Cycling is the traditional and most popular way for visitors to explore La Digue, where bicycles are widely available for hire near the ferry terminal and from guesthouses and rental outlets. The island's relatively short distances and low levels of motor traffic make cycling convenient, although some inland routes are hilly. Mahé and Praslin are less suited to recreational cycling because of steep terrain, narrow roads and heavier traffic.

Coach

There are no long-distance coach services in the Seychelles; public road transport is provided by local buses on Mahé and Praslin.

Regulations

Traffic drives on the left. Seat belts are compulsory for drivers and passengers, and using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The speed limit is generally 40km/h (25mph) in built-up areas and 65km/h (40mph) outside built-up areas, with lower limits applying where indicated. Motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.

Breakdown services

Drivers of hire cars should contact their car hire company in the event of a breakdown, as operators generally arrange roadside assistance or recovery. For emergencies, call 999 for the police, ambulance or fire service.

Documentation

Visitors may drive in Seychelles using a valid driving licence issued in their home country for up to three months. An International Driving Permit is recommended if the licence is not in English or French. Car hire companies may impose their own minimum age and driving experience requirements, so these should be checked when booking.

Urban travel

Victoria is compact and its central area is easily explored on foot, including the market, clock tower and surrounding shopping streets. Pavements can be narrow or intermittent outside the centre, so buses or taxis are more practical for longer journeys across Mahé. Other settlements in Seychelles are generally small, although attractions and beaches may be spread out rather than concentrated around a walkable centre.

Rail

Water

Ferries are a key part of getting around Seychelles, especially between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

Cat Cocos operates between Mahé and Praslin, with the crossing taking approximately one hour, and also serves La Digue directly or via Praslin. Cat Rose operates between Praslin and La Digue, with a crossing time of around 15 minutes. Services run daily, although schedules vary and advance booking is advisable during busy periods.

Boat excursions and private transfers also serve smaller islands, beaches and nature reserves. Sea conditions can occasionally be rough, particularly on the Mahé–Praslin crossing, so travellers prone to seasickness should take appropriate precautions.