Driving in Mauritius lets you circle the island on coastal roads between Grand Baie, Flic en Flac and Mahebourg, stopping at quiet coves and snorkelling spots as you please. With your own car you can dodge rigid tour times and follow the best weather or calmest lagoon.
Head inland to the tea fields of Bois Cheri, the forests of Black River Gorges and the coloured earths of Chamarel. A car makes it easy to link viewpoints, waterfalls and rum distilleries in one relaxed day, without waiting for transfers.
At a glance
Drives onLeft
Motorway tollCheck locally
CurrencyMauritian Rupee (MUR)
Min. rental age21 years
Good to know before you drive
The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.
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Speed limits
Town50 km/h
Open road90 km/h
Motorway130 km/h
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Parking
Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.
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Alcohol limit
Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.
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Vignette / tolls
Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.
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What drivers say about Mauritius
★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★★4.5
"I travelled with a friend and booking car made comparing deals super simple. The car was clean, fuel efficient, and exactly what we needed. Only minor issue was a short queue at pickup, but staff handled it quickly."
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Joshua Mensah
Mauritius
★★★★★5
"We booked last minute with Bookingcar and still got a great car and quick service."
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Noah Patel
Mauritius
★★★★★5
"I booked a compact car for a week on my own and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. The booking confirmation laid out all the details clearly, so I arrived knowing what to expect."
For the best choice and prices, it is wise to book at least 3–4 weeks before your trip, especially for peak periods such as December–March and school holidays. For smaller, popular models or automatic cars, consider booking 6–8 weeks ahead, as these sell out quickly in coastal resort areas and around Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
Most Mauritian suppliers release the security deposit as soon as the vehicle is returned in acceptable condition, but your bank may take 5–14 working days to show the refund. Some local agencies offer low-deposit or no-deposit options, usually at a higher daily rate. Always check the voucher for exact deposit amount, currency (often MUR) and refund timing.
The excess is the maximum amount you must pay towards damage or theft before the insurer covers the rest. In Mauritius it typically ranges from about MUR 15,000 to MUR 40,000 for standard cars, higher for SUVs or luxury cars. You can often buy extra protection to reduce the excess significantly or even to zero, lowering your risk of a large bill after an incident.
Many international firms require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit. However, some local partners and special offers allow debit cards or even no-deposit, no-credit-card arrangements, usually with higher rates and stricter conditions. Always check payment terms on Bookingcar before confirming, and ensure your card limit covers any security hold stated.
Prices vary by season, car size and pickup location. As a general guide, a small economy car usually costs around MUR 1,400–2,200 per day, a compact or mid-size about MUR 2,200–3,500, and SUVs or convertibles from roughly MUR 3,500–6,000 daily. Rates often include basic insurance and limited mileage, with extras such as GPS or child seats charged separately.
Bookingcar lets you quickly compare prices, car types and conditions from many Mauritian and international rental brands in one search. You can see real-time availability, filter by mileage, fuel policy or deposit level, and choose the best-value option for your dates. This price-comparison approach helps you avoid overpaying and spot special deals you might otherwise miss.
Returning late in Mauritius usually leads to extra charges. Most companies allow a short grace period, often up to 30–60 minutes, but beyond that they may charge an additional hourly fee or a full extra day at the prevailing rate, plus any taxes. Persistent or unnotified delays may also affect insurance cover, so contact the rental office immediately if you are running late.
Typical speed limits in Mauritius are:
Urban and built-up areas: around 40–60 km/h (check local signs)
Rural roads: usually 80 km/h
Motorways (e.g. M1): generally 100 km/h
Always follow posted signs, as limits may be lower near schools, villages or roadworks. Fixed and mobile speed cameras are increasingly used on major routes and near tourist zones.
Penalties depend on the offence. Typical fines for speeding or mobile-phone use can range from about MUR 1,000 to MUR 10,000, with higher amounts and possible licence endorsement for serious or repeated offences. Dangerous driving, drunk driving or accidents causing injury can lead to court appearances, larger fines and even imprisonment. Rental companies may also charge admin fees for processing any fines.
Mauritius has a strict drink-driving policy. The legal blood alcohol limit is generally 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, similar to 0.05% BAC. Police conduct roadside breath tests, especially near nightlife areas and on weekends. Penalties for exceeding the limit can include substantial fines, licence suspension and possible imprisonment, so the safest approach is not to drink at all before driving.
Fuel prices are government-regulated and adjusted periodically, but as a recent guide, unleaded petrol typically costs around MUR 70–80 per litre, and diesel slightly less. Prices are displayed clearly at filling stations and are usually the same nationwide. Many rental cars are petrol, though some are diesel; check your fuel type carefully before refuelling to avoid costly damage charges.
There are currently no toll roads in Mauritius. All motorways and main roads, including the M1 between the airport and Port Louis and the highways serving resort areas, are free to use. You do not need to buy a vignette or pay any electronic or cash tolls, which simplifies driving and helps keep your overall car-rental and travel costs easier to predict during your stay.
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