All articles
Travellers5 June 2026·2 min read

Picking up your car at Mauritius airport: a step-by-step guide

From the plane to keys in hand in 30 minutes: exactly how an SSR airport pick-up works, plus our tips for the return.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSR) sits in the south-east of the island, at Plaine Magnien. Collecting your car straight after landing is the most practical option — here is how it goes in practice.

Before you fly: prepare three documents

  • Your RentCar.mu booking confirmation (RC-XXXXX number, on your phone or printed).
  • The main driver's original driving licence — the same one entered at booking.
  • The booking holder's bank card, for the deposit hold.

On arrival

After customs, your agency will be waiting either at the rental desks in the arrivals hall or outside with a name board — the exact meeting point is on your confirmation. Flight delayed? No stress: agencies track landing times and your vehicle stays reserved.

The pick-up inspection (10 minutes well spent)

The agent runs the digital inspection with you: a photo walk-around with timestamps, mileage, fuel level, signatures on the tablet. Use the moment to adjust your mirrors, find the controls (indicators are on the right of the wheel on most models!) and ask for route advice — the agents know the roads better than any GPS.

Your first kilometres

The airport exit feeds straight onto the M2 motorway: head towards Port Louis and the north (about 45 minutes to the capital, 1h–1h15 to Grand Baie), or turn off towards Mahébourg and the east coast. These first motorway kilometres are the perfect gentle introduction to left-hand driving.

The return: allow 30 minutes

For drop-off, aim to reach the agency 2.5 to 3 hours before take-off: enough time to refuel nearby (there is a station on the airport road), complete the return inspection and get to the terminal. The before/after comparison is done on the spot and your deposit is released right away if everything is in order.

Ready to hit the road?

Compare vehicles from local agencies and book online.

Find a vehicle

Also worth reading