Mauritius is a small island, 65 km from north to south, yet getting around takes a little strategy. Public transport serves the towns well but the beaches and sights far less; taxis run without meters; and the big international ride-hailing apps are conspicuously absent. Here is the full comparison so you can choose with your eyes open.
The bus: cheap, authentic… and slow
With tickets between Rs 15 and Rs 40, the bus is unbeatable on budget, and a genuine local experience. The network efficiently links the central-corridor towns (Port Louis, Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Curepipe) and the larger coastal villages. But frequencies drop quickly off the main routes, most lines stop between 6 and 7 pm, and many beaches and sights (Chamarel, Grand Bassin, Le Morne) are poorly served or not at all.
Verdict: perfect for a day trip to Port Louis from Grand Baie, not enough to build a whole holiday around.
The Metro Express: modern but urban
The Mauritian light rail links Port Louis to Curepipe via Rose Hill and Quatre Bornes, with air-conditioned, punctual trams. It is an excellent way to explore the urban corridor without worrying about parking. Its limit is obvious: it goes neither to the beaches, nor to the airport, nor to the tourist regions. For a visitor it is a pleasant add-on, not a mobility solution.
Taxis: convenient, but everything is negotiated
Mauritian taxis do not use meters: the fare is agreed before you get in, and it varies with your bargaining skills. As an order of magnitude, expect Rs 1,500-2,500 between the airport and the north of the island, and Rs 3,500-5,000 for a full-day excursion with driver. Drivers often make excellent guides: many visitors combine a one-off taxi excursion with another mode of transport for the rest of the stay.
Worth knowing: there is no Uber in Mauritius. A few local apps exist but coverage is mostly urban and prices end up close to regular taxi fares.
The rental car: freedom, for the price of a tank
From roughly Rs 1,200-1,800 per day for a city car in low season (more in December-January), renting quickly becomes competitive as soon as you move around: two taxi rides cover a full day's rental. Above all, it unlocks what no other mode can: sunrise on the east coast, Flacq market on a Tuesday morning, a deserted southern cove, a seaside dinner at 9 pm.
Petrol costs around Rs 65-70 per litre and a full loop of the island is under 200 km: fuel remains a modest line in a holiday budget.
The match-up in short
- Tight budget, town-based stay, plenty of time: the bus, topped up with the Metro Express.
- A one-off transfer (airport, dinner out, guided excursion): a taxi, fare agreed before you get in.
- Exploring the island's beaches and sights at your own pace: the rental car, unmatched once you leave the towns.
- The smart combo many travellers use: a rental car for the core of the stay + one chauffeured taxi excursion for a no-driving 'discovery' day.
In short: Mauritian public transport is endearing and very cheap, but it sketches your holiday in dotted lines. If your plans sound more like 'beaches, waterfalls and small villages' than 'city centre', a car remains the tool that turns the island into a playground. Compare licensed local agencies and book early in high season.