Car rental in Mauritius for visitors from Réunion
Mauritius is Réunion's closest neighbour: under an hour's flight, no time difference, and a long weekend is enough for a complete change of scene. With a car collected as soon as you land, you can go from the beaches of the north to the landscapes of the south without relying on taxis or organised tours.
This page covers what really changes when you come from Réunion: the flight, collecting the car at the airport, driving on the left, your licence, the budget for 3 or 4 days and a few itinerary ideas. The cars listed below are those licensed agencies are offering right now, with their real price.
The Réunion – Mauritius flight
The route is flown by Air Austral and Air Mauritius from Roland-Garros airport (Saint-Denis). Air Mauritius quotes a flight time of around 50 minutes with several flights a day, so you can leave on Friday evening and fly back on Monday. Schedules change with the seasons, so check them directly with the airlines.
Another plus: Mauritius and Réunion share the same time zone (UTC+4). There is no time difference to manage: your landing time is the time the agency expects you. For entry formalities, check the official travel advice for Mauritius before you go.
Landing at SSR airport: collecting the car
You land at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport in Plaisance, in the south-east of the island. Most licensed agencies hand the car over at the airport itself: an agent waits at arrivals with your name, the inspection is done in the car park and you leave with the keys. Give your flight number when booking so the agency can track any delay.
If you are staying close to where you land, some agencies also deliver to your hotel or villa. The full process is described in our airport arrival guide and on the SSR airport car rental page.
Driving on the left when you drive on the right in Réunion
This is THE difference: in Réunion you drive on the right, as in mainland France; in Mauritius you drive on the left, in right-hand-drive cars. You adapt quickly, provided you anticipate the moments when the Réunion reflex comes back.
- Choose an automatic: your left hand no longer has to find the gear lever, so all your attention goes to the road. Automatics are listed first below.
- Roundabouts: enter to the left, go round clockwise and look right before joining.
- First start of the day, leaving a car park, an empty road: that is when people end up on the wrong side. Tell yourself 'stay left' at the start of every drive.
- Indicator and wiper stalks are often swapped compared with your own car: wiping the windscreen when you meant to turn is normal on day one.
- Avoid long night drives on arrival evening if your hotel is far: secondary roads are poorly lit.
Your French licence in Mauritius
The French licence, written in French, is what most visitors from Réunion show to Mauritian agencies. Bring the original: a photo or the digital licence on your phone is not enough at the counter.
Agencies also set their own conditions (minimum age, years of licence held, young driver surcharge), which you should confirm with the agency when booking. Details in our article on driving licences in Mauritius.
Budget for a long weekend
Rental: the cheapest cars are currently Rs 1,300 per day, so from Rs 3,900 for 3 days and from Rs 5,200 for 4 days, excluding extras (child seat, additional driver) and depending on dates. Each model's exact price is shown in the list, and the quote form lets you receive offers from several agencies.
Fuel: unleaded petrol costs Rs 77.70 per litre since 29 September 2026 (price set by the STC, the same at every station). As a rough guide, allow Rs 450 per 100 km for a small car using 6 L/100 km. Prices are in Mauritian rupees: pay on site by card or in cash.
Finally, plan for the deposit, usually a hold on a card in the main driver's name, released on return if the inspection is clear. To add it all up, use our budget calculator.
Itinerary ideas for 3 or 4 days
- Day 1, the south-east: from the airport, Mahébourg and Blue Bay are close by. See our guide to Mahébourg and Blue Bay by car.
- Day 2, the wild south: Chamarel, Grand Bassin, the Gris Gris cliffs, following our one-day south road trip.
- Day 3, the north: Grand Baie, Pereybère, Cap Malheureux, with the one-day north road trip.
- Day 4, the west before your flight home: Flic en Flac or Tamarin beaches with our west coast guide, then back to the airport with time to spare.
- To pick your beaches: the best beaches in Mauritius by car. If it rains: what to do in Mauritius when it rains.
Available cars, automatics first · 9
Suzuki Celerio
Nissan March
Toyota Vitz
Suzuki Spresso
Suzuki Celerio
Hyundai i10
Suzuki Dzire
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Baleno
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Réunion to Mauritius?
Air Mauritius quotes around 50 minutes between Saint-Denis (Roland-Garros) and SSR airport. The route is also flown by Air Austral. Check schedules with the airlines, as they vary by season.
Is there a time difference between Réunion and Mauritius?
No. Both islands are on UTC+4: your landing time is also when the car is handed over.
Can I rent a car in Mauritius with a French licence?
The French licence is written in French and is what most visitors from Réunion present. Bring the original and ask the agency to confirm its age and licence-seniority conditions when you book.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Mauritius?
On the left, in right-hand-drive cars, whereas Réunion drives on the right. An automatic makes the first days much easier.
Can I collect and return the car at the airport?
Yes, most licensed agencies hand over and take back the car at SSR airport. Give your flight number when booking.
How much does a 3-day weekend rental cost?
The cheapest cars are currently Rs 1,300 per day, so from Rs 3,900 for 3 days excluding extras and fuel. Exact prices depend on the model and dates.
Get quotes from several agencies
Tell us what you need: local marketplace agencies send you an offer. No commitment.