Hiring a car is often the best way to explore Mauritius at your own pace, from the northern beaches to the trails of the south-west.
MJ Développement Maurice, a property developer, sets out the hire conditions, the licence required and the rules of driving on the left, inherited from British rule.
This article covers the essentials before you take the wheel: minimum age, documents to produce, road safety and routes to explore once you have the keys.
Key facts at a glance
| Criterion | What to remember |
|---|---|
| Driving side | On the left, steering wheel on the right |
| Licence | A national EU licence is enough for stays under four weeks |
| Minimum age | 18, with a licence held for at least one year |
| Speed limit in built-up areas | 40 to 60 km/h |
| Speed limit on motorways | 110 km/h |
| Payment | Credit card in the driver’s name required |
Driving licence and hire conditions
To hire a car in Mauritius, a national European driving licence is enough for a stay of less than four weeks, with no international permit needed.
Beyond that, an international driving permit is recommended. It is free but can take time to obtain, up to six months. Hire companies usually require a minimum age of 18 and a licence held for at least a year, though some agencies raise that threshold to 25 or 26, or apply a surcharge for younger drivers.
A credit card in the driver’s name is also essential when collecting the vehicle, with a security deposit held for the duration of the hire.
Driving on the left: safety and the road network
Mauritius, a former British colony, drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right.
Speed limits are 40 or 60 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on main roads and 110 km/h on the island’s two toll-free motorways.
The road network is broadly in good condition on the main routes, with narrower, winding roads in the south and in mountainous areas.
Extra care is needed at rush hour, between 7.30am and 9.30am and again from 3pm to 6pm, and after dark, as some stretches are poorly lit.
“Driving on the left throws our clients for the first few kilometres, then it becomes second nature. The real thing to watch is rush hour around Port-Louis, best avoided on a first drive,” says Michaël Ruel, President of MJ Développement.
Hiring for a long stay or a relocation
If you plan to settle in Mauritius for several months, it is worth arranging an international driving permit from the outset, since a national licence alone will not cover you beyond four weeks.
Transport is part of a wider set of questions around moving to Mauritius, between long-term hire and buying a used vehicle, which often works out cheaper than renewing a hire month after month.
Good to know: on rural roads, especially after dark, stray animals cross without warning and two-wheelers ride with less caution. Slowing down in poorly lit areas and anticipating right-of-way rules, which apply in Mauritius, avoids most awkward situations at the wheel.
Places to discover with a hire car in Mauritius
Once you have the keys, several routes are worth the detour across all four corners of the island:
- Head south-west, where our guide to what to do in Mauritius covers hiking, waterfalls and local markets.
- A detour via the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius, from the north to the south-east.
- Le Morne, its listed mountain and its lagoon, at the far south-western tip.
- Grand Gaube, an authentic village on the north coast, away from the bustle of Grand Baie.
Car hired, route in mind: all that remains is choosing the first stop. After criss-crossing the island at their own pace, many of our visitors move on to the next step, working out where to settle or invest.
Get in touch with MJ Développement Maurice to turn that first look around into a life plan in Mauritius.
FAQ – Car hire in Mauritius
Do you need an international driving permit to hire a car in Mauritius?
No. A national European licence is enough for a stay of less than four weeks. Beyond that, an international permit is recommended. It is free, but can take up to six months to obtain.
What is the minimum age to hire a car?
The legal minimum age is 18, with a licence held for at least one year. Some agencies raise that threshold to 25 or 26, or apply a surcharge for young drivers.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Mauritius?
Traffic drives on the left, as in the United Kingdom, with the steering wheel on the right. It takes a few kilometres to adjust if you are used to driving on the right.
What documents do hire companies ask for?
Hire companies ask for a driving licence, proof of identity and a credit card in the driver’s name, with a security deposit held for the duration of the hire.
Are Mauritian roads in good condition?
The main routes and the island’s two toll-free motorways are in good condition. Some rural and mountain roads are narrower, winding and occasionally in poor repair, particularly in the south.
Can you hire a car for several months?
Yes. Most agencies offer tapered rates for long-term hire, an option often used while finalising the purchase of a vehicle for a longer-term move.
How do you plan a driving trip in Mauritius?
Set out a clear route and book the vehicle in advance, particularly in high season. To go further, our Mauritius getaway page gathers other practical ideas, across accommodation, activities and local tips, to build a complete stay beyond the driving itself.
Sources
- Bonjour Maurice, driving in Mauritius: bonjourmaurice.com
- Ile Maurice, practical information on driving: ile-maurice.fr
