Mauritius Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

The island nation of Mauritius, renowned for its beaches, lagoons, and reefs, is served by one major international airport that acts as the sole gateway for nearly all visitors. This modern facility is strategically located to provide relatively easy access to the island’s main resort areas. This guide explains the airport’s layout and provides clear, practical information for reaching your hotel and exploring the island.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU)

Overview: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (IATA: MRU), often abbreviated as SSR Airport or simply Mauritius Airport, is the primary and only international airport for Mauritius. Located in the southeast of the island at Plaine Magnien, approximately 48 km (30 miles) southeast of the capital, Port Louis, it is the main hub for Air Mauritius and handles flights from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Terminal:

• Single Integrated Terminal: The airport features one modern, recently expanded terminal building. It handles all international arrivals and departures under one roof. The layout is straightforward: arrivals (with immigration, baggage claim, and customs) are on the ground floor, while departures (check-in, security, and gates) are on the upper level. Facilities include currency exchange, ATMs, a variety of shops and restaurants, free Wi-Fi, and hotel information desks.

Getting to and from SSR Airport (MRU):

• Pre-Booked Hotel Transfer / Taxi:
  This is the most common and hassle-free method for tourists. Most hotels and resorts include or offer private airport transfers as a paid service. Upon exiting customs, you will find a hall filled with representatives from various hotels and transfer companies holding signs. If you have pre-booked, locate your representative.

  Official Airport Taxis: If you haven’t pre-booked, official taxis are readily available. Fares are not metered but are fixed by the government based on your destination zone. Confirm the fare at the official taxi counter inside the arrivals hall before exiting. Fares to major tourist areas can be significant (e.g., €40-€80+ depending on distance).

• Car Rental:
  Several international and local car rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. Renting a car is an excellent option for independent exploration of the island. Driving is on the left, and a foreign driver’s license is generally valid for short stays. It’s highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season (October to April).
• Public Bus:
  A public bus service (operated by the National Transport Corporation) connects the airport to various destinations, including Port Louis, Mahebourg, and Curepipe. The bus station is a short walk from the terminal. While extremely inexpensive, buses are not designed for travelers with lots of luggage, can be slow, and may not stop directly at resorts. This option is best suited for budget backpackers or those familiar with the island.

Best for: All international travelers visiting Mauritius. Its location makes it roughly equidistant to the popular west coast resorts (Flic en Flac, Tamarin) and the north coast (Grand Baie), though travel times vary.

Which Airport Should You Choose for Mauritius?

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is the only airport with scheduled international passenger flights. There is no alternative for reaching Mauritius by air.

Note on “Plaisance Airport”: MRU is sometimes still referred to by its former name, “Plaisance Airport.” These are the same facility.

Inter-Island Travel: MRU also serves as the hub for flights to Rodrigues Island (RRG) and other islands in the region (e.g., Réunion, Madagascar) via Air Mauritius and other regional carriers.

Bottom Line: You must book a flight to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) to visit Mauritius.

Getting to Key Resort Areas from the Airport

Travel times can be longer than expected due to road conditions and traffic, especially around Port Louis. Here are approximate transfer times to major zones:

• To the Southeast (Blue Bay, Mahebourg, Preskil Island Resort):
  The closest region. Transfer time is 10-20 minutes.
• To the East Coast (Belle Mare, Trou d’Eau Douce):
  A drive of 45-60 minutes via the coastal road.
• To the North Coast (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy):
  The most popular tourist area. The drive takes 60-75 minutes, typically using the motorway (M1) that bypasses Port Louis.
• To the West Coast (Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Wolmar):
  A drive of 45-60 minutes, heading west and then north along the coastal road.
• To the Southwest (Le Morne, Black River):
  Approximately 60-75 minutes.
• To Port Louis (Capital) & Central Plateau (Curepipe, Vacoas):
  45-60 minutes to Port Louis, depending heavily on traffic. Slightly less to the Central Plateau towns.

Essential Tips for Arrival & Transfers:

• Pre-Book Your Transfer: For a smooth start to your holiday, arranging a transfer through your hotel or a reputable company before you travel is strongly advised.
• Currency: It’s useful to have some Mauritian Rupees (MUR) for small expenses upon arrival. ATMs and currency exchange are available in the arrivals hall.
• SIM Cards: For mobile data, consider purchasing a local SIM card from vendors like Emtel or My.T at the airport arrivals area.
• Driving: If renting a car, note that traffic can be busy, and driving styles may be more assertive than you’re used to. GPS or a good map is essential.

Bottom line: Your flight will land at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). For a stress-free arrival, pre-arrange a private transfer to your accommodation. If you plan to explore extensively, pre-book a rental car. Allow plenty of time (at least 3 hours before an international departure) for your return journey to the airport to account for potential traffic delays.