Seychelles Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

The Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is served by one international airport on the main island of Mahé and several smaller domestic airports on other islands. Inter-island travel is a fundamental part of the Seychelles experience, and understanding the airport system is crucial for planning a seamless island-hopping holiday to these pristine tropical destinations.

This guide details the airports serving the Seychelles, including terminal information, inter-island transport, and clear advice on how to connect to your final island paradise—whether it’s a luxury resort on Mahé, a secluded lodge on Praslin, or a remote eco-retreat on La Digue.

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) – Mahé

Overview: Seychelles International Airport is the nation’s primary and only international gateway, located on the eastern coast of the main island, Mahé, approximately 11 km (7 miles) south of the capital, Victoria. It handles all scheduled international flights from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and neighboring Indian Ocean islands. The airport is modern, open-air in design, and reflects the relaxed island atmosphere.

Terminals:

• International Terminal: A single terminal building handling all arrivals and departures. It features separate check-in halls, arrival and departure areas, and a domestic transfer section.
• Domestic Terminal: Located adjacent to the main terminal, this smaller building is used for inter-island flights operated by Air Seychelles and other domestic carriers. It is a short walk from the international arrivals area.

The airport is relatively small and easy to navigate. After immigration and baggage claim, you exit directly into the tropical air.

Getting to and from SEZ Airport (to Mahé hotels):

• Hotel/Resort Transfers:
  The overwhelmingly recommended option. Almost all hotels, guesthouses, and resorts on Mahé offer pre-booked airport transfers. Upon exiting baggage claim, you will find a throng of drivers holding signs with guests’ names. This is the most stress-free way to begin your holiday. Transfers are usually included in package tours or can be added for a fee.
• Taxi:
  Official taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall. Important: Taxis in Seychelles do not have meters. Always agree on the fare before getting in. Fares are set by the government and based on destination zones. A trip to Beau Vallon (a popular tourist area) costs approximately SCR 500-600 (approx. $35-42 USD). To the capital Victoria: SCR 250-300. Have Seychellois Rupees ready, though some drivers may accept euros at a poor exchange rate.
• Car Rental:
  Several international (Avis, Europcar) and local rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. Renting a car is an excellent way to explore Mahé’s stunning beaches and mountainous interior at your own pace. Driving is on the left. Note: Roads are narrow, winding, and often steep. Book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Public Bus:
  The cheapest option. The public bus stop is a 5-7 minute walk from the terminal (turn right upon exiting the main building). Buses go to Victoria (SCR 7) and other destinations on Mahé. Not recommended for arriving tourists with luggage, as buses can be crowded and have limited space for bags. Fine for departures if traveling light.

Best for: All international arrivals, travelers staying on Mahé, and those connecting to domestic flights to other islands.

Praslin Island Airport (PRI)

Overview: Praslin Island Airport is the main domestic airport on the second-largest island, Praslin. Located in the Grand Anse area, it handles the 15-minute inter-island flights from Mahé (SEZ) operated by Air Seychelles and, occasionally, charter services. It is a small, simple airport with a single runway and a basic terminal.

Terminals:

• Small Single Terminal: An open-air building with a check-in counter, waiting area, and baggage claim. Amenities are minimal.

Getting to and from PRI Airport:

• Resort/Hotel Transfer:
  As with Mahé, this is the standard. Your Praslin accommodation will arrange a pickup.
• Taxi:
  Available outside the terminal. Fares to popular areas like Côte d’Or or Anse Lazio should be agreed upon in advance (approx. SCR 200-400).
• Car/Bike Rental:
  A few agencies are based at or near the airport. Renting a car or bicycle is a great way to explore Praslin.

Best for: Travelers flying from Mahé to Praslin. The flight offers breathtaking views of the islands.

Domestic Airstrips & Other Islands

• Bird Island Airport (BDI): A private airstrip serving the exclusive Bird Island Lodge. Accessed by charter flight from Mahé.
• Denis Island Airport (DEI): Another private airstrip for Denis Island Lodge.
• Fregate Island Airport (FRK): Private airstrip for the luxury Fregate Island Private resort.
• Alphonse/Desroches/Other Outer Islands: Serviced by private charter flights or a scheduled service (IDC Helicopters) from Mahé.

Important: For these private island resorts, flight transfers are almost always included in the stay and are arranged directly by the resort.

Which Seychelles Airport Should You Choose?

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé is your mandatory point of entry for all international arrivals. You cannot fly directly to any other Seychelles island from abroad.

Praslin Island Airport (PRI) is your destination if you are taking a domestic flight from Mahé to Praslin.

Key Decision – Fly or Ferry to Praslin/La Digue?

• Fly (Air Seychelles): 15-minute flight from SEZ to PRI. Fast, scenic, and the most reliable option in terms of schedule. Best if you are short on time, prone to seasickness, or have a tight connection. More expensive than the ferry.
• Catamaran Ferry (Cat Cocos): 1-hour journey from Mahé (Victoria jetty) to Praslin. Cheaper, and you can take a connecting ferry to La Digue (15 mins from Praslin). Subject to cancellation or roughness in bad weather (especially during the Southeast Monsoon, May-Oct).

Recommendation: For a first-time visitor with a typical 7-10 day itinerary, a common plan is to fly from Mahé to Praslin and then take the short ferry to La Digue.

Inter-Island Travel and Airport Transfers

Connecting from an International Flight to a Domestic Flight:
If you arrive at SEZ on an international flight and have a connecting domestic flight to Praslin or a private island on the same day:

1. Clear Seychelles immigration at SEZ.
2. Collect all checked luggage.
3. Clear customs (biosecurity is strict; declare all plant/animal products).
4. Exit into the public arrivals hall.
5. Walk to the adjacent Domestic Terminal (follow signs).
6. Check in at the Air Seychelles counter for your domestic flight, drop your bags, and proceed through security.

Allow a minimum of 2 hours between your international arrival and your domestic departure. International flights are often delayed, and domestic check-in typically closes 45 minutes before departure.

Practical Tips for Seychelles Travel:

• Visa: No visa is required for tourism for most nationalities. You will receive a free Visitor’s Permit on arrival upon showing your passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
• Currency: Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Euros (EUR) and sometimes USD are widely accepted by hotels, tours, and some taxis, but you will get change in rupees and a poor exchange rate. Withdraw rupees from the ATM at SEZ upon arrival for best value.
• Health & Biosecurity: The Seychelles is a malaria-free zone. Customs are very strict to protect the unique ecosystem. Declare all food, plants, and animal products. There are sniffer dogs.
• Language: Seychellois Creole, English, and French are all official. English is widely spoken in tourism.
• SIM Cards: Consider buying a local Airtel or Cable & Wireless SIM at the airport for data, as resort Wi-Fi can be expensive and slow.
• Pace: Embrace “Creole Time.” Schedules, especially for ferries and domestic flights, can be fluid. Patience is part of the island vibe.

Bottom line: All international visitors will arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. Pre-arrange a hotel transfer for a seamless start. To visit Praslin or other islands, book your domestic flight or ferry in advance. For a classic Seychelles island-hopping trip, consider flying to Praslin and using ferries to hop between Praslin and La Digue. Enjoy the stunning beauty and relaxed rhythm of island life.