Getting To & From: Nosy Be

Air Connections

Main Airport & Flights

Fascene Airport (NOS) is Nosy Be's international airport.

Flight Information

Direct International: Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines (via Antananarivo).
Seasonal Charters: Neos (from Italy during peak season).
Regional: Ewa Air (from Mayotte, Reunion).

Domestic Access

Most international travelers connect via Antananarivo (TNR).

Internal Flights

Daily flights from Ivato International Airport (TNR) to Nosy Be (NOS).
Tsaradia (Air Madagascar's domestic branch) operates these routes.
Domestic flights book quickly during local festivals.

Airport Services

Small facilities: few shops, currency exchange, snack bars. No extensive duty-free.

Flight Costs

Prices peak during dry season (July-Oct) and major holidays. Explore Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Airport Transfers

Taxis available. Many hotels offer pre-arranged transfers for ease. Search Skyscanner for options.

Transfer Fares

Taxi Rates

To Hell-Ville or main beach areas: 40,000-80,000 MGA.
Fares negotiable.

Hotel Transfers

Often pre-arranged for convenience.
To main beach areas like Ambatoloaka or Hell-Ville.

Global Connections

No Direct from North America

Travelers from North America typically connect via Addis Ababa or Istanbul.

European Access

No direct flights from Europe, except seasonal charters from Italy.

Typical Connections

International travelers usually connect via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).

On Land Travel

Mainland Travel

Land travel from mainland Madagascar to Nosy Be is generally not recommended for tourists due to the island's location.

Road Conditions

Mainland roads are often in poor condition.
"Taxi-brousses" (bush taxis) serve as main intercity transport.
Mainland to Nosy Be via land and sea is a long journey.

Self-Driving

It is not common for tourists to self-drive from mainland Madagascar due to road conditions and safety.

Driving in Nosy Be

On Nosy Be, main roads are paved and generally good.
Side roads can be rough.
Night driving outside Hell-Ville is not recommended.

Vehicle Rentals

Car rental is possible but less common. Drivers are often hired with the car.

Car Rental Info

An international driving permit is useful.
Local agencies exist; no major international chains.
Drivers are often hired with the car. Consider DiscoverCars.com for global comparisons.

Scooter Exploration

This is a popular option for independent exploration.

Scooter Rental Info

Cost: Approximately 40,000-70,000 MGA per day.
Helmets are usually provided and needed.
Roads can be poor; traffic chaotic; drive defensively.

Driving Rules & Safety

Drive on the right.
Speed limits are low due to road conditions.
Poor lighting at night.

Traffic can be chaotic.
Animals on roads at night.
Night driving highly discouraged.

Sea Connections

Local Ferry Service

Sea travel is an option from mainland Madagascar.

Ferry Details

Regular public ferries connect Ankify (mainland) to Hell-Ville.
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Several departures daily during daylight hours.

Cruise Ship Visits

Nosy Be is a port of call for some smaller cruise ships.

Cruise Information

Passengers typically disembark at Hell-Ville.
Immigration handled onboard or at port.
Connections to land transport available from port.

Ferry Costs

Approximately 15,000-25,000 MGA per person.

No River Transport

River transportation is not applicable to Nosy Be.

Port Connections

From Hell-Ville port, taxis, tuk-tuks, and "taxi-be" are available to take travelers to accommodation.

Departure Details

Airport Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Nosy Be.

Departure Timing

Arrive at Fascene Airport at least 2 hours before international flights.
1.5 hours for domestic flights.
Check-in, security, and immigration are typically quick.

Exit Information

No specific departure tax for international flights from Fascene Airport that is not already included in the ticket price.

Tax Details

Departure tax usually included in ticket price.
No additional fees expected at airport.

Fascene Airport Amenities

Waiting Areas

Basic waiting areas available.

Retail

Small snack bars and souvenir shops.

Post-Security

Facilities are limited post-security.

Final Tip

Confirm flight status and airport transfer arrangements before departure.

Getting To & From Nosy Be