How to Get to La Digue. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

La Digue does not have an aviation hub. The nearest international gateway is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. A smaller airport, Praslin Island Airport (PRI), serves Praslin.

Air Hubs & Carriers

International Flights to SEZ (Mahé): Air Seychelles, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Condor, Edelweiss Air.
Typical Routes: Direct flights from major hubs in the Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Istanbul) and Europe (Frankfurt, Zurich).
Domestic Flights: Air Seychelles operates frequent 15-20 minute flights between Mahé (SEZ) and Praslin (PRI).

Flight Planning & Facilities

Booking & Amenities

Booking: Book international flights 3-6 months in advance for best fares, especially for peak seasons (July-Aug, Dec-Jan). Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals.
North America: No direct flights. Anticipate layovers within Europe or Middle East. Compare prices on Skyscanner.
Airport Facilities (SEZ): Duty-free shops, currency exchange, car rental services, restaurants, local SIM card purchase desks.

Fly-Ferry Option

From SEZ (Mahé), take a domestic flight to Praslin (PRI), then a taxi to Baie Ste Anne Jetty, followed by a ferry to The Island of bicycles. This option minimizes sea journey duration and offers efficiency.

Ferry Only Option

From SEZ (Mahé), take a taxi to Victoria Jetty, then a Cat Cocos ferry directly to Praslin (approx. 1 hour), usually transferring to a connecting Cat Cocos ferry for the short ride to La Digue.

Ferry Booking

Book inter-inter-island ferry tickets in advance, especially during high season, through the Cat Cocos website. This helps confirm your seat and a smooth connection.

Transfer Options to La Digue

Fly-Ferry Route Recommended

Domestic flight out of SEZ (Mahé) to PRI (Praslin).
Taxi (15-20 min) from Praslin Airport to Baie Ste Anne Jetty.
Ferry (15-20 min) from Baie Ste Anne Jetty to The Island of bicycles.
This option reduces overall sea travel time.

Ferry-Only Route Direct Sea

Taxi (20-30 min) from SEZ (Mahé) to Victoria Jetty.
Cat Cocos ferry (approx. 1 hr) from Victoria Jetty to Praslin.
Transfer to connecting Cat Cocos ferry (15 min) to The Island of bicycles.
Total ferry time: 1.5-2 hours, plus Mahé taxi.

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Flight Deals

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Flight Comparison

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Visa Services

For visa information to other places, check IVisa or VisaHQ.

Land Transportation

Inter-Island Travel

The Island of bicycles's island nature means land transportation between islands or with neighboring countries is not applicable.

Land Travel Notes

Border Crossing Procedures: Not applicable for Seychelles. All entry/exit is via air or sea ports.
Train Connections: No train services exist anywhere in Seychelles, including The Island of bicycles.
Long-Distance Bus Options: No long-intercity buses connect the islands. Public bus services operate on Mahé and Praslin for local transportation.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-driving considerations apply to Mahé and Praslin, but not La Digue. The island prioritizes other means of transportation for environmental reasons.

Driving on Other Islands

Car Rental (La Digue): Not permitted for tourists.
Side Of the road for driving: On Mahé and Praslin, driving occurs on the left side of the road.
International Driving Permit: Required for non-residents on Mahé/Praslin alongside national license. Find car rental options on DiscoverCars.com.

La Digue Road Conditions

La Digue's roads are mainly narrow and paved, mainly designed for bicycles and a couple electric buggies. General road safety is high due to minimal motorized traffic.

Cycling Safety

Cyclists should remain aware of occasional electric buggies or service vehicles.
Roads are usually in good condition-maintained.
Use your bicycle bell when passing pedestrians.

Inter-Island Health & Compensation

While not directly about land transport on The Island of bicycles, these services are relevant for inter-island connections and overall trip confidence.

Essential Travel Services

LifeStraw: For consumer water purification items, useful for sustainable travel.
Adventure Medical Kits: For first aid supplies for travelers.
Pacsafe: Anti-theft bags and travel security products.

Flight Delay Compensation

AirHelp: Helps passengers receive a maximum OF €600 in compensation for delayed or canceled flights.
Commission Rate: 15-16.6% commission.
Cookie Duration: 4A five-day period.

Important: Claims for compensation follow specific regulations.
Keep all flight documentation for potential claims.
This service addresses unforeseen flight disruptions.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Ports

Sea travel forms an integral part of reaching and experiencing The Island of bicycles.

Inter-Island Connections

Main Ferry Operators: Cat Cocos and Inter Ferry To the island.
Main Route: Mahé (Victoria Jetty) <=> Praslin (Baie Ste Anne Jetty) <=> The Island of bicycles (La Passe Jetty).
Cruise Ports: Large cruise ships dock at Port Victoria on Mahé. Passengers transfer via private boat or organized tours.

Jetty Procedures & Transfers

Immigration procedures for arrivals from other countries happen mostly on Mahé. Domestic travel by ferry involves simpler procedures.

Arrival Logistics

River Transportation: No river transportation exists in Seychelles.
Immigration at Seaports: No separate immigration screening for domestic ferry travel between islands.
La Digue Jetty (La Passe): Centrally located. Bicycle rental shops and electric buggies are available immediately outside.

Bicycle Rentals

Numerous bicycle rental shops are situated immediately outside the jetty area, making this the most common and recommended onward transport.

Electric Buggies

Pre-arranged hotel electric buggies usually wait at the jetty. You can also discover independent electric buggies for hire for transfers.

Boat Taxis

Boat taxis for hire from La Passe jetty. Ideal for accessing isolated beaches or island hopping to islands in the vicinity like Curieuse or Sister Islands.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Prepare for your departure from The Island of bicycles and Seychelles with information on fees and the right time.

Departure Logistics

Exit Fees: No specific departure tax is levied for air or sea travel; usually integrated into your airline ticket fare.
Air Departure (SEZ, Mahé): Arrive at airport 2-3 hours before scheduled flight departure.
Ferry Departure (The Island of bicycles): Arrive at La Passe jetty at least 30 minutes before scheduled ferry departure.

Airport & Jetty Facilities

Know what facilities await you at the main departure points to make your exit as smooth as the arrival.

Departure Amenities

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ): Check-in counters, security, duty-free shops, lounges, food/beverage options.
La Digue Jetty (La Passe): Basic facility with waiting area and ticket counter. Small stores and coffee shops nearby.

Additional Departure Support

AirHelp Support

If your flight setting off from Seychelles encounters delays or cancellations, remember AirHelp can aid in compensation claims.

Travel Insurance Review

Before departure, review your travel insurance regulations for any specific claim procedures related to travel delays.

Local Contacts

Keep contact details for your lodging and any local tour operators handy until you have left the island.

Smooth Departures

A well-organized departure makes a good final impression of your trip.

How to Get to La Digue