How to Get to Mahe. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport and Airlines

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé is the main entry point for most international visitors. It is located on the east coast of Mahé, near Victoria.

Common Carriers

Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, Condor, Edelweiss Air, Air Austral, and Air Seychelles serve SEZ.
Many travelers from North America or Australia connect through key hubs in the Middle East (Dubai, Doha) or Africa (The Capital of ethiopia, Nairobi, Johannesburg).
Prices are highest during peak season (December-January, July-August) plus national holidays. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are options.

Airport Facilities and Transfers

SEZ provides a range of facilities for arriving and departing travelers. Transfer options encounter the needs of different budgets and preferences.

Onward Journey

Duty-free shops, currency exchange, ATMs, car hire counters, cafes, and waiting areas. Free Wi-Fi is can be found in some areas.
Taxis are available outside arrivals. Confirm price before departing. Pre-booked private transfers offer convenience.
The SPTC public bus service runs from the airport to Victoria and other parts of Mahé. This is a budget-friendly option.

International Gateway

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) is the main air entry point to the islands.

Global Connections

Direct flights from key hubs in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe connect to Mahé.

Seamless Arrival

Taxis, private transfers, and public buses offer options from the airport to your accommodation.

Direct Flight Options

From Regions

Middle East: Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH).
Africa: Addis Ababa (ADD), Nairobi (NBO), Johannesburg (JNB).
Europe: Frankfurt (FRA), Zurich (ZRH), Paris (CDG via France's National airline), London (LHR via British Airways).
Some direct European routes may be seasonal.

Flight Price Fluctuations

Prices are highest during peak season and major holidays.
Shoulder seasons (April-May, October-November) often provide more for the money for flights.
Consider booking well in advance for best rates.
Flight search engines such as Skyscanner are helpful.

Car Rental at SEZ

Rental Agencies

Several car hire companies have desks at the airport. Pick up your automobile immediately after arrival. DiscoverCars.com offers good prices.

Requirements

A valid driving license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English or French.

Age and Experience

Minimum age for rental typically ranges from 21 to 23, with at least one year of driving experience.

Land Transportation

Public Bus Network

The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) operates a comprehensive bus network covering most of Mahé.

Bus Operations

Buses are frequent during the day, especially on main routes.
Fares are fixed and inexpensive (e.g., SCR 12 per journey). Exact change often needed.
Operate from early morning (05:30) until late evening (20:30-21:00).

Self-Driving Considerations

Road Conditions and Safety

Roads are usually in good condition-maintained although it may be narrow, winding, and steep.
Driving is on the left-hand side. Locals drive fast, blind corners are common.
Night driving can be challenging due to limited street lighting outside main towns.

Driving Requirements

Essential documents for driving on Mahé.

Legal Aspects

A valid driving license from your home country.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your home license is not in English or French.
Minimum age for rental usually 21-23, with at least one year of driving experience.

Additional Driving Notes

Road etiquette and parking tips.

Practical Advice

Hilly terrain means many sharp bends and blind spots. Drive with caution.
Be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and buses taking up road space.
Parking can be limited in Victoria and popular seaside areas; seek out designated zones.

Important Disclaimers for Land Travel

Mahé does not have crossing borders by land with other countries.
No train services are available on Mahé or anywhere in Seychelles.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common and not generally recommended due to challenging roads.

Speed limits are generally 40 km/h in residential areas and 65 km/h outside.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
AirHelp assists with flight compensation.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inter-Island Ferry Services

Inter-island ferries are a popular way to explore Mahé's sister islands, Praslin and La Digue. Mahé also functions as a harbor for cruise ships.

Ferry Details

Cat Cocos operates high-speed catamaran ferries between Mahé (Victoria Jetty) and Praslin.
Connections often extend to The Island of bicycles from Praslin.
Mahé to Praslin: About AN hour. Mahé to La Digue (via Praslin): Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes away from 2 hours.

Cruise Ports and Procedures

Victoria Port on Mahé is a port of call for various international cruise lines, bringing many visitors for day excursions.

Port Information

Booking tickets for the ferry in advance, especially during peak season, is highly recommended.
Immigration procedures for cruise ship passengers are handguided by port authorities.
The Cat Cocos jetty in Victoria is a little walk or taxi ride from the central area. Taxis and buses are available.

Island Hopping

Seamless ferry connections to Praslin and La Digue are available from Mahé.

No River Transport

Mahé does not have significant navigable rivers for public transport.

Peak Season Booking

Booking ferry tickets in advance during peak season is advisable.

Departure Information

Departure Readiness

Departure taxes are typically included in the price of your flight. No separate cash exit fees are usually required when departing Seychelles by air. Arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) at least 2-ARRIVE 3 hours early for your international flight's scheduled departure.

How to Get to Mahe