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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Seychelles

Air Travel to Praslin

Airports & International Routes

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé: This is the primary international gateway. All international flights land here. Praslin Island Airport (PRI): A smaller airport serving domestic flights from Mahé. Direct flight to Praslin means first landing at SEZ, then transferring to a domestic flight.

Major International Carriers to SEZ

  • Emirates (from Dubai), Qatar Airways (from Doha).
  • Ethiopian Airlines (from Addis Ababa), Turkish Airlines (from Istanbul).
  • British Airways (from London), Condor (from Frankfurt), Edelweiss Air (from Zurich), Kenya Airways (from Nairobi).

Domestic Flights & Pricing

Domestic (SEZ to PRI): Air Seychelles operates frequent short flights (15-20 minutes) between Mahé and Praslin. This is the quickest way to reach Praslin from Mahé. Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Flight prices vary significantly with the season. Peak tourist seasons (Dec-Jan, Jul-Aug) see higher prices due to demand.

Booking & Airport Facilities

  • Booking flights well in advance, especially for peak periods, often yields better rates.
  • SEZ offers duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental, ATMs, currency exchange, SIM card vendors.
  • PRI is smaller with basic facilities: small cafe, car rental desks, taxi stands.

Efficient Transfers

From SEZ (Mahé) to Praslin: Choose a domestic flight or a ferry. Domestic flights offer the fastest transfer.

Ferry Transfers

Ferry: Taxi from SEZ to Victoria Jetty (~SCR 300-400). Cat Cocos ferry directly to Baie Ste Anne Jetty on Praslin.

On-Island Arrival

From PRI (Praslin) to Accommodation: Taxis are available. Many hotels offer pre-arranged transfers.

Affiliate Resources: Flights & Rentals

Flight Deal Services

  • Dollar Flight Club: Finds cheap flights.
  • Skyscanner: Comprehensive flight search engine.
  • Offers price comparisons across airlines.
  • Aids in finding optimal booking times.

Car Rental Services

  • DiscoverCars.com: Aggregates car rental deals.
  • Partners with many local and international agencies.
  • Supports independent island exploration.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) consideration.

Land Transportation Context

Border Crossing

Not relevant for Praslin directly, as international borders are crossed upon arrival at SEZ on Mahé.

Train/Long-Distance Bus

No train services exist in Seychelles. Long-distance bus options are not applicable for inter-island travel.

Self-Driving on Praslin

While you cannot drive To Praslin, renting a car On Praslin is a popular option. This covered in the Rental Options section.

Sea/River Arrivals to Praslin

Inter-island Ferry Services

Cat Cocos operates high-speed catamaran ferries. These connect Mahé (Victoria Jetty) to Praslin (Baie Ste Anne Jetty) and La Digue. The journey from Mahé to Praslin typically takes around 1 hour.

Ferry Logistics

  • Service runs multiple times a day; a reliable transport mode.
  • Booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, secures your spot.
  • Often chosen for its cost-effectiveness and scenic journey.

Cruise Ports & Immigration

Cruise ships generally dock in Victoria, Mahé. Passengers wishing to visit Praslin from a cruise ship typically use an organized excursion or the inter-island ferry from Victoria. No dedicated cruise port on Praslin handles large international cruise liners.

Arrival Procedures

  • International immigration procedures complete upon arrival at SEZ on Mahé.
  • For ferry arrivals on Praslin, passengers proceed directly to disembarkation areas.
  • No further immigration checks occur on Praslin, as they cleared customs on Mahé.

Departure Timing & Procedures

Exit Fees/Taxes: Generally included in international air ticket price. No additional fees on leaving. For domestic flights or ferry services, no additional exit fees apply.

Airport Departure

  • From PRI (domestic flight to Mahé): Arrive ~1 hour before departure.
  • From SEZ (international departure): Arrive at SEZ 2-3 hours before flight.
  • This accounts for check-in, security, and potential inter-island transfer delays.

Ferry Departure & Facilities

From Baie Ste Anne Jetty (for ferry departures): Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, especially during busy periods. This ensures smooth boarding.

Departure Facilities

  • Seychelles International Airport (SEZ): Duty-free shops, lounges, dining.
  • Praslin Island Airport (PRI): Limited facilities, small waiting area, basic snack options.
  • Baie Ste Anne Jetty: Waiting room and a few small shops or cafes nearby.

Important Departure Reminder

  • Confirm your departure times.
  • Confirm transfer arrangements.
  • Confirm these a day or two before leaving.
  • This helps avoid last-minute surprises.
  • It ensures a relaxed departure from Praslin.
  • Planning arrivals and departures carefully sets a positive tone.

Affiliate Travel Resources

Flights & Car Rentals

Flights: Find the best flight deals to Seychelles to begin your journey. Consider services specializing in flight price comparisons. Car Rentals: Independent exploration of Praslin is enhanced with a rental car.

Featured Services

Travel Insurance & Visas

Travel Insurance: Protect your trip with comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, and more. Visa Services: Simplify the visa application process for seamless entry.

Essential Protection

Medical Kits

First aid supplies tailored for travelers. Adventure Medical Kits

Security Products

Anti-theft bags and travel security products. Pacsafe

Water Filtration

Consumer water filtration products for safe drinking. LifeStraw

Important Travel Notes

Air Travel Tips

Booking international and domestic flights in advance often yields better rates, especially during peak seasons. Factor in transfer time between SEZ and PRI when planning international connections.

Peak Season Considerations

  • Peak season sees increased demand and higher prices.
  • Consider off-peak or shoulder seasons for more competitive fares.
  • Allow sufficient time for airport procedures.

Ferry Travel Benefits

The Cat Cocos ferry offers a scenic and cost-effective alternative to domestic flights for inter-island travel. It provides direct access to Baie Ste Anne Jetty on Praslin, a central location.

Advantages of Ferry Travel

  • Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and neighboring islands.
  • Generally more economical than domestic flights.
  • Booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially in high season.

Transfer Information

Domestic Flight

Quickest way to Praslin (15-20 mins from Mahé).

Ferry from Mahé

Approx. 1 hour from Victoria Jetty to Baie Ste Anne.

On-Island Taxis

Available at PRI and Baie Ste Anne Jetty.

Smooth Travel Planning

Planning your arrivals and departures carefully sets a positive tone for your entire Praslin trip. Whether you choose the quick domestic flight or the scenic ferry ride, understanding the logistics makes your journey smooth and enjoyable.