Rent a car in Mauritius
Mauritius is famous for its postcard-perfect beaches, but the island is best experienced when you have the freedom to travel beyond the resorts. Renting a car in Mauritius lets you discover secluded lagoons, scenic coastal roads, mountain viewpoints, bustling local markets, and charming villages at your own pace.
Instead of depending on fixed schedules or waiting for taxis, you can create an itinerary that suits your holiday, whether that means chasing sunsets on the west coast, exploring the lush south, or stopping at roadside cafes whenever you like.
Although Mauritius is relatively small, its attractions are spread across different regions, making a rental car one of the most practical ways to get around. Well-maintained roads, clear signposts, and short driving distances between destinations make self-driving a comfortable option for both first-time and returning visitors.
Whether you are planning a romantic escape, a family holiday, or a longer stay, VIP Cars helps you compare deals from trusted car rental suppliers across Mauritius. Browse through a wide range of vehicles at affordable prices in one place, and book the option that best fits your travel plans.
Popular car rental locations in Mauritius
Picking up and dropping off your vehicle is easy with different locations available across Mauritius. Simply enter your pickup and drop-off locations with other details in our search box; depending on which, you will be provided with available deals from top suppliers at affordable prices.
Popular car rental locations in Mauritius where most travelers collect and return their cars include SSR Mauritius International Airport (MRU), Port Louis, Flic en Flac, Grand Baie, Balaclava, Souillac, Curepipe, Blue Bay, Belle Mare, Tamarin, Le Morne, and Savanne.
Flexible car rental deal types in Mauritius
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Short-term rentals
Short-term rentals are a practical choice for travelers staying in Mauritius for just a few days or a long weekend. With a rental car, you can cover popular places, such as exploring Chamarel and Black River Gorges, then continue towards Le Morne and the southwest coast. This is also a more convenient option when you want to visit beaches, viewpoints, and villages that may be time-consuming or expensive to reach by taxi. Renting a car for a few days can make getting around the island more flexible and practical.
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Long-term rentals
Long-term bookings are seasonal yet popular among a specific group of people such as remote workers or corporate employees working in cyber cities such as Ebene. The duration of rental varies; for example, some visitors might hire a car for 2 to 3 weeks while others book for a month or more. These bookings often offer lower daily rental costs as compared to short-term bookings.
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One-way rentals
One-way deals are common in Mauritius. You can pick your vehicle from one location and drop it off at another as per your travel plans. One-way fees may be included in the rental price; however, it varies by supplier, car category, and drop-off location. Here are top one-way routes travelers consider when in Mauritius:
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Mauritius Airport to Grand Baie
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Mauritius Airport to Flic en Flac
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Grand Baie to Le Morne
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Port Louis to Belle Mare
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Explore the best of Mauritius with a rental car
Mauritius is best explored at leisure, and renting a car gives you the freedom to explore everything with ease. Drive through coastal roads and mountain viewpoints comfortably, soaking in the beauty around and making the most of your trip. To help you sort your itinerary, here are top things to do in the country.
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Hike Le Morne Brabant
If you like climbing, you should definitely check out UNESCO’s World Heritage Site for breathtaking views over the southwest coast.
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Visit the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark
This is a famous place located in the south-western Mauritius, especially popular among nature lovers.
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Explore Black River Gorges National Park
If you want to see lush forests, hiking trails, waterfalls, and native wildlife, Black River Gorges National Park is worth visiting.
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Experience Port Louis
From local markets to the island’s cultural and historical landmarks, you will find everything here.
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Watch the Sunset at Flic-en-Flac
Beach lovers know where to go for calm waters and a lively atmosphere. And the sunset here is the cherry on top.
VIP Cars’ tips for renting a car in Mauritius
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Keep to the left
Mauritius follows British-style driving; steering wheels are on the right, but cars drive on the left side of the road. If you are a first-time visitor here, it might take some time to adjust. Pay attention at roundabouts, intersections, and main roads, along with posted signs. Driving at a slow and comfortable pace will help you settle in quickly.
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Choose a convertible for scenic island drives
Mauritius is known for its beautiful coastline, winding roads, and tropical landscapes. A convertible car can make these drives more enjoyable by giving you an open-air experience.
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Follow the speed limits
In Mauritius, you will see speed limits posted all around in “km/h”, which are strictly monitored by a large network of yellow fixed speed cameras. You will be fined if you drive past them over the limit. Maximum speed limit on motorways is 110 km/h, 80 km/h in rural/open roads, and 40 to 50 km/h in towns and villages.
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Make an impression on business trips with luxury cars
If you are visiting Malta for business, a luxury car can add a polished touch to airport transfers, meetings, and client visits. You can check the available models and choose the one that fits your style.
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Plan parking carefully
Parking at most beaches, public parks, shopping centres, and local villages is completely free. In busy towns like Port Louis, Curepipe, Quatre Bornes, and Rose-Hill, you need to use a “pay-and-display” ticket system. You can get parking coupon booklets at a local petrol station or shops.
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Avoid driving in rush hours
Plan your drive outside the rush hours, i.e., 7:30 to 9:30 AM & 3:30 to 6:00 PM, as traffic coming in and out of Port Louis gets heavy, making you slow down. So, to enjoy scenic drives at a relaxed pace, drive outside these peak travel hours.
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Book your car in advance
Mauritius’ peak seasons are July to August & December to January. Demand for rental cars is extremely high during these months. Therefore, it is best advised to book your rental car at least 3 to 4 weeks prior to your travel date so you get better availability and affordable deals.