This is one of the first decisions you will make after landing in Mauritius, and it is worth thinking about before you arrive rather than figuring it out while jet-lagged in the arrivals hall.
Airport taxis
Taxis wait in a rank directly outside the arrivals exit. Mauritius has a zone-based fare system for airport taxis, but in practice, prices are often negotiated. This can work in your favor if you are a confident negotiator, or against you if you are tired and unfamiliar with local pricing.
The vehicles vary in age and condition. Most are air-conditioned, though the quality of that air conditioning ranges from adequate to struggling. Drivers generally speak English or French, and most know the major hotels and resort areas.
The advantage of a taxi is immediacy. You walk out, get in, and go. No pre-planning required. The disadvantage is price uncertainty and the minor stress of negotiation after a long flight.
Typical taxi fares from MRU:
- East coast resorts (Belle Mare, Trou d'Eau Douce): MUR 1,000-1,800
- Flic en Flac: MUR 1,500-2,200
- Port Louis: MUR 1,800-2,500
- Grand Baie: MUR 2,200-3,000
Pre-booked private transfers
A pre-booked transfer means a driver is assigned to your arrival. They track your flight, wait with a name board, and drive you to your accommodation for a price agreed in advance. The vehicle is typically newer and well-maintained, and there is no negotiation at the airport.
Pricing for pre-booked transfers is often comparable to or slightly below taxi fares, with the significant advantage of knowing the cost before you land. Most services also allow you to request child seats, extra luggage capacity, or a specific vehicle type.
The disadvantage is that you need to arrange it in advance. If your plans change last minute, cancellation policies vary.
Which is better for you
Pre-booked transfer works best for: families with children, late-night arrivals, anyone heading to the north coast (long drive), travelers who dislike negotiating, groups needing a larger vehicle.
Taxi works best for: solo travelers or couples heading to nearby east coast hotels, spontaneous travelers comfortable with price negotiation, situations where plans are uncertain.
The honest verdict
For most visitors to Mauritius, a pre-booked transfer offers better value for money and significantly less friction. The drive to most resort areas is long, the airport is remote, and knowing exactly what you will pay and who will be waiting removes a layer of stress from what is already a tiring arrival process. Taxis are a fine backup option, but they are not meaningfully cheaper, and the experience is less predictable.