Currently 127 cars are listed on Localrent for rentals across Mauritius. Cheap car rental starts with booking small automatic city cars early. Picking up at the airport avoids delivery fees.
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Live Localrent search, data from October 24, 2026.
Economy and compact automatic cars consistently cost less than larger models in Mauritius. Small hatchbacks and city cars handle the island's 2,772 km of roads comfortably. These vehicles suit solo travelers and couples, though luggage space is limited.
Automatic transmission dominates the market, with 99% of listed cars being automatic. Mauritius drives on the left-hand side of the road. An automatic gearbox reduces the learning curve for visitors unfamiliar with left-hand driving. The median model year of 2024 means most affordable cars are recent and reliable.
Search for the smallest category that fits your group size. A compact car accommodates two adults and two children with moderate luggage. Upgrading to a sedan or SUV increases the rate significantly. Match the car to your actual needs rather than preferences.
Collecting your car at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport typically costs less than paying for delivery to your accommodation. The airport is 48 km southeast of Port Louis. Most rental companies have desks or meet-and-greet services there. Only 0% of airport cars include free delivery in their base rate.
Delivery to resort areas like Grand Baie or Flic en Flac may add a surcharge. Check the delivery fee in your booking voucher. Compare the delivery fee against the convenience of having the car waiting at your accommodation.
Island-wide, 13% of cars come with free delivery. Filter your search by free delivery if you prefer hotel pickup. Expect a smaller selection and potentially higher base rates. For the lowest cost, pick up at the airport and return there before your departure flight.
Longer rentals reduce the daily rate because rental companies prefer fewer turnovers. Check the total cost in your booking voucher rather than focusing only on the daily rate.
Book the exact number of days you need. Only 8% of cars offer free cancellation. Lock in your dates before booking if possible.
No deposit car rental is available on 90% of vehicles in Mauritius. No credit card is required at pickup on 100% of cars.
The rental contract is with the local company. Deposit terms are stated in the booking voucher. Read the voucher carefully to understand what damage costs you may be liable for. Coverage terms vary by provider.
A small number of cars, 10%, accept a cash deposit at pickup if a deposit is required. Filter by no deposit when searching to see only cars where deposit terms suit your needs.
| Feature | Share of cars | Cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| No deposit | 90% | No deposit required |
| No credit card | 100% | Credit card not required |
| Cash deposit | 10% | Pay deposit in cash |
| Unlimited mileage | 100% | No distance fees |
Booking several weeks ahead secures lower rates and better car availability. The tropical cyclone season runs from November to May. Search as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
Only 8% of cars offer free cancellation, so early booking carries risk if your plans change. Check the cancellation terms in the booking voucher before confirming.
On Localrent you book a car from a local rental company. An advance is paid online by bank card when you book. The rest is paid to the company at pickup. Cash is not accepted for the online advance. The contract is with the rental company. Deposit, insurance, mileage and fuel terms are stated in the booking voucher.
Skipping adequate insurance to lower the rate is false economy. Accidents are common in Mauritius. Some roads are narrow and have no pavements. Pedestrians and cyclists use main roads, including motorways, by day and at night. Motorbikes are often slow and may ride without headlights at night. Verify what coverage is included and what your liability is for damage.
Rental companies often have stricter requirements than the law. Examples include one year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and an International Driving Permit. Confirm you meet the company's requirements before booking. A UK photocard driving licence can be used to drive in Mauritius. Carry the licence when driving.
During the cyclone season, usually November to May, you are not allowed to leave your accommodation during a cyclone. Car insurance policies often become invalid during cyclones. Do not skip reading the insurance exclusions. Drink-driving is a serious offence in Mauritius. The legal alcohol limit is very low. Penalties include fines or prison. Budget for taxis on evenings out rather than risking a rental car incident.
For more details on local rules, see the driving in Mauritius guide. Additional information on rental terms is on the FAQ page.
The numbers on this page come from a live Localrent search performed on October 24, 2026. Rental companies in Mauritius deliver across the island, so the same cars appear in several towns. Searching for Port Louis or Grand Baie shows many of the same vehicles as an airport search.
Filter by your priorities: no deposit, free delivery, or automatic transmission. Set your pickup location to where you actually need the car. The M1 motorway runs 47 km from Port Louis to the airport. It links Moka, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Vacoas-Phoenix and Curepipe.
The M2 motorway runs 23 km from Port Louis to Grand Baie in the north, passing Pamplemousses. Compare the total cost including delivery before choosing your pickup point.
Cheap car rental in Mauritius is achievable by booking small automatic cars early. Pick up at the airport to avoid delivery fees. Choose longer rental periods to reduce the daily rate. Avoid compromising on insurance or driver requirements, as Mauritius roads and weather present real risks. Filter for no deposit and no credit card options to reduce upfront costs.
Small automatic city cars and economy hatchbacks consistently offer the lowest rates. These vehicles suit solo travelers and couples with moderate luggage. Airport pickup and longer rental periods further reduce the daily cost.
Yes, booking several weeks ahead typically secures better rates and availability. However, only 8% of cars offer free cancellation, so book early only when your dates are certain.
Airport pickup at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport usually costs less. Only 0% of airport cars include free delivery. Check the delivery fee in your booking voucher.
Yes, 100% of cars listed require no credit card at pickup. Deposit terms are stated in the booking voucher for each car.
Longer rentals generally lower the daily rate because rental companies prefer fewer turnovers.