Mauritius drives on the left and has about 2,772 km of roads including 104 km of motorways. A UK photocard driving licence can be used to drive in Mauritius.
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A UK photocard driving licence can be used to drive in Mauritius. Carry the licence when driving. Rental companies often have stricter requirements than the law. These include one year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental terms in your booking voucher before you travel.
The rental contract is with the rental company. Deposit, insurance, mileage and fuel terms are stated in the booking voucher. 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.
Localrent search shows filters such as cars without deposit and cars without a credit card. Currently 90% of cars need no deposit across the island.
Accidents are common. 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. Drive cautiously and expect the unexpected, especially after dark.
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Mauritius. The legal alcohol limit is very low and penalties include fines or prison. If you plan to drink, arrange alternative transport or stay where you are.
Drivers are expected to carry yellow chalk or a yellow marker. Use it to mark the position and plate of the car on the road after an accident or breakdown. Move the car off the road where possible.
The tropical cyclone season usually runs from November to May. During a cyclone you are not allowed to leave your accommodation. Car insurance policies often become invalid. Check your rental agreement for cyclone exclusions and plan indoor activities if a warning is issued.
Renting in Flic en Flac or another coastal area during cyclone season? Confirm the insurance terms at pickup. Ask the rental company for emergency contact details. Do not attempt to drive during a cyclone alert.
Mauritius has about 2,772 km of roads, including 104 km of motorways. The M1 motorway runs 47 km from Port Louis to the international airport. It links Moka, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Vacoas-Phoenix and Curepipe. It is the most important road in the country.
The M2 motorway runs 23 km from Port Louis to Grand Baie in the north and passes Pamplemousses. Grand Baie is a coastal village in the north of Mauritius, mainly in the Riviere du Rempart district. Port Louis is the capital and largest city of Mauritius, its financial and political centre.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (IATA code MRU) is at Plaine Magnien, 48 km southeast of the capital Port Louis.
| Route | Distance | Key towns |
|---|---|---|
| M1 motorway | 47 km | Port Louis, Curepipe, airport |
| M2 motorway | 23 km | Port Louis, Pamplemousses, Grand Baie |
| Total motorways | 104 km | Main network |
| All roads | 2,772 km | Island-wide |
Rental companies deliver across the island, so the same cars show up in several towns. Currently 13% of cars offer free delivery to your location.
Flic en Flac is a seaside village on the west coast in the Black River district. It has views of Le Morne Brabant and a coastline of about 13 km. Tamarin beach is a few kilometres away.
The numbers on this page come from a live Localrent search for a one-week rental. The data was last updated October 24, 2026. In that search 127 cars were listed across Mauritius, with 78% marked as new cars. For car rental with no deposit, use the search filters to narrow your options.
| Requirement | Legal minimum | Rental companies often require |
|---|---|---|
| Driving licence | Valid photocard (UK accepted) | One year of driving experience |
| International Driving Permit | Check with rental company | May be requested by rental company |
| Minimum age | Check with rental company | Higher age set by company |
| Credit card | Check with rental company | 100% of cars need no credit card |
| Deposit | Set by company | 90% of cars need no deposit |
Check the booking voucher for the exact requirements of your rental company. Terms vary between suppliers even though they deliver to the same locations. Compare options for car rental at the airport to find the terms that suit your needs.
Driving in Mauritius is straightforward if you are used to left-hand traffic and carry a UK photocard licence. Narrow roads, pedestrians on motorways and the cyclone season require extra caution.
Rental companies often have stricter requirements than the law, such as an International Driving Permit. A UK photocard driving licence can be used to drive in Mauritius. Check your rental company's requirements in the booking voucher.
Night driving carries extra risk because motorbikes may ride without headlights and pedestrians use motorways. Drive slowly and stay alert. Accidents are common.
100% of cars listed on Localrent require no credit card at pickup. Use the search filters to find cars without a credit card requirement.
Car insurance policies often become invalid during a cyclone. You are not allowed to leave your accommodation when a cyclone warning is in effect. Check your rental agreement for cyclone exclusions.
Drivers are expected to carry yellow chalk or a yellow marker. Use it to mark the position and plate of the car on the road after an accident or breakdown. Carry your driving licence at all times.