How do you get around in Seychelles? Transport options explained

**Getting around Seychelles depends entirely on which island you're on and your budget.** On **Mahé**, you have buses, taxis, and car rentals. On **Praslin**, car rental and taxis dominate. On **La Digue**, it's bicycles and ox-carts. Each island operates differently, so plan your transport strategy island by island.

**Mahé Transport Options:**

**SPTC buses** are the cheapest way to explore Mahé, costing just **7 SCR per journey** regardless of distance. Routes cover most coastal areas including Beau Vallon, Anse Royale, and Victoria. You can pay cash on board or use the SPTC app with QR codes for contactless payment. Buses run roughly 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM, but frequencies drop significantly after 6 PM and on Sundays.

**Car rental** costs **600-1,200 SCR per day** depending on vehicle type. Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season. You can pick up cars at the airport, ferry terminal (Inter-Island Quay in Victoria), or have them delivered to your accommodation. Most companies require 3-day minimum rentals and a refundable deposit of 5,000-10,000 SCR. Driving through **Morne Seychellois National Park** is free and spectacular – no fees unless you're parking to hike specific trails.

**Taxis and private transfers** are widely available but expensive. Airport to Beau Vallon costs **500-700 SCR**, airport to Anse Royale around **600-800 SCR**. **Half-day island tours with a driver** (4-5 hours) run **2,500-3,500 SCR** for the vehicle, regardless of passenger count. Many hotels arrange taxis, but booking directly with drivers often saves 10-15%. For airport-to-ferry connections, allow **20-25 minutes** – the Inter-Island Quay is just 10 minutes from the airport.

**Praslin Transport:**

Car rental is most practical, costing **700-1,000 SCR per day**. Arrange pickup at Praslin ferry terminal (Baie Sainte Anne) or airport. The island is small enough that taxis work for specific trips – jetty to Côte d'Or costs around **300-400 SCR**. Praslin buses exist but run infrequently.

**La Digue Transport:**

**Bicycles rule La Digue** – rentals cost **100-150 SCR per day** and are available everywhere near the jetty. Many operators offer **children's bikes with stabilizers and child seats**. For families with young kids, **ox-cart taxis** cost **200-300 SCR** from the jetty to Anse Source d'Argent area. Electric buggies are available but unnecessary unless you have mobility issues. A **private buggy transfer from jetty to Grand Anse** (round trip for 4 people) costs approximately **800-1,200 SCR**.

**Inter-Island Travel:**

Book **Cat Cocos ferries** (Mahé-Praslin) at www.catcocos.com – tickets cost **1,200-1,500 SCR per person**. The 10:30 AM ferry from Mahé is doable if you arrive at the airport by 7:15 AM, but it's tight. For international-to-domestic flight connections, allow **minimum 2 hours** – Seychelles is relaxed but don't cut it close.

**Pro tip:** Transporting rental cars between islands via ferry costs **800+ SCR each way** – it's cheaper to rent separately on each island. Many travelers combine bus rides on Mahé for sightseeing with a rental car for 1-2 specific days to reach remote beaches like Anse Intendance or Police Bay.