Getting Around Seychelles – A Practical Guide to Taxis, Buses and Ferries

Get a táxi ou táxis from the airport to your villa or hotel for a fast start. Official desks near the arrivals hall display clear fixed fares and accept mastercard at many locations. The ride to Victoria city center takes about 15–20 minutes; to the grande Beau Vallon area, 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. If you’re traveling with a group, a small van can be useful and often saves money. The driver will usually take the quickest route, and the ride took about 15–20 minutes. That way you reach your villa with minimal hassle and you can plan the rest of your day since you land.

Buses provide multiple options for cheap travel across Mahé. Some routes serve main points like Victoria, Beau Vallon, and inland villages; daytime frequencies run roughly every 30–60 minutes. Fares are SCR 8–20 depending on distance, and many drivers prefer exact change. If you plan around peak times, check the timetable on the sítio Web; note that some routes were closed after storms but operate again once repairs finish.

Inter-island travel uses ferries. Fast catamarans cover the Mahe-Praslin and Mahe-La Digue routes in about 1 hour; standard ferries take 2–4 hours depending on sea conditions. Tickets can be bought at the harbour or online via the operator’s sítio Web; some services accept mastercard. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure during busy seasons, and bring a light jacket because interiors can get breezy.

Practical tips to make transfers smooth: carry a map with your villa address and the pickup point clearly marked; when in doubt, ask locals at the quay. The silhouette of palm trees and granite hills helps you orient yourself near the taxi queue or ferry terminal. For a grande villa and a larger party, use a simple transfer form and request a driver who knows the quickest back roads. Stores near ports sell water, snacks and SIM cards, and some also offer last‑minute tours. Bring enough change for buses, and remember that ants can be active around crowds, so keep bags zipped. On busy days, táxis were the most reliable option to connect between ports; coming back from a distant beach might be faster with a short bus ride or a quick ferry hop. If you want to compare options, the sítio Web lists schedules, prices and current status for each service. From geoli harbour, transfers to outer districts run regularly.

Taxi Booking: How to hail, pre-book, and typical fares

Book in advance for arrivals to guarantee a driver waiting at the terminal; coordinate with your home hotel or guesthouse, and you can be found quickly at the arrivals area.

Hailing a taxi on arrival

• Proceed to the official taxi stand outside baggage claim; known for licensed, metered rides and straightforward payment.
• If you stay in a hotel with a lobby or rooms, tell the driver where to meet you and confirm the pickup point via the form you’ve received.
• Record the driver’s name and plate number on your booking form and show it to the driver before departure.
• Agree on the price or ensure the meter is running; if a fixed price is quoted, verify it covers the full journey and includes no extra stops.
• Check the vehicle’s cleanliness and say no to seats with ants or other pests; ask for a different car if needed.
• Mind the hour; arriving at night may involve a small surcharge but wait times are typically short at the major hubs.

Pre-booking options and typical fares

• Use advance bookings from your hotel, guesthouse, or a reputable operator to avoid queues; this is especially helpful if you arrive during food hours or nights when desks are limited.
• Platforms like getyourguide and local charters offer formal booking options; you’ll receive a confirmation form and a contact number for the driver, including routes to commonly visited spots.
• Charters can arrange a full day or multiple stops with a single driver; handy for exploring a variety of sites without switching cars.
• Some day-charter packages include unlimited waiting time; confirm it if you plan several stops or late returns.
• Generaly, there is a standard rate structure across island routes to guide your expectations.
• Typical fares (these are general ranges and vary by route, time, and demand): Airport to Victoria city center: roughly 350–450 SCR (about $25–30); Victoria to Beau Vallon: around 250–350 SCR (about $18–25). Night rates generally apply after 9 p.m. and may add 20–50% to the total, depending on the operator.
• Payment usually happens in cash in SCR; some operators accept cards when booked through platforms or hotel desks. Always confirm the form of payment and whether taxes or tips are included.

Bus System: Routes, frequency, and payment methods

here’s a practical plan: take the Victoria–Beau Vallon bus in the morning to beat traffic and access the white beaches. The total travel time is about 20-25 minutes. Services run regularly, with 15-minute intervals during the busy morning window (06:00–09:00) and 30–60 minutes afterward. Costs typically range from SCR 8 to SCR 16 depending on distance. Tickets are issued on board with exact change; you can also check the internet for the latest timetable. The ride is popular with both locals and tourists, and you’ll pass tropical scenery and palm-fringed coastlines. A quick photo at the stop helps you remember the route for arriving later. Reviews from travelers highlight punctuality on main corridors and the chance to sample creole food stalls near stops.

On the broader network, these buses connect Victoria with Anse Royale, Bel Ombre, and Port Glaud; they’re the backbone for island travel by road and pair well with a ferry when you’re visiting related islets. The rhythm is regular on core lines, and while traffic could be busy near the capital in the morning, buses could be crowded at peak times. If you’re coordinating with a ferry to Praslin or La Digue, plan a morning connection and check the timetable on the internet for the latest updates. For tourists, the ride offers grande coastal viewpoints and tropical photo opportunities, plus easy access to creole food stalls for a quick snack.

Rota	Frequency (min)	First / Last	Payment
Victoria → Beau Vallon	15 (06:00–09:00); 30–60 off-peak	05:40 / 20:00	Cash on board; exact change; tickets at Victoria depot
Victoria → Anse Royale	20–30	05:50 / 18:30	Cash on board; exact change; tickets at kiosks
Victoria → Bel Ombre	30–60	05:45 / 19:30	Cash on board; tickets at major stops
Victoria ↔ Port Glaud	30–60	05:50 / 19:15	Cash on board; tickets where available

Ferries: Inter-island timetables, booking steps, and luggage rules

Book your ferry with getyourguide or the operator’s mobile booking page at least 24 hours in advance to secure a seat, especially during peak months. Arrive at the port location 30 minutes before departure to complete check-in and move to the correct quay with your booking reference and ID; having everything ready speeds the process and ensures a smooth start to your day.

Timetables and routes

Ferries link Mahé–Praslin and Praslin–La Digue, with some days offering additional runs from La Digue to Sainte Anne and back. Morning departures typically run from 07:30 to 11:30, with afternoon sailings around 14:00 and 16:00. On these common routes, ride times are roughly 1 hour Mahé–Praslin and 15–20 minutes Praslin–La Digue. Costs vary by route and operator; expect a few hundred SCR per person for short hops. Weather and port operations can shift hours, so double-check the next service on getyourguide or the operator’s page. An experienced crew helps move passengers smoothly between decks, and the Eden Island location often has queues near the pier, so plan to arrive early to avoid traffic.

Booking steps and luggage rules

To book: choose your route and date on the getyourguide site or the mobile booking page, select the number of passengers, fill in the passenger details in the fields, and complete payment. After confirmation, getyourguide sends a mobile or email reference; keep it on your device for the dock check. Luggage rules keep things simple: carry-on should be a single small bag per person; check-in luggage typically fits within a couple of tens of kilograms per passenger, with heavier or oversized items requiring prior confirmation and possible costs. Bicycles can be carried on some sailings for a small fee; select this when you book and arrive early to drop it at the designated area. Label bags clearly and keep valuables in your carry-on. For morning trips, plan your move from the Eden Island dock to the vessel with time to spare, avoiding last-minute rushes.

From Airport to Eden Island: Transfer options and travel times

Book a private airport taxi with fixed rates for Eden Island; it takes about 20-25 minutes depending on traffic, delivering a smooth, door-to-door ride from the terminal to the Eden Island marina. Official taxis know the route well, and most accept card payments, so you can settle the fare without rummaging for cash. If you’re traveling after a long flight, this option minimizes hassle and lets you start your seychelles visit in comfort.

As an alternative, consider a shared shuttle or group transfer. It’s a nice cost saver, and drivers pick up other passengers near SEZ, then move on to Victoria before reaching Eden Island. The journey typically lasts 30-40 minutes, traffic permitting, and will suit travelers with flexible schedules or light luggage.

If you prefer driving yourself, rentals are available at the terminal. A car gives you control of the plan and the route, and the 20-25 minute drive follows the coastal road with views of white beaches. Remember to drive on the left and to allow extra minutes during dinner traffic in the capital area. If your party includes kids or gear, verify that your rentals include an adequate luggage policy and a fixed total cost to avoid surprises. When back in your car you can stop for a photo at the bridge as you approach Eden Island.

Quick transfer options

Taxi: official, fixed price, 20-25 minutes. Shared shuttle: 30-40 minutes, lower fare. Rental car: 20-25 minutes, plan driving route; unlimited luggage options may be offered by some providers. If you want flexibility, a private ride is the smoothest.

On arrival: tips and checklists

Confirm the driver’s name and the pickup point on the transfer voucher. Carry a card as a payment option or cash if required. Use your phone to navigate the route and remember the main landmarks–Beau Vallon, the bridge to Eden Island–so you know you’re on track. If you’re traveling from a connection via qatar or another hub, your arrival time may vary, so reserve an option that offers a reliable pickup window. If you wasnt prepared for crowds, the private taxi is the smoother choice. When you visit Seychelles, plan a quick white-sand photo stop near Eden Island, and consider a dinner plan later in the evening. Remember to share your first steps with visitseychelles and keep your photos handy for a nice keepsake.

Staying on Eden Island: Getting around the resort and to nearby beaches

Rent a golf cart for your stay on Eden Island; it’s the smoothest, fastest way to get around the resort and reach the marina, beaches, and restaurants even at night.

Staying on foot works for short hops, but flat paths invite a relaxed stroll; also, a bike rental is a low-cost alternative that keeps you moving without delays, and you’ll enjoy the tropical breeze as you pass by pools and palm trees.

To reach nearby beaches on Mahé, hire a taxi from the marina or use the resort shuttle when available; Beau Vallon Beach is the main option on the island and takes roughly 15–25 minutes by car depending on traffic; plan a full-day trip if you want time for snorkeling or a café crawl along the shore.

Payments: mastercard is widely accepted in Eden Island hotels, shops, and restaurants, and euros are the common currency for most costs; carry a small amount of local cash for street vendors and check the resort’s website for the latest payment options.

Alternative travel to other islands: book a boat or ferry from the Victoria harbour for trips to Praslin or La Digue; ticket prices vary by provider and season, so compare on the operator’s website; ferries are cheaper than flights and offer a scenic start to a tropical day; a half-day boat trip can be an option for snorkeling at a nearby cove.

Costs to consider: taxi rides from Eden Island to the airport or Victoria typically run 18–25 euros one-way; least expensive options include the bus, which costs a few euros, though it’s less frequent; a full-day bike or golf-cart rental is around 40–80 euros, depending on the season; if you rent cars for longer trips, factor in fuel and parking; plan a budget with these figures to avoid over spend during your stay.

Airport connection: From Seychelles International Airport, the drive to Eden Island takes roughly 25–40 minutes by car; pre-booked transfers or hotel shuttles simplify arrivals and reduce waiting time.

Tip: Use the Eden Island website to verify transfer options, rental rates, and current costs; keep a mastercard handy, and plan ahead to lock in good rates and avoid last-minute fees.

Practical travel tips: Safety, etiquette, and language basics for Seychelles transport

Agree on a price before you move. Most drivers know the common routes, and a clear briefing keeps the ride smooth. If you’re staying near eden island, arrange pickup early to avoid the last-minute rush. For multi-leg trips, confirm what the fare covers and whether luggage or a bike can travel with you; in many instances you’ll get a fair, gold-standard level of service, and you’ll save time by keeping things transparent. If you’re moving between islands, plan ahead and arrange the next leg in advance; ferries run multiple times daily, and the better you time it, the less you’ll rush. Arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure to stay punctual, and be prepared for weather delays; this simple step avoids much stress. When paying, ask for a receipt or confirm the price in writing to prevent confusion later. If you need to come back to your hotel after a day out, most routes offer options that are available now or later, so you can choose what fits your schedule next. Look for white signs at docks to confirm gate numbers, and keep your plan flexible to switch if needed.

Safety and etiquette

Wear a seat belt whenever available; keep valuables close in a bag you can hold on your lap. On buses and ferries, stand clear of doors until passengers exit, and offer your seat to elders or travellers with heavy bags. Greet drivers with courtesy, and keep conversations calm to avoid distracting the driver. The driver knows the area, so ask for the best route if you’re unsure; this can help you avoid backtracking. If you need to stop near anse, say it clearly and move to the back of the vehicle to let others off. In crowded terminals, stay patient and give space; most people come through without incident when you keep to a steady pace and times. If you’re riding with kids or a lot of luggage, arrange assistance at the dock in advance and carry a small map for navigation. If you need to go back to a previous stop, tell the driver before you move.

Language basics and quick phrases

English is standard in taxi offices, docks, and hotels; French is common on Praslin and La Digue. Keep a simple phrase card with: Hello, Please, Thank you, How much is the fare?, Where is the ferry terminal?, Next stop, please. If you need to ask for a stop near anse, say: To anse, please. Do you speak English? Keeping phrases short and clear saves time and prevents confusion during busy times, helping you move to the next leg smoothly.