Why go
The airport’s south-east location matters when choosing your first base or final night. Port Louis is a useful reference point for journeys across the main island, while Rodrigues and other islands require their own transport planning. Bus travel can connect towns; a taxi can simplify a journey with several dispersed stops.
The full story
Mauritius once relied on rail as well as roads to move people and sugar across the island. The old network began in the nineteenth century and linked towns with the port. Passenger trains ended in March 1956, while freight continued until the railway closed in 1964. For decades after the closure, journeys between towns depended on roads. The modern Metro Express brought rail back, with its first Rose Hill to Port Louis section opening in 2019. It serves an urban corridor rather than every beach or inland attraction, so it is useful to consider alongside buses, taxis and a car when choosing a base. A route that looks short on the map may still need a change of mode. Check the current Metro Express map and timetable before planning a specific connection; the historic rail dates explain the system, not today's service pattern.
Useful to know
- Check entry requirements with the Mauritian Passport and Immigration Office for your passport before departure.
- Confirm current bus routes and fares locally before relying on a connection between towns.
- Check official flight or sea schedules before planning travel to Rodrigues or another island.