GETTING AROUND SEYCHELLES
Getting Around Seychelles
How do you get around Seychelles? Use ferries and domestic flights between islands, then buses, rental cars, taxis, bicycles, private transfers, boats or helicopters depending on your route, budget and travel style.
At a Glance: Which Transport Should You Use?
| Option | Best for | Main islands | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry | Most island-hopping trips | Mahé, Praslin, La Digue | Scenic and practical; check the current timetable and allow connection time. |
| Domestic flight | Saving time | Mahé ↔ Praslin and selected remote routes | Much faster than the ferry; check baggage rules and current schedules. |
| Bus | Budget travel | Mahé and Praslin | Affordable and useful for everyday sightseeing; luggage space is limited. |
| Rental car | Freedom and flexibility | Mahé and Praslin | Driving is on the left; roads can be narrow, winding and hilly. |
| Bicycle | Slow exploration | La Digue | The classic way to explore La Digue at your own pace. |
| Taxi / private transfer | Luggage, families, direct journeys | Mahé, Praslin, La Digue | Convenient for airport, ferry-terminal and accommodation transfers. |
Moving Between the Islands
Most first-time visitors combine Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Decide the island order before booking activities, and leave realistic connection time between accommodation, ferry terminals and airports. Smaller and Outer Islands usually require an arranged flight, boat or specialist transfer.
Ferry or Flight Between Mahé and Praslin?
The ferry is the straightforward choice for most island-hopping trips, while a domestic flight is useful when time is more important than the journey itself. The ferry journey is roughly an hour and the domestic flight is around 15 minutes, but the practical difference also includes airport or terminal transfers, check-in time and baggage handling.
If you are prone to seasickness, travelling with young children, carrying substantial luggage or connecting directly with another booking, compare the whole journey rather than looking only at travel time.
Allow Time for Island Connections
Do not build a tightly packed sightseeing day around a ferry or domestic flight. Allow time to get from your hotel to the terminal, check in, collect luggage and continue to your next accommodation. If a missed connection would affect a separate flight or expensive booking, use a larger safety margin.
Mahé
On Mahé, travellers can use public buses, rental cars, taxis or private transfers. A rental car offers freedom to linger at beaches and viewpoints, while buses provide an economical alternative. Driving is on the left.
Praslin
Praslin is well suited to bus, rental car, taxi or private transfer. A car is particularly useful for combining several beaches and sights in one relaxed day.
La Digue
La Digue is made for cycling. Bicycles are the classic way to explore, while taxis and other local transfers can help with luggage, arrivals and longer journeys.
Ferries
Ferries sit at the heart of most main-island itineraries. Check the current operator timetable before travelling and allow a comfortable margin if another booking follows. Timetables, fares and operating arrangements can change, so verify them close to your travel date.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights provide a fast option between Mahé and Praslin and can also connect selected more remote islands. Confirm current schedules, check-in requirements and baggage conditions before booking.
By Car, Bus or Taxi
Rental cars offer the most freedom on Mahé and Praslin, while buses provide an economical alternative. Driving is on the left, and roads can be narrow, steep or winding in places. Taxis and pre-arranged private transfers are particularly useful with luggage, for families, or between airports, ferry terminals and accommodation.
Travelling With Luggage
Plan your transport around the amount of luggage you actually have. Public buses are primarily designed for everyday travel and may not be practical with large suitcases. A taxi, rental car or hotel-arranged transfer can make arrival and departure days considerably easier.
Sundays, Early Arrivals and Departure Days
Arrival and departure days deserve their own plan. If you land early, arrive before your room is ready, or travel on a Sunday, check transport, luggage storage, food and check-in arrangements in advance. Avoid assuming that every service operates at the same frequency every day.
Private Transfers, Boats and Helicopters
Private transfers simplify airport and resort journeys, while private boats and yachts suit sightseeing, fishing, diving and island excursions. Helicopter transfers can be an especially scenic option for selected routes and private-island stays.
See Luxury Transfers in Seychelles → for premium transport planning.
Choosing the Right Way to Travel
- Ferry: practical for main-island hopping.
- Domestic flight: useful when time matters.
- Bus: economical on Mahé and Praslin.
- Rental car: flexible independent exploration on Mahé and Praslin.
- Taxi or private transfer: comfortable for luggage, families and direct journeys.
- Bicycle: the classic way to discover La Digue.
- Private boat or helicopter: premium, remote or experience-led travel.
Match Transport to Your Itinerary
First Trip
Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the easiest combination for a classic first visit.
Island Hopping
Plan ferry and flight connections before fixing activities and accommodation.
Luxury & Remote
Private transfers, boats and helicopters can simplify specialist and remote journeys.
Plan Your Route
Transport should be planned alongside your islands and accommodation rather than as an afterthought. Start with the Plan Your Trip planner, then use our island comparison and trip-length guide to decide how much island-hopping makes sense for your holiday.
For entry, travel and practical questions, also see Seychelles FAQs.