Quick answer:
- Mauritius Airport (MRU) is approx. 47 km from Port Louis.
- Taxis cost €45 (MUR 2,500), while private transfers start at €32.80 (MUR 1,789).
- Bus 198 takes around 70 minutes and runs during the day.
- After the last bus, you’ll need a taxi, private transfer, or rental car.
- The Metro Express does not serve Mauritius Airport.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is about 47 km from Port Louis. A taxi costs €45 (MUR 2,500), while private transfers start from €32.80 (MUR 1,789), and both take around 45 minutes. You can also take bus 198 from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis, which costs around €0.40 (MUR 20) and takes roughly 70 minutes.
Taxis and MUR Airport transfers run 24/7 and take you straight to your hotel. They’re also the options to rely on after the last bus and make more sense if you’re arriving with several suitcases or as a group.
Bus 198 runs directly from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis during the day. It’s a regular local bus rather than an airport shuttle, though, so there’s limited room for large suitcases, and journey times can stretch when traffic builds around Port Louis.
And with no train or Metro Express connection from Mauritius Airport, the bus is your only public transport option.
3 options to go from Mauritius Airport to city center
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €32.80 | 45min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Works well for families, larger groups, and late arrivals, or simply if you want your ride sorted before you land. | ||||||
Taxi | €45 | 45min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| A good option for those who haven't booked a ride in advance. | ||||||
Public Bus Line 198 | €0.80 | 70min | 05:25–18:25 | Convenience | Read more | |
| The bus is an option for budget-conscious travelers with minimal luggage who land earlier in the day. | ||||||
A taxi from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis costs around €45 (MUR 2,500) and takes 45 minutes in usual traffic conditions. Taxis run 24/7 and take you straight from the airport to your hotel or other address in Port Louis.
Official airport taxis are easy to spot by their yellow taxi roof signs and airport identification. The drive heads north from Plaine Magnien, passing through the center of the island before reaching Port Louis on the northwest coast.
If you’re landing around the morning or late-afternoon commute, give yourself a bit more time, as traffic tends to build on the approach to Port Louis.
How much is a taxi from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis?
A taxi from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis costs €45 (MUR 2,500) on the Airport Taxi Owners Association’s 2026 fare list. Taxis don’t use taximeters. Instead, the association publishes guide prices by destination. So agree on the price with your driver before you leave.
Normal luggage is included, but you may pay extra for oversized items. And if you’re traveling between 23:00 and 05:00, expect the fare to be 10% to 20% higher. The price can also increase due to rush hour, public holidays, extra stops, and waiting longer than 10 minutes.
You can pay by cash or card, but card payments cost 10% extra.
Where do I get a taxi at Mauritius Airport?
The official airport taxi counter is on Level 0 in the tour operators’ hall, opposite the customs zone exit. Once you’ve picked up your bags and cleared customs, head over to the counter, tell the staff where you’re going, and they’ll arrange your taxi and point you toward the rank outside.
And stick with the official airport taxi service rather than accepting a ride from someone who approaches you elsewhere in the terminal.
How convenient is a taxi from Mauritius Airport?
A taxi works well if you’re landing late, traveling with bigger bags, or simply haven’t booked your ride in advance.
Queues can build when several flights land close together, though, so you may have a wait at the taxi counter or rank before you can leave the airport.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreBus 198 runs directly from the airport to the city center and costs €0.40 (MUR 20), with the journey from the airport taking around 70 minutes. The Mauritius Airport to Port Louis bus runs about every 15 minutes between Mahebourg and Port Louis, stopping at the airport along the way.
From the airport, the bus travels north through Rose Belle and Réduit before continuing into Port Louis. It’s a regular local bus with plenty of stops, so the trip can take longer when traffic builds around the capital.
How much is the Mauritius Airport to Port Louis bus?
A single ticket for the bus from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis costs €0.40 (MUR 20). Local bus fares in Mauritius are based on fare stages, so the amount you pay depends on how far you travel.
You pay in the local currency, Mauritian rupees (MUR), in cash when you board, so have some small notes or coins ready rather than relying on getting change for a large note.
The bus runs from 05:10 to 18:10 Monday through Friday, from 05:30 to 18:00 on Saturdays, and from 06:30 to 18:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
Where do I catch the bus at Mauritius Airport?
You’ll find the Bus 198 stop in the car park on Level 0, just outside the terminal. Come out of arrivals and follow the signs for the public buses. If you can’t spot it, the Information Desk inside the terminal can point you in the right direction.
Bus 198 passes through the airport both ways, so check the destination before you get on. For Port Louis, you want the bus marked Port Louis, not Mahebourg.
How convenient is Bus 198?
Bus 198 is best if you’re arriving during the day, traveling light, and don’t mind a longer ride into Port Louis. It takes you to central Port Louis, but not directly to your hotel, so you may need to walk or take a short ride at the other end.
As it’s a regular local bus, there’s no dedicated luggage storage, so several big cases, a stroller, or bulky gear can be a bit of a squeeze.
Timetables
Bus Line 198
Useful Tips
A Mauritius Airport transfer to Port Louis costs €32.80 (MUR 1,789) for a sedan, €44.40 (MUR 2,079) for a minivan, or €53.80 (MUR 2,519) for a minibus. You pay online when you book, and tolls, airport fees, and other charges are already covered, so you won’t get any extra fees added when you arrive.
The current vehicle options are:
And make sure you add your luggage when you book. If you’ve got several big suitcases, a stroller, or anything bulky, you may need a larger vehicle even if your group technically fits in a smaller one.
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Mauritius Airport (MRU).
Where will I meet my driver at Mauritius Airport?
Your Welcome Pickups driver will be waiting for you in the “Arrivals, Tour Operators and Hotels Hall” on Level 0, just after customs, with your name on a sign. You’ll get their name, photo, phone number, and vehicle details before you fly, so you’ll know who to look for when you come through.
Your driver also monitors your flight, so if you land late, they’ll adjust the pickup time. Once you meet, they’ll give you a hand with your bags and walk you out to the car.
And if you can’t find each other straight away, you can get in touch through WhatsApp or the Welcome Pickups app.
How convenient is a private transfer from Mauritius Airport?
A private transfer makes sense for late arrivals, families, and bigger groups, especially if you’ve got child seats or a lot of luggage to think about. And everything’s sorted before you fly, from your vehicle to your pickup, so there’s very little to figure out when you land.
Plus, if you’re traveling as a group, a minibus can work out cheaper than splitting everyone between several cars.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€30Starting from 10 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 8 passengers
€42Starting from 5.3 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€65Starting from 5.4 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis?
A taxi from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis costs €45 (MUR 2,500) according to the Airport Taxi Owners Association’s 2026 fare list. There’s no meter, so treat this amount as the price to expect and confirm it with your driver before you set off. Fares are 10% to 20% more at night, and card payments cost an extra 10%.
How do I get to Port Louis, Mauritius, from the airport?
You can get from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis by taxi, Bus 198, or private transfer. A taxi or private transfer takes about 45 minutes and runs 24/7. Bus 198 is the budget option, taking around 70 minutes, but it only runs during the day.
Is it worth visiting Port Louis, Mauritius?
Yes. Port Louis is Mauritius’ capital, and there’s plenty to see, from the Central Market and Chinatown to Caudan Waterfront and UNESCO-listed Aapravasi Ghat. Most of the main sights are also close together in the center, so it’s easy to see quite a bit in just a few hours.
How far is Mauritius Airport from Port Louis?
The distance from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis is 47 km. The drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) takes around 45 minutes in normal traffic.
If you’re traveling during the morning or late-afternoon commute, though, leave a bit more time, as traffic can build on the way into Port Louis.
How long does the trip from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis take by taxi, by transfer, and by bus?
It takes approximately 45 minutes by taxi or private transfer and 70 minutes on Bus 198. Bus 198 is a regular local service with plenty of stops along the way, so the journey can take longer, especially during rush hour in and around Port Louis.
Which bus goes from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis, and what times does it run?
Bus 198 runs straight from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis during the day. It starts in Mahébourg, with buses leaving from 05:10 to 18:10 Monday to Friday, 05:30 to 18:00 on Saturday, and 06:30 to 18:00 on Sundays and public holidays. Just add 14 minutes to those times for the airport stop.
Does the Metro Express tram connect Mauritius Airport with Port Louis?
No. The Metro Express doesn’t operate at Mauritius Airport, so you can’t take the tram from MRU to Port Louis. Bus 198 is the direct public transport option between Mauritius Airport and Port Louis.
Is there a shuttle service from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis hotels?
No. There’s no regular airport shuttle that takes you straight to your hotel in Port Louis. Bus 198 only gets you as far as central Port Louis, so for a hotel drop-off, you’ll need a taxi, a private transfer, or one arranged by your hotel.
How do you get from Mauritius Airport to Port Louis after the last bus on a late-night arrival?
You’ll need to take a taxi, book a private transfer, or rent a car once Bus 198 has finished for the day. The last bus reaches Mauritius Airport at 18:24 on weekdays and 18:14 on weekends and public holidays, but taxis and private transfers run all night.
What does a Mauritius Airport transfer to Port Louis cost for a family or a group needing a minivan or minibus?
A private transfer costs €44.40 (MUR 2,079) for a minivan for up to 6 passengers, or €53.80 (MUR 2,519) for a minibus for up to 12. You pay when you book, and the price already covers tolls and airport fees, so there’s nothing extra to pay when you land.
Do you need Mauritian rupees in cash for the airport bus and taxi, or can you pay by card?
You’ll need Mauritian rupees in cash for Bus 198, but airport taxis take cash or card. The bus fare is just MUR 20, so keep some small notes or coins handy. And if you’re paying for a taxi by card, there’s an extra 10% charge.
How much is the ride from Mauritius Airport to Grand Baie and the northern resorts?
A taxi from Mauritius Airport to Grand Baie costs €69 (MUR 3,500) on the Airport Taxi Owners Association’s 2026 fare list. You’ll pay the same published fare if you’re going to Pereybere or Pointe aux Canonniers.
Do you tip taxi and transfer drivers in Mauritius, and how much?
No, you don’t have to tip taxi or transfer drivers in Mauritius. If you’ve had good service and want to leave something, simply round up the fare or tip around 5% to 10%.
What are all the transport options from Mauritius Airport: taxi, bus, transfer, car hire?
You can get from Mauritius Airport by taxi, Bus 198, private transfer, or rental car. Taxis and private transfers run 24/7, while Bus 198 runs to Port Louis during the day. And there’s no train or Metro Express connection from the airport.
Justine Mellor
Justine is a content specialist and writer who started backpacking the world at 16 and has lived in three countries. With roots in the travel industry and a taste for the road less traveled, she seeks out places with soul—where the food’s loud, the music’s local, and the culture runs deep.
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