Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport connects to the coastal town of Mahébourg via a short 10-15 minute drive. This historic town on the southeast coast of Mauritius is the nearest settlement to the airport and a gateway to the island's finest beaches.

About Mahébourg City Center

Mahébourg is a charming, unhurried Mauritian coastal town on the shores of Grand Port Bay, steeped in colonial history and providing an authentic counterpoint to the island's luxury resorts. Founded by the French in 1804, the town is named after Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, the famous governor of Mauritius, and witnessed the Battle of Grand Port (1810), the only Napoleonic naval victory inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

The town's Monday market (Marché de Mahébourg) is one of Mauritius's most colorful, with stalls selling tropical fruits, spices, dholl puri (Mauritian street food crepes), pickled vegetables, model ships (a Mauritian specialty), and textiles. The National History Museum, housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, tells the story of the island's Dutch, French, and British colonial periods and the Battle of Grand Port.

The waterfront promenade offers views across the bay to Île aux Aigrettes, a nature reserve managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation where the echo parakeet and pink pigeon have been saved from extinction. The nearby Blue Bay Marine Park has some of Mauritius's best snorkeling in gin-clear water over pristine coral reefs. Mahébourg serves as a convenient base for exploring the southeast coast, including the dramatic Le Souffleur blowhole and Pointe d'Esny beach.

Nearby Landmarks

Blue Bay Marine Park Île aux Aigrettes National History Museum Mahébourg Waterfront

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. At the airport, proceed to the taxi desk in the arrivals hall for fixed-rate fares
2. Taxi to Mahébourg costs MUR 400-500 ($9-11), 10-15 minutes
3. Public bus service from the airport to Mahébourg runs during daytime hours (MUR 30)
4. The bus stop is on the main road just outside the airport entrance
5. For Blue Bay: taxis from the airport cost MUR 300-400 (even closer than Mahébourg)
6. For hotel transfers to other parts of the island, arrange with your resort in advance

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis operate from the airport 24 hours with fixed-rate fares posted at the taxi desk. The fare to Mahébourg is approximately MUR 400-500 ($9-11). Public buses stop running by early evening. Mahébourg town is quiet after 9:00 PM, with limited dining options. For late arrivals, several hotels near the airport and in Mahébourg serve as convenient overnight stops. Ride-hailing apps have limited coverage in Mauritius.

Luggage Tips

The short taxi ride to Mahébourg makes luggage handling simple. Mahébourg guesthouses and hotels are typically small with ground-floor access. If heading to resorts elsewhere on the island, most offer airport transfer services with luggage handling. The Monday market area is crowded and not practical with bags. Blue Bay is a short ride from Mahébourg for beach access with minimal gear.

Accessibility

The airport is modern and accessible. Mahébourg town has a flat waterfront promenade that is wheelchair accessible, though inner town streets can be uneven. Beach access at Blue Bay has a sandy approach without accessible paths. Most luxury resorts elsewhere on Mauritius have good accessibility, but budget accommodations in Mahébourg may have stairs. Taxis are the most practical option for mobility-impaired visitors.