Local guide

Driving in Seychelles: what visitors need to know

A rental car is the best way to see Mahé — beaches change character every few kilometres, and buses stop early. Here's the practical knowledge our customers ask about most, from the team that hands over the keys.

We drive on the left

Seychelles drives on the left-hand side, like the UK, and cars are right-hand drive. If you're coming from continental Europe or the US, give yourself the first fifteen minutes to adjust — the airport road south of Pointe Larue is wide and calm, a gentle place to start. All our cars are automatic, which removes the biggest source of wrong-side confusion (shifting with the "wrong" hand).

Licence requirements

Visitors can drive with a valid national driving licence in English or French (or accompanied by an official translation / International Driving Permit). The minimum age for our rentals is 21, with at least one year of driving experience. Bring the physical licence — a photo on your phone isn't accepted at police checks.

Speed limits and roads

• 40 km/h in villages and built-up areas
• 65 km/h on open roads
• 80 km/h on the Bois de Rose dual carriageway near Victoria

Mahé's roads are good but narrow, winding and steep in places — the cross-island passes (St Louis, Sans Souci, La Misère) reward slow driving with spectacular viewpoints. Watch for pedestrians walking on the roadside (footpaths are rare), buses stopping without much warning, and the deep open drains ("kanal") at the road edge — never pull over blindly. Rain showers make the smooth roads slippery for the first few minutes; ease off when it starts.

Fuel, parking and practicalities

Petrol stations are plentiful along the coastal roads (Victoria, Providence, Anse Royale, Beau Vallon) and most take cards. Parking is free at nearly all beaches and trailheads; in central Victoria use the public car parks — some are pay-and-display on weekdays. Never leave valuables visible in a parked car, the same rule as anywhere in the world. Driving at night is fine but unlit — allow more time and use main roads.

Taking a car to Praslin or La Digue?

Rental cars stay on Mahé — and that's not a limitation worth fighting. For Praslin, park free at the Cat Cocos ferry terminal in Victoria (or return the car to us there) and cross as a foot passenger; hire locally on the other side. La Digue is best explored by bicycle anyway. We're happy to time your drop-off around the ferry schedule.

Our tips for a relaxed trip

• Plan around daylight: beaches face different directions, so chase the morning calm on the east coast and sunsets at Beau Vallon or Anse Soleil.
• The whole island is a comfortable day-loop (~70 km around) — you can't really get lost; every road eventually meets the coast.
• Add the collision damage waiver at booking to halve your excess from €1,000 to €500 — mountain hairpins and tight hotel driveways are where scratches happen.
• Save our WhatsApp (+248 2519909) — one message and a real local person answers.

More reading: Car hire at Seychelles International Airport ·