Field notes
Getting Around Seychelles: Transport Guide for Indian Tourists
The Seychelles inter-island transport network connects three main tourist islands — Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue — through ferries, domestic flights, buses, taxis, car hire, and bicycles. Knowing how to get around Seychelles for Indian tourists means understanding which mode suits each island, what documents you need, and what costs to expect before you land at Victoria's Seychelles International Airport (SEZ).
How do Indian tourists travel between the main islands of Seychelles?
Indian tourists travel between Seychelles islands primarily by ferry or domestic flight. The Cat Cocos Ferry connects Mahé to Praslin in about one hour. A second ferry links Praslin to La Digue in 15 minutes. Domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin take approximately 15 minutes.
The Cat Cocos Ferry is a high-speed catamaran service operating the Mahé–Praslin route, covering 65 km at a one-way fare of SCR 600–800 per person. Most Indian travelers use this ferry as their first inter-island crossing after arriving at Mahé.
The Inter Island Ferry connects Praslin and La Digue. The crossing takes 15 minutes and costs SCR 100–150 one-way. Families with luggage find this route straightforward because the boats have deck space for bags and bicycles.
Air Seychelles and Zil Air both operate domestic flights on the Mahé–Praslin route. The flight takes approximately 15 minutes and costs USD 80–120 one-way. Booking from India is possible through each airline's website or through your tour operator.
| Route | Mode | Journey Time | Approximate Cost (SCR / USD) | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahé → Praslin | Cat Cocos Ferry | ~1 hour | SCR 600–800 / ~USD 45–60 | Budget travelers, families, couples |
| Mahé → Praslin | Domestic flight (Air Seychelles / Zil Air) | ~15 minutes | USD 80–120 one-way | Travelers short on time, those prone to seasickness |
| Praslin → La Digue | Inter Island Ferry | ~15 minutes | SCR 100–150 / ~USD 8–11 | All traveler types |
| Mahé → La Digue | Ferry to Praslin + connecting ferry | ~1 hr 15 min total | SCR 700–950 / ~USD 53–71 | Travelers doing a 3-island itinerary |
Once you have your inter-island crossings sorted, the next question is how to move around within each island — starting with Mahé, where most Indian tourists spend their first night.
Related: Andaman Tour Packages from India
What are the transport options for getting around Mahé island?
Mahé island offers four main transport modes for tourists: the Seychelles Bus Agency network, metered taxis, self-drive car hire, and private transfers. The SBA bus runs on Mahé only, at a flat fare of SCR 5–7 per ride. Taxis are government-regulated and metered. Car hire costs USD 40–70 per day.
The Seychelles Bus Agency (SBA) is the only public bus network in Seychelles, and it operates exclusively on Mahé island. Routes cover most of the island's main roads, running from early morning until around 7–8 PM. The flat fare of SCR 5–7 per ride makes it the cheapest way to move around Mahé for solo travelers or budget-conscious couples.
Taxis on Mahé operate on a government-regulated tariff. The airport in Victoria to the city center costs approximately SCR 200–250. Drivers generally do not accept Indian Rupees. Payment in Seychelles Rupees or USD is standard. Some taxis accept cards, but carrying local currency is advisable.
According to the Seychelles Tourism Board, India ranks among the top ten source markets for Seychelles arrivals. Mahé receives all international flights and serves as the entry point for every Indian tourist visiting the archipelago.
Car hire on Mahé is available from several local and international agencies at the airport and in Victoria. Rates range from USD 40–70 per day depending on vehicle type. Indian tourists need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their Indian driving license to hire and drive a car legally in Seychelles. Roads on Mahé are left-hand drive, which is familiar to Indian drivers.
Praslin and La Digue have different transport setups entirely, and Indian travelers planning a multi-island trip need to plan those separately.
Related: Andaman Family Tour Packages
How do you get around Praslin and La Digue without a car?
On Praslin, tourists use car hire and taxis since there is no public bus service. On La Digue, private tourist car use is not permitted. Bicycle hire at EUR 10–15 per day is the standard way to get around La Digue. Walking is also practical given the island's small size.
Praslin is the second-largest island in Seychelles. Car hire on Praslin costs USD 40–65 per day. Taxis are available but less frequent than on Mahé. There is no SBA bus service on Praslin. Indian families staying on Praslin for two or more nights usually hire a car for the duration to reach beaches like Anse Lazio and the Vallée de Mai nature reserve.
La Digue island operates differently from any other island in the Seychelles group. Private tourist cars are not permitted for visitors on La Digue. The island is small enough that most points of interest are within 3–5 km of the ferry jetty. Bicycle hire on La Digue costs EUR 10–15 per day, and rental shops are located near the jetty. Ox-carts were historically the main transport mode and still operate for luggage transfers between the jetty and some hotels.
Indian couples on a honeymoon-style trip often find La Digue the most relaxed island precisely because there is no traffic. The pace is slower, distances are short, and cycling between beaches takes 10–20 minutes at most.
| Island | Available Transport Modes | Approximate Daily Cost | Traveler Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahé | SBA bus, taxi, car hire, private transfer | SCR 5–7 (bus) / USD 40–70 (car hire) | All types; families benefit from car hire |
| Praslin | Car hire, taxi (no bus) | USD 40–65/day (car hire) | Families, couples covering multiple beaches |
| La Digue | Bicycle, ox-cart, walking (no tourist cars) | EUR 10–15/day (bicycle) | Couples, solo travelers, slow-travel families |
| Silhouette | Boat transfer only (no road transport for tourists) | USD 60–100 (boat charter, varies) | Day-trippers, resort guests |
Understanding the driving rules before you hire a car on Mahé or Praslin will save you time at the rental counter.
Related: Andaman Honeymoon Tour Packages
Can Indian tourists drive in Seychelles with an Indian driving license?
An Indian driving license alone is not sufficient to hire or drive a car in Seychelles. Indian tourists need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their original Indian license. The IDP is issued in India by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The International Driving Permit is a document that translates your Indian license details into multiple languages. Car rental agencies in Seychelles require it at the time of vehicle collection. Applying for an IDP at your local RTO typically takes 1–7 working days. The fee is nominal, around INR 500–1,000 depending on the state.
Roads in Seychelles are left-hand drive, which is the same as India. Speed limits are generally 40–65 km/h depending on the road type. Mountain roads on Mahé are narrow and winding in places. Driving at night on unfamiliar roads requires caution. Road signage is in English, which is straightforward for Indian travelers.
Seychelles is visa-free for Indian passport holders. Travelers receive a Visitor's Permit on arrival, valid for up to 30 days. No prior visa application is needed. This makes the entry process simple, but the IDP for driving must be arranged before departure from India.
With driving logistics clear, the next practical question is how much to set aside for transport across a full 7-night trip.
How much should Indian travelers budget for transport in Seychelles?
For a 7-night Seychelles trip covering Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, total transport costs range from approximately USD 150–200 per person on a budget plan to USD 300–400 per person on a mid-range plan. Ferry bookings, car hire, and taxis make up the bulk of this spend.
The total transport budget for a couple on a 7-night trip breaks down roughly as follows. Return Cat Cocos Ferry tickets (Mahé–Praslin–Mahé) cost around SCR 1,200–1,600 per person, which is approximately INR 12,000–16,000 at current exchange rates. The Praslin–La Digue return ferry adds SCR 200–300 per person. Car hire on Praslin for 2 nights costs around USD 80–130. Bicycle hire on La Digue for 1–2 days costs EUR 10–30 per person.
Choosing the ferry over the domestic flight on the Mahé–Praslin route saves approximately USD 35–60 per person each way. For a couple doing a return trip, that is a saving of USD 140–240 in total. The ferry is the better value option for most Indian travelers unless time is a constraint.
Pre-booking ferry tickets from India is possible through the Cat Cocos website or via your tour operator. Peak season (December–January and July–August) sees ferries fill up quickly. Booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance is advisable for those travel windows.
The Seychelles Rupee (SCR) is the local currency. One Indian Rupee equals approximately 0.16 SCR. USD is widely accepted at hotels, ferry counters, and car hire agencies, which makes budgeting in USD practical for Indian travelers.
Related: Andaman Adventure Tour Packages
What do Indian tourists commonly ask about getting around Seychelles?
Is the Seychelles ferry safe for families with children?
The Cat Cocos Ferry is a licensed high-speed catamaran with life jackets and safety equipment on board. Families with young children travel on it regularly. The crossing can feel choppy during rough weather, so carrying seasickness tablets is a practical precaution.
Do Seychelles taxis accept Indian Rupees or cards?
Seychelles taxis do not accept Indian Rupees. Payment is in Seychelles Rupees or USD. Some drivers accept cards, but this is not universal. Carrying SCR or USD cash for short taxi rides is the safest approach.
How far in advance should I book the Cat Cocos Ferry?
Booking 2–4 weeks ahead is advisable during peak season (December–January and July–August). Outside peak periods, 1–2 weeks is usually sufficient. The Cat Cocos website allows online booking, and your tour operator can handle this as part of your package.
Is Seychelles transport similar to getting around Andaman?
There are similarities — both destinations rely on ferries for inter-island travel, and both have limited road networks on smaller islands. The key difference is that Andaman has government ferry services with lower fares, while Seychelles ferries are privately operated and cost more. La Digue's bicycle-only policy has no equivalent in Andaman.
Are there any transport apps that work in Seychelles?
There is no Uber or Ola equivalent operating in Seychelles. Taxis are booked by phone, at hotel desks, or hailed at designated stands. Some hotels maintain a list of trusted drivers. Relying on your hotel or tour operator for taxi arrangements is the most reliable option.
Related: Andaman Island Hopping Guide for Indian Tourists
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Tripstor's consultants handle ferry bookings, car hire arrangements, and IDP guidance as part of every Seychelles package. We build itineraries that match your island sequence to your travel dates. Call us to get a transport plan sorted before you fly.
For package booking assistance, call us at +91 98253 43323.