How to Get Around Port Mathurin and Rodrigues Island

Getting Around Port Mathurin and Rodrigues

Port Mathurin is compact enough to explore entirely on foot, but reaching the rest of Rodrigues requires choosing the right transport mode.

Transport Modes Compared

• Walking: Wins in Port Mathurin proper. Markets, government buildings, and harbor streets sit within a ten-minute stroll.
• Public Buses: Win for cheap daytime exploration. The town bus station connects to regional villages like Mont Lubin, though departures can be infrequent.
• Scooter or Car Rental: Wins for total flexibility. Ideal for navigating the island's steep, winding interior roads without being bound to bus timetables.
• Taxis: Win for nighttime travel, point-to-point journeys, and passengers carrying heavy gear.

Fares and Ticketing

There are no smartcards, tourist transit passes, or electronic payment options. Bus journeys require cash paid directly to the conductor upon boarding. Always carry small coins and small notes; conductors rarely have change for large bills.

Sir Gaëtan Duval Airport (RRG) to Port Mathurin

Plaine Corail Airport sits roughly 18 kilometers southwest of town across winding topography.

• Pre-booked Taxi: Lowest effort, 35 to 45 minutes, highest cost band. Direct hotel drop-off makes it the best choice after a flight.
• Rental Vehicle: Moderate cost band, zero wait time, 40-minute drive. Practical if you plan to explore remote beaches.
• Public Bus: Lowest cost band, high effort, 50 to 60 minutes. Buses stop outside the terminal, but cramped aisles make them impractical with heavy luggage.

Practical Rules

• Early Shutdown: Buses stop running between 16:30 and 17:30. Taxis or private rentals are mandatory for evening transit.
• Road Hazards: Country roads are narrow and dark, with livestock frequently wandering onto lanes.
• Accessibility: Buses have steep access steps and no wheelchair lifts; town curbs are high and uneven.