Rodrigues Getting there & around

Getting around

Car & motorcycle

Car

The road system in Rodrigues has improved enormously and sealed roads now lead to most parts of the island. Though 4WD vehicles are no longer strictly necessary, most hire cars are still sturdy pick-ups.

Car rental can be arranged through most hotels and guesthouses and local tour operators, who will deliver all over the island. There’s an Avis (832 8100; www.avismauritius.com)at the airport although we recommend the cheaper services of Chou Chou de l’Ile (875 2215/831 2410; chouchoudelile@hotmail.com), which is based in Baie aux Huîtres but will deliver pickups and motorbikes anywhere on the island. Expect to pay at least Rs 1200 per day. Most importantly, make sure you have sufficient petrol before setting off for the day – the island’s only petrol station (Rue Max Lucchesi; 6am-6.30pm Mon-Sat, 6am-3pm Sun) is in Port Mathurin.

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Bus & tram

Bus

The main bus terminal is in Port Mathurin. In addition to the airport bus, the most useful bus routes are those to Grand Baie and Pointe Coton in the east of the island, and to Gravier, Port Sud-Est and Rivière Cocos on the south coast. All apart from the Grand Baie buses pass through Mont Lubin in the centre of the island. Buses operate every 30 to 45 minutes from about 6am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday on most routes. The Sunday service is fairly sporadic.

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Local transport

Taxi

Most taxis on Rodrigues are 4WD pick-ups. The fare from Port Mathurin to Pointe Coton costs Rs 400 and to Port Sud-Est Rs 400, slightly more at night. You can also hire taxis by the day for an island tour; expect to pay in the region of Rs 1500.

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Bicycle

Bicycle & motorcycle

If your hotel or guesthouse doesn’t offer bike or motorcycle rental, contact one of the outlets in Port Mathurin. The going rate is around Rs 200 per day for a bike and Rs 650 for a 125cc motorbike.

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