Mauritius Island Airport

Frequently Asked Questions about Mauritius Island Airport

Find answers to the questions most frequently asked by travellers heading to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU): access, transport, terminal services, car rental, taxi, parking and airlines.

Where is Mauritius Island Airport located?

The airport is located in Plaine Magnien, Grand Port district, 48 km southeast of Port Louis and 5 km north of Mahébourg. It is the only international airport in Mauritius.

What is the official name of Mauritius Island Airport?

The official name is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSR), named after Mauritius's first Prime Minister (1900-1985). It is also referred to as Mauritius International Airport or Plaisance Airport.

What time should you arrive at Mauritius Island Airport?

Arrive 2 to 3 hours before an international flight. Check-in closes 1 hour 30 minutes before long-haul international flights and 1 hour before domestic flights.

Which French airport serves Mauritius?

Paris-CDG (Air France, Air Mauritius) and Paris-Orly (Corsair) are the main routes. Corsair also serves Lyon-Saint-Exupéry and Marseille-Provence, and will launch Toulouse-Blagnac in June 2026. Direct flight duration: about 11 hours.

Does Mauritius Island Airport have several terminals?

There is a single terminal spread over three levels: ground floor (arrivals, customs, baggage claim), 1st floor (international departures, duty-free, boarding lounges), 2nd floor (area for those accompanying travellers).

Which airlines operate at Mauritius Island Airport?

About twenty airlines serve the airport: Air Mauritius (national carrier), Emirates, Air France, British Airways, Condor, Corsair, Turkish Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Saudia, Air India, Kenya Airways, Aeroflot, Austrian Airlines, TUI Airways, FlySafair, Air Austral, Air Seychelles and other seasonal carriers.

What is the distance between the airport and Port Louis?

The capital Port Louis is 48 kilometres northwest of the airport. The journey takes about 45 minutes by car outside peak hours, 70-75 minutes by bus route 198 to Victoria Square bus station.

How do you get from the airport to Grand Baie?

Grand Baie is 65 km to the north, about 1h15 via the M1 then M2 motorway. Options: rental car, private Kiwitaxi transfer (from €54), official taxi (approx. 3,000 MUR), bus with a change (about 2 hours).

Can you rent a car directly at the airport?

Yes, more than 10 agencies are present at the terminal: Pingouin (counter 9, level 0), AKD, Sixt, Europcar, Avis, OLA Mauritius, AVR, Quick, Palm, MAUHIRE.

Do you need an international licence to drive in Mauritius?

No, a French driving licence is valid in Mauritius without an international licence for a stay of less than 4 weeks. Beyond that, an international licence is recommended.

Is there a medical centre at the airport?

Yes, a medical service is available at the terminal for first aid. In case of a serious emergency, patients are transferred to Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Rose Belle (15 minutes).

Can you leave luggage in storage at the airport?

Yes, a left-luggage service is available at the terminal. Rates vary depending on size and storage duration.

Is Wi-Fi free at the airport?

Yes, Wi-Fi is free throughout the terminal, with no complicated sign-up. Charging stations are also available in the waiting areas.

Is there a VIP lounge at the airport?

Yes, two main lounges: the ATOL Lounge (open to all, €40/adult) opposite gate 19, and the Amédée Maingard Lounge (business class, Kestrelflyer Gold Air Mauritius, €50/adult) opposite gate 28. Buffet, bar, Wi-Fi, showers included.

Can you exchange euros for rupees at the airport?

Yes, several exchange bureaus operate in the terminal (including AJ Armani Exchange) with competitive rates, as well as multi-currency ATMs.

What shops can be found at Mauritius Island Airport?

Mauritius Duty Free Paradise, Duty Free Fashion Shop, Jackie Souvenir, Le Filao Craft Shop, Premium Shop, AJ Armani Exchange. Dining: Paul, Burger King, Subway, L'Escale Mauricienne, Café 8, Food Vision, Salad bar Green is Better.

What is the best way to get to your hotel?

For maximum comfort after a long flight, a pre-booked private Kiwitaxi transfer is the most convenient (driver waiting, fixed price, air conditioning, from €34).

Is the airport open 24 hours a day?

Yes, the terminal remains accessible 24/7. Shops generally follow hours of 5:00 AM-11:00 PM.

Are there ATMs (cash machines) at the airport?

Yes, several ATMs are present in the terminal, accepting major international Visa and Mastercard cards.

Are customs checks strict in Mauritius?

Yes, checks are rigorous regarding the import of fresh food, plants and animal products, which are strictly prohibited without authorisation.

Need more practical information? Go back to the Mauritius Island Airport page or check out the car rental and airport taxi sections.