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Home to 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is filled with turquoise waters, lush jungles and white-sand beaches, but getting around the islands can be confusing if you don't know your options.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting around the main islands in the Seychelles, from ferry rides between islands to car rentals and bicycles.
How to get to the Seychelles
The main way of reaching the Seychelles is flying into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé Island, the only island with an international airport.
Airlines such as Air Seychelles, Emirates, Qatar Airways (our favourite) and Turkish Airlines operate flights to and from Seychelles, so there are plenty of options from wherever you are flying from.
Once you reach Mahé, you can then travel onwards via domestic flights or ferries to the neighbouring islands.
How to Get from Mahé to Praslin
Praslin is the second-largest island in the Seychelles and has a small domestic airport. Since all international flights land on Mahé, you'll need to take either a ferry or a domestic flight to get to Praslin.
Ferry from Mahé to Praslin
The Cat Cocos ferry is the most popular and affordable way to travel between Mahé and Praslin. The ferry operates several times a day and departs from Victoria Jetty on Mahé, arriving at Baie Sainte Anne Jetty on Praslin.
- Duration: Around 1 hour
- Cost: Around €50–€60 per person (one way)
The ferry crossing can be rough (it was for us on our way back to Mahe), so if you get seasickness, take motion sickness tablets or consider flying.
You can also choose to have a private boat transfer from Mahé to Praslin, which is direct but more expensive. This is ideal if you’re traveling with a group or want a hassle-free and luxurious experience.
Flight from Mahé to Praslin
The faster way to travel between Mahé and Praslin is by taking a domestic flight operated by Air Seychelles. The flights operate daily and take off from Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), landing at Praslin Island Airport (PRI). This is the option we took on our way to Praslin.
- Duration: Around 15 minutes
- Cost: From €100+ per person (one way)
If you want to avoid the ferry or just prefer a quicker journey, flying is your best option. Plus, the views from the plane are breathtaking!
However, the flight isn't the smoothest journey either, as it's a small plane that only carries 19 passengers and can feel a bit shaky, especially on take off and landing.
How to Get from Mahé to La Digue
La Digue is one of the most beautiful and laid-back islands in Seychelles and doesn't have an airport, so the only way to get there is by ferry.
Ferry from Mahé to La Digue (Via Praslin)
The Cat Cocos ferry operates a direct service from Mahé to La Digue, with a short 15-30 minute stopover in Praslin. There are multiple ferries a day which depart from Victoria Jetty on Mahé and arrive at La Passe Jetty on La Digue.
- Duration: Around 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cost: €60–€70 per person (one way)
As I mentioned before, you can choose to have private boat transfers between islands. You can get private transfers from Mahé to La Digue, which is great if you're in a group and want to travel at flexible times.
How to Get from Praslin to La Digue
Getting from Praslin to La Digue is quick and easy as they're only 15 km apart, with regular ferry services operating throughout the day.
Ferry from Praslin to La Digue
The Cat Rose ferry, operated by Inter Island Ferry, runs multiple times a day between Praslin and La Digue. This is the most popular and affordable way to travel between the two islands. The ferry departs from Baie Sainte Anne Jetty in Praslin and arrives at La Passe Jetty in La Digue.
- Duration: Around 15 minutes
- Cost: €15–€20 per person (one way)
Again, you can choose to have a private boat transfer between the islands if you prefer. This is slightly cheaper than private transfers from Mahe, as Praslin and La Digue are much closer.
How to Get Around Mahé and Praslin
Mahé is the largest island in Seychelles, home to the capital city Victoria, stunning beaches and lush mountain landscapes. Praslin is the second-largest island in Seychelles, known for its pristine beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette.
The transport options on Mahe and Praslin are the same and include rental cars, public buses, taxi or private drivers.
Car Hire
Hiring a car is the most convenient and flexible way to explore Mahé and Praslin, and is much cheaper than getting taxis. Driving allows you to visit remote parts of the islands and scenic spots at your own pace.
Both islands have good road networks, although some roads are narrow and winding, especially in the mountains. Parking is generally easy to find, except in Victoria, where it can get crowded.
- Rental Cost: Around €40–€60 per day
- Driving Side: Left-hand side
- License Requirement: Most international driving licenses are accepted
Public Buses
Public buses are the most affordable way to get around Mahé and Praslin, with tickets around SCR 7 (€0.50) per trip. The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) operates buses across the island, covering most areas.
The buses run regularly, but might not reach more remote areas. Most bus routes stop running at around 6:30pm, so they’re not the most reliable option if you’re planning to go out in the evening.
If you plan on travelling by bus, you'll need to get a travel card, which you can buy at the airport or some shops. You can see the timetables and route maps on the SPTC website.
Taxis
Taxis are available on Mahé and Praslin but they are expensive compared to other transport options, so it may be cheaper to rent a car instead of relying on taxis if you're exploring the island.
Some taxi's don't have meters, so you'll need to agree on a price beforehand, the cost varies on distance, but a 20 minute journey can cost around €35 euros.
Private Drivers / Guided Tour
Hiring a private driver or guide for the day is a good option if you don’t want to drive yourself but still want a flexible itinerary, this generally costs anywhere from €150+ per day. This option is great for groups, families or if you want a stress-free way to travel.
Which Option is Best?
- Car rental: Best for flexibility and exploring remote areas
- Buses: Cheapest option but not very flexible
- Taxis: Convenient for short trips but expensive
- Private drivers / tours: Good for a comfortable, guided experience
How to Get Around La Digue
La Digue is the smallest of the three main islands in Seychelles and unlike Mahé and Praslin, it has very few vehicles. Only a few commercial vehicles are allowed on the island, so you won't see many cars driving about, this makes it one of the most peaceful and scenic places to explore.
Bicycles
The best way to get around La Digue is by cycling. The island is small, with mostly flat roads, making it easy to bike from one end to the other!
- Rental Cost: Around €5–€10 per day (free with some hotels)
- Where to Rent: Most accommodations offer bike rentals, or you can find rental shops near the jetty
- Best For: Everyone! It’s the easiest way to explore the island
Our accommodation on La Digue offered free bike rental and we personally loved biking around the island. You'll find bike stands everywhere so you can leave your bike locked while you explore.
Walking
Since La Digue is so small, you can easily walk to the main village and popular beaches like Anse Source d’Argent from the jetty or your accommodation. However, if you plan to visit more remote spots like Grand Anse, a bike will save you time and effort.
- Best For: Those staying near the jetty or exploring nearby beaches
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, spf and water
If you're worried about getting from the jetty to your hotel with luggage, most accommodations have golf carts or cars to transport you and your luggage to your accommodation!
Is There Uber in Seychelles?
Unfortunately, Uber is not available in Seychelles. The country doesn’t have apps like Uber or Lyft, but there are plenty of other transport options, including taxis and private drivers.
Do You Need a Car in Seychelles?
Its not essential to have a car in the Seychelles, but it can make getting around much easier, especially if you plan to explore remote areas.
- In Mahé and Praslin: Renting a car is recommended to get around the islands at your own pace, but not essential as there are buses, taxis or private drivers.
- In La Digue: You can't rent cars, the island is best explored by bicycle or on foot.
Are there any other islands to explore in the Seychelles that aren't Mahe, Praslin or La Digue?
While Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are the main islands for tourists in the Seychelles, the archipelago is home to many other islands worth exploring. If you’re looking for something more secluded or off the beaten path, here are some other stunning islands to consider:
Moyenne Island
Just a short boat ride from Mahé, Moyenne Island is a private nature reserve where you can meet giant tortoises and discover tropical forests. The island is small but beautiful, and is the perfect day trip from Mahe.
You can't stay on Moyenne Island, but you can stay on its neighbouring island, Round Island, at the JA Enchanted Island Resort.
Top Rated Moyenne Tours
Curieuse Island
Located next to Praslin is Curieuse Island, a protected national park that's known for its distinctive red soil and giant tortoises. The island is accessible via boat from Praslin, and you can spend the day hiking its trails, exploring the mangrove swamps or relaxing on its pristine beaches. You can't stay on Curieuse Island, so you'll have to stay on Praslin and do a day trip from Praslin.
Cousin Island
On the other side of Praslin is Cousin Island, a bird sanctuary home to thousands of endemic species, including the endangered Seychelles warbler. You can explore the island on a guided tour, with the opportunity to spot wildlife in its natural habitat.
Silhouette Island
About 30 kilometers from Mahé, Silhouette Island is the third-largest in the Seychelles and offers hiking trails, snorkeling and secluded beaches. It's not only a Marine National Park, but it's also a Nature Reserve, protecting native endemic birds and wildlife!
There are two accommodation options on Silhouette Island, these are the luxurious Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa and La Belle Tortue Guesthouse.
Private Island Resorts in the Seychelles
If you're looking for luxury escapes in the Seychelles, there are a number of private island resorts offering luxury accommodation in stunning locations.
Fregate Island
Fregate Island is one of the most secluded private resorts offering pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries and adventure activities, while preserving the natural beauty of the island. It's currently going through renovations and will open in 2026.
North Island
One of the most exclusive islands in the Seychelles, North Island is a private, ultra-luxurious retreat known for its untouched beauty, world-class service and stunning beaches. The island is home to just a handful of luxury villas, offering total seclusion in a pristine natural setting.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Félicité island
Located just northeast of La Digue, Félicité Island is home to the Six Senses Zil Pasyon, a high-end eco-friendly resort that blends luxury with sustainability. The island has dramatic granite cliffs, lush forests and private white-sand beaches. You can do activities like kayaking, diving, hiking and sunset cruises, all while staying in a breathtaking, eco-conscious retreat.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island
A secluded paradise located 230 km southwest of Mahé, Desroches Island is home to the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, an exclusive getaway perfect for those looking to disconnect from the world. The island features miles of unspoiled beaches, incredible diving spots, and world-class dining.
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