Transport around Seychelles Islands

Transport around Seychelles Islands (Updated Jan 2026)

Find all the key information you need about local transfers around the Seychelles islands.

Seychelles has three main islands: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Most visitors arrive by plane at Mahé International Airport, with easy connections between the islands by ferry and domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin.

The smaller islands usually have a single accommodation property, with private boat or charter flight transfers arranged by the hotel. Popular examples include Bird Island, Denis Island and Silhouette Island.

Further down the page, you’ll also find information on how to visit the far outer islands of Seychelles.

Seychelles Public Transport Company (SPTC)

SPTC operates an integrated public bus network, with over 1600 bus journeys daily, covering over 106 bus routes on Mahé and Praslin, supported by four (4) bus depots located across Mahé and one (1) in Praslin and three Bus Terminals. Download the App Now! 

You can pay for your bus fares using the SPTC app’s QR Code payment option on all SPTC buses displaying the QR Code sign on the left side of the windscreen. The SPTC app is your real-time travel companion, designed to enhance your commuting experience by allowing you to:

• Manage your travel card account.
• Plan your journey conveniently.
• Transfer credit to other commuters.

Additionally, you can register and reload your travel card directly on the SPTC website.

Important to Note:

• SPTC operates cashless, so applying for a travel card is essential.
• Store Valued Travel cards can be purchased for SCR 50/- or opt for a wristband at SCR 100/-.
• Cards and wristbands are available online, at local stores, or bus stations.
• Each trip costs SCR 10/-—make sure your card or wristband is topped up with enough credit!

SPTC Timetable Download

Car Hire Services on Mahé and Praslin Island.

There are many car rental companies that offer car hire services in Seychelles. Some of the most popular car rental companies in Seychelles include Hertz, Summer Rain Tours, and Avis, among others. It is perfect to get around the island to all the little stops where the public busses can’t take you.

When renting a car in Seychelles, it’s important to have a valid driver’s license and a credit card for the rental deposit. It’s also recommended to have an international driver’s license, although some rental companies may accept your regular driver’s license.

Most car rental companies in Seychelles offer a range of vehicles to choose from, including small cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles. It’s important to choose a vehicle that is suitable for the type of driving you plan to do, as some roads in Seychelles can be steep and narrow.

The cost of renting a car in Seychelles varies depending on the rental company, the type of vehicle, and the duration of the rental. It’s recommended to book your car rental in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and to get the best rates.

Taxi Services on Mahé and Praslin

Don’t feel like driving on your holiday? Seychelles has reliable taxi services all around the island. How much does a taxi cost in Seychelles? Plus-minus a 20min ride can cost you around 20 Euros. If the taxi is not metered, you need to discuss the price in advance. Taxis are a convenient way to get around the islands of Seychelles, especially if you’re not comfortable with driving yourself.

Some taxi drivers in Seychelles also offer sightseeing tours of the islands, which can be a great way to explore the natural beauty of the islands and learn about the local culture and history. Prices for these tours are usually negotiable and depend on the length of the tour and the number of stops along the way.

Bicycle Hire on La Digue Island

Beautiful La Digue offers a unique experience the only way to get around the island is with a bicycle – there are plenty of little bicycle hire companies to be found on the small island. Cycling on La Digue is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the island’s stunning beaches, lush forests, and traditional Creole architecture. With its gentle pace and breathtaking scenery, it’s no wonder that cycling is a favourite activity among tourists visiting Seychelles.

How do you travel between the Islands?

There are two main ways to travel between islands: ferry and plane

The Cat Coco Ferry links Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. It takes less than an hour to travel to Praslin and another 15 min to La Digue. The ferry services are reliable and they offer a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the islands while travelling.

Cat Cocos Schedule

Air Seychelles, the national airline of Seychelles, operates regular flights between Mahé, Praslin, and other smaller islands. Air transportation is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the inner islands of Seychelles. The flight are 45-60min to Praslin Island.

Seychelles also offers private plane & helicopter or private charter services to travel between the islands

How to Visit the Outer (Far) Islands of Seychelles

When people think of Seychelles, they often picture Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. But beyond the inner islands lies a remote and extraordinary part of the country known as the Outer (or Far) Islands. These islands are wild, sparsely populated, and some of the most pristine environments in the Indian Ocean.

Because of their remoteness and protected status, visiting the outer islands is not as simple as booking a ferry or domestic flight. Here’s exactly who to contact and how visits work.

What Are the Outer Islands of Seychelles?

The Outer Islands include remote atolls and islands such as:

• Aldabra Atoll

• Alphonse Island

• Astove Atoll

• Cosmoledo Atoll

• Farquhar Atoll

Many of these islands are uninhabited or host only small eco-lodges, research stations or conservation teams. Aldabra, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls.

Who Can Arrange Visits to the Outer Islands?

1. Expedition Cruise Operators (Best for Aldabra & Multi-Island Trips)

The most common way to visit islands like Aldabra is via an organised expedition cruise. These trips are led by licensed operators and include permits, guides, meals and accommodation onboard.

Silhouette Cruises / Aldabra Expeditions
They are one of the main operators offering guided voyages to Aldabra and other remote islands.

• Ideal for: Nature lovers, photographers, adventure travellers

• Travel style: Multi-day live-aboard expedition cruises

Websites:
silhouettecruises.com
aldabraexpeditions.com

2. Island Lodge & Experience Operators (Outer Island Stays)

Some outer islands have exclusive lodges offering controlled access, guided activities and charter flights.

Blue Safari Seychelles
Blue Safari manages experiences on islands such as Alphonse, Astove and Cosmoledo, focusing on sustainability, marine life and luxury-meets-nature travel.

• Ideal for: Eco-luxury stays, diving, fly fishing, guided nature experiences

• Travel style: Charter flight + island lodge stay

Website: bluesafari.com

3. Fishing & Special Interest Operators

For travellers specifically interested in fly fishing or marine expeditions, specialised operators manage access to certain atolls.

Alphonse Fishing Company
Focused on Alphonse Island and surrounding atolls.

• Ideal for: Fly fishing enthusiasts

• Travel style: Lodge-based stays with guided activities

Website: alphonsefishingco.com

4. Seychelles Island Foundation (Aldabra Permissions)

Aldabra Atoll is strictly protected and managed by the Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF).

• SIF does not organise travel or tours

• They manage conservation and access permissions

• Most visitors will go through an approved expedition operator who handles permits on their behalf

For informational enquiries only: sif.sc

5. Local Travel Agents & Tour Operators (Custom Planning)

If you prefer to start locally, licensed Seychelles travel agents can help coordinate outer island trips through approved partners.

Well-known agencies include:

• Masons Travel and Creole Travel and IDC

These agents can assist with:

• Matching you with the right operator

• Handling logistics and permits

• Combining outer island trips with inner island stays

Important Things to Know Before You Go

• There are no public ferries to the outer islands

• Travel is usually by live-aboard vessel or charter flight

• Visits are limited and controlled to protect fragile ecosystems

• Trips are typically all-inclusive and premium-priced due to logistics

• Advance planning is essential

Is Visiting the Outer Islands Worth It?

If you’re looking for untouched nature, rare wildlife, world-class marine environments and a true sense of isolation, the outer islands offer an experience unlike anywhere else in Seychelles… or the world. They are not mass-tourism destinations, and that is why for the right traveller, they are unforgettable.

Inside Seychelles is your guide to what’s on in Seychelles, where to go in Seychelles, and what to do in Seychelles 

Seychelles Travel Information

At Inside Seychelles, you can get all your Travel Information. What Airlines travel to Seychelles and how to get around the islands. See the Latest Entry Requirements and what is the Customs Formalities for Seychelles.
Plan the Best time to travel & read about the climate in Seychelles.
Have a look at the history and culture of Seychelles, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Seychelles’s nature and wildlife, along with ‘Country Quick facts’ compiled by our travel experts. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Seychelles for yourself.