The options at a glance
| Option | Typical cost | Works well for | The catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public bus | A small flat fare, cash | Hops along the main roads on weekdays | Doesn't reach Anse Lazio or Anse Georgette; fewer buses in the evening and at weekends |
| Taxi | From about €20 for a short ride; €35–45 airport to the northern hotels | An occasional trip or dinner out | Adds up fast; few taxis late at night |
| Bicycle or e-bike | A daily hire fee | The flat Côte d'Or strip | Steep hills between the coasts; narrow roads with no cycle lanes |
| Rental car | From about €40 a day for the smallest cars | Beach-hopping, families, early starts and sunsets | Left-hand driving; a parking fee at a couple of popular spots |
How the buses work
Praslin's public buses run on three main routes from the Grand Anse side of the island: one crosses the island through the Vallée de Mai to Anse Boudin in the north, one runs to Côte d'Or via Baie Ste Anne and Anse La Blague, and one serves the south. On weekdays buses run from early morning until roughly 7 pm; at weekends and on public holidays there are fewer of them, so check the current timetable. Pay the driver in cash, in rupees, and keep small change.
The bus is cheap and a good way to see local life, but it has limits. It doesn't go to Anse Lazio: the nearest stop is Anse Boudin, followed by a walk of about 20 minutes over the hill. Anse Georgette has no road at all. And once the last buses have gone, you're down to taxis.
Taxis
Taxis are easy to find at the airport and the jetty, and hotels will call one for you. They aren't cheap: a short ride starts at about €20, and the trip from the airport to a hotel in the north of the island costs around €35–45. A return taxi from Côte d'Or to Anse Lazio costs about as much as a day's car rental, often more. Always agree the fare before you get in.
Bicycles and e-bikes
Bikes are perfect for pottering along the flat Côte d'Or strip: to dinner, the supermarket or the next beach. For anything further they're hard work. The road over the island via the Vallée de Mai is a long, steep climb in tropical heat; the roads are narrow and have no cycle lanes, and the storm drains run right along the edge. An e-bike helps, but it's still a local option rather than a way to tour the island.
When you can manage without a car
- You're staying a few nights on the Côte d'Or strip, with the beach in front of your hotel, and you're happy to stay local.
- Your resort runs its own shuttles and excursions.
- You'll make just one or two trips, such as the ferry to La Digue, which a taxi to Baie Ste Anne jetty covers.
When a car pays for itself
- Your accommodation is away from Côte d'Or, near Grand Anse, Anse Kerlan or in a villa on the hillside. Everything is then a ride away.
- You want the famous places: Anse Lazio early in the morning, the walk to Anse Georgette, the Vallée de Mai and the quiet east-coast coves, all in one stay. Our beaches by car guide and the Vallée de Mai guide show how they fit together.
- You're travelling with children or beach gear, or you want sunrise and sunset at the beach: buses don't run at those times.
- You're arriving with luggage by ferry or plane, and your hotel is 15–30 minutes away.
With two or more outings a day, a small rental car usually costs less than the taxis it replaces, and you never wait for a ride.
The middle way: rent for part of your stay
You don't have to rent for the whole trip. Many visitors spend the first day or two at the hotel, then take a car for the days they explore. Cars can be delivered to your hotel, villa or the Baie Ste Anne jetty: see delivery around Praslin. Many come without a deposit, so a short rental doesn't mean a card hold. Check what's available for your dates.
FAQ
Is there public transport on Praslin?
Yes. Public buses run on three main routes, from early morning to about 7 pm on weekdays, with fewer services at weekends. They don't go directly to Anse Lazio or Anse Georgette.
How much does a taxi cost on Praslin?
A short ride starts at about €20, and the airport to a hotel in the north of the island costs around €35–45. Agree the fare before you set off.
Can you get around Praslin by bike?
For the flat Côte d'Or area, yes. Crossing the island means steep climbs on narrow roads, so bikes and even e-bikes are best kept for short local trips.
Can I rent a car for just a day or two?
Yes. You can rent for only the days you plan to explore, and many owners deliver the car to your hotel or to the jetty.