Reaching Mauritius from the major source markets is straightforward thanks to a strong network of long-haul flights. From Europe, British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow, while Air Mauritius, Air France and Corsair run regular non-stop services from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. From the Indian subcontinent, Air Mauritius, Air India and IndiGo connect Mumbai and Delhi to Mauritius in around 5 to 6 hours. South African travellers benefit from direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town with Air Mauritius and South African Airways. Connecting itineraries via Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways) and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) provide reliable alternatives for travellers from North America, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania.
Flight times are reasonable: roughly 11 hours non-stop from London or Paris, 6 hours from Mumbai, 4 hours from Johannesburg, 8 hours from Dubai and around 10 hours from Perth. An evening departure from Europe places you on the lagoon by lunchtime the next day — one of the easiest long-haul journeys in the Indian Ocean.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (IATA code: MRU) is located at Plaisance, in the south-east of the island. While that places it on the opposite side from the main hotel zones of the north-west (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches) and the west (Flic en Flac, Le Morne), the drive rarely exceeds 45 to 60 minutes — provided you avoid the Port Louis rush hour. Most resorts offer a private transfer service in an air-conditioned minibus, often included or available for a flat fee of €25 to €50 depending on the destination. Official airport taxis use regulated tariffs clearly posted at arrivals.
Prices vary widely by season and how early you book. In low season (May, June, September, October), return economy flights from London or Paris typically sit between £550 and £850. In high season (July, August and the Christmas-New Year window), expect £900 to £1,300 or more. As a rule of thumb, booking three to four months ahead and using a price-alert tool such as Skyscanner or Google Flights produces the best results.
The time difference between Mauritius and Europe is moderate: GMT+4 year-round, which means three hours ahead of UK winter time and two hours ahead in summer. Jet lag is effectively non-existent — a small but very welcome bonus when arriving on a tropical holiday.
Read also
- Indian Ocean destinations head to head — Mauritius vs Réunion vs Seychelles vs Madagascar.
- When to visit the tropics — A month-by-month calendar of the world's best tropical destinations.
- Discover the Seychelles — Our detailed guide to the Seychelles, the closest alternative to Mauritius.