Hiring a Car in the Seychelles

All we need in advance is a valid driving licence from the driver. The choice of vehicles covers everything the island has to offer, from small cars and jeeps to a Mercedes. An open buggy or a scooter is also possible. We know all the rental companies, their prices and the condition of their vehicles. You can trust us on this: as Germans and Europeans, we know exactly what you expect from a hire car.

Whether or not you have booked other services through us, we are happy to offer you our car hire service. So don't wait too long, and let us know if we can do something for you. You can find out more about what we offer under holiday and travel service.

Most of the cars on the roads are small, and there is a reason for that: the roads are narrow and winding, and for two or three people a small car is perfectly adequate. You only need an SUV if you have a lot of luggage or want more space. If you do not want to drive a manual, ask specifically for an automatic. The driver sits on the right.

Visitors may drive with a valid driving licence from their home country for up to three months after entering the country. If you stay longer, you must have your licence converted into a Seychelles one. According to most rental companies, an international driving licence is not required as long as your licence is issued in English or French or uses the Latin alphabet. A few companies ask for one anyway. We will clarify this for you when you book.

The legal minimum age for driving is 18. Most rental companies, however, only hire out cars from the age of 21 and require that you have held your licence for one to two years. Young drivers may have to pay a surcharge, and some providers set a maximum age. Photos or digital copies of the licence are not accepted, not even at police checks.

Prices depend on the season, the vehicle and the length of hire. In the high season from December to April and in July and August, cars are more expensive and harder to find, so you should book early. The daily rate falls the longer you hire.

The table shows rough guide values taken from rental company and comparison site figures. Actual prices may differ. Third-party liability insurance is usually included in the rental price. An excess remains, which can be over 1000 €. Fully comprehensive cover with no excess costs extra and is worth it on the narrow roads with drainage ditches at the edge. Some rental companies require a credit card for the deposit. Ask in advance what is included in the price, especially for an additional driver, a child seat and delivery to the airport.

Traffic drives on the left, and the road signs largely match European ones. In built-up areas and on Praslin the limit is mostly 40 km/h, outside built-up areas on Mahé it is 65 km/h. You will not get along any faster on the winding mountain roads anyway. The alcohol limit is 0.8 per mille and police checks are frequent. It is better not to drive at all after drinking.

The main roads on Mahé and Praslin are tarmacked and usually in good condition, but narrow, often with no hard shoulder. A deep drainage channel often runs alongside the carriageway, so keep your distance when pulling over to let someone pass and when parking. The passes over the mountains, such as Sans Souci and La Misère, are steep but also tarmacked. Allow more time for journeys than the map suggests.

At many beaches, space at the roadside is tight. Park so that you do not block anyone, and do not leave the car at narrow points or on bends. Petrol stations are found in only a few places, on Praslin in Grand Anse and Baie Sainte Anne, among others. Fill up in good time before you set off on a longer trip. Many rental companies hand over the car with little fuel, so agree the fuel policy when you book (full to full is the clearest).

On Mahé a car is most worthwhile. Beaches, walking trails (Hiking) and the dream beaches lie far apart, and the bus is cheap but too slow for day trips (Travelling by bus in the Seychelles). For the journey from the airport to your accommodation alone, you can also use the airport transfer and hire the car only for individual days.

There are hire cars on Praslin too, including open buggies. The island is smaller, and a car for a few days is usually enough to reach the beaches and nature reserves. You can get there from Mahé by ferry (Cat Cocos) or by domestic flight. Hire cars are generally tied to the island where you pick them up. On the other island you hire a new one.

On La Digue, hire cars play practically no role. You explore the island on foot or by bicycle, and traffic drives on the left there too. You can find more on planning your journeys under Getting around the Seychelles.

Usually not. Your original national driving licence is enough for up to three months. A few rental companies still ask for an international driving licence, so please check beforehand.

Yes, the car can be waiting for you when you arrive at Mahé airport. Just let us know your flight details in good time.

Traffic is light, so most visitors get used to driving on the left quickly. The roads are narrow and winding, so drive slowly and anticipate what is coming.

As a rule this is not permitted. Hire a new car on the other island instead.

Besides your driving licence, you will need your passport or ID card when you collect the car. Entry to the country has its own rules, see entry requirements.