Car rental in Seychelles

Car rental in Seychelles allows you to explore the islands of Mahé or Praslin on your own, visit interesting places without rushing or joining tour groups.

Common taxi services do not operate in the Seychelles; cars are often hailed on the street. The cost of a ride for tourists is always high, starting from €40, and from the airport — €70. Car rental is not only convenient but also a cheaper way to get around the island during your vacation. The price of a one-day rental is comparable to two taxi rides or a single excursion per person. So, the best advice for those going to Seychelles is to rent a car.

Advantages of Renting with Localrent

5 reasons why people choose Localrent for daily or long-term car rental:

1. Honest pricing. The car listing shows the full rental cost and the deposit amount if applicable. The price is fixed once a prepayment is made. There are no hidden fees, extra charges, or taxes.
2. Wide selection of vehicles available without a deposit. Nearly half of all cars in Seychelles can be rented without a deposit. If you choose a car with a deposit, it rarely exceeds $500.
3. Low prepayment. To book a car, only 15-20% of the total amount is required. The rest is paid upon receiving the keys.
4. Easy booking. The site interface is simple, with convenient filters and minimal required information, allowing you to reserve a vehicle in minutes.
5. Real photos. Some car listings include actual photos of the vehicle.

Localrent offers everything from budget economy cars to luxury brands. You’ll definitely find the perfect vehicle for your Seychelles trip.

Rental Conditions in Seychelles

To book a car on Mahé or Praslin, you only need a bank card for the prepayment on the website. To complete the contract and receive the vehicle, you need:

• Passport;
• Valid national driver’s license.

A bank card may also be required to pay the balance and deposit, if applicable. Available payment methods are listed in the car listing and the voucher.

Driver Requirements

Each car has individual requirements regarding the driver’s age and driving experience, listed in the car’s profile. Most cars in Seychelles are available to drivers over 21 years old with at least 2 years of experience.

However, younger or less experienced drivers may still rent, though their choice of vehicles will be more limited.

Driving Features in Seychelles

Seychelles has left-hand traffic, and vehicles on the right have the right of way. Speed limits are:

• In populated areas — 45 km/h;
• Elsewhere — 65 km/h;
• On the way to Mahé airport, on Providence Highway — 80 km/h.

Island roads often have sharp curves and tricky serpentine sections, so it's recommended to adhere to speed limits.

Traffic rules are strictly enforced, and fines are substantial.

Road signs in Seychelles are standard and intuitive, with explanations in English.

Fuel Stations and Parking

There are about 10 fuel stations on Mahé and only a couple on Praslin, which is just 15 km long. Attendants are always present and accept both card and cash payments.

There are few 24-hour stations: on Mahé, only 1–2 work at night; all stations on Praslin close by 20:30. Be vigilant at stations, as tourists are often tricked regarding the fuel amount.

There are hefty fines for illegal parking in Seychelles. It’s best to park in designated areas. Parking is prohibited not only near relevant signs but also on road shoulders. Both paid and free parking is available. Hotels, restaurants, and shops usually offer free parking for customers.

Some parking lots have specific hours during which parking is allowed or prohibited, indicated on a sign at the entrance.

In general, parking on Mahé and Praslin is not difficult. Finding a spot in Victoria — the capital — can be tough, especially downtown. However, there are always spots available in paid lots. Large parking areas in Victoria’s center are located near Popiler Stadium and on Flamboyant Avenue, in front of the Bicentennial Monument roundabout.

How to Book a Car in Seychelles

A quick step-by-step guide to booking a car:

1. Select rental dates, click on the “Filters” field, and choose the desired parameters. You can specify preferred brand, driver age and experience, deposit availability, and more.
2. Click on a suitable car from the filtered results, review its features, and add any needed options.
3. Click “Continue.”
4. Select the pick-up and drop-off time and location.
5. Enter the main driver’s and contact details.
6. Pay the prepayment by bank card.
7. Within a few minutes, a voucher will be sent to your email. Save it digitally or print it.

When picking up the vehicle, inspect it, fill out the contract, and pay the remaining amount. All payment options are listed in the car’s profile and voucher. After that, you’ll receive the keys.

What to See in Seychelles

The Seychelles Islands are made for enjoying nature. Here’s where you should go:

1. Botanical Garden in Victoria. This is Seychelles in miniature: you’ll see tropical plants, birds, and animals. Numerous turtles live here, which you can feed and pet. Bring repellent.
2. Jardin du Roi Spice Garden. This park has over 100 plant species. You’ll see pomelo, nutmeg, pineapples, patchouli, limes, jackfruit, and the Seychelles symbol — Coco de Mer palm.
3. Lans Trusalo Beach. A small secluded beach with peaceful views of the harbor. Nearby are mangrove forests and mountains, and reefs for snorkeling. Park at the nearest hotel and walk about 10 minutes.
4. Vallée de Mai National Park. The main attraction of Praslin Island. It features five endemic palm species and many tropical plants, plus rare animals like the black parrot and bronze gecko. Skip the guided tour and explore on your own.
5. Praslin Museum. A place to learn about Creole culture and local traditions. It also has a tropical garden and large enclosures with fruit bats and turtles you can feed with special treats.

On Seychelles, you can reach all these places with a standard city car, but if you want more space — choose a crossover.

Where to Rent a Car on Mahé and Praslin

You can choose the car pickup location during booking. Different rental companies offer different pickup points. The main ones are:

• Airport;
• Company offices;
• Island-wide delivery.

Some rental providers support all these options, others — only some of them.

Tips for Renting a Car in Seychelles

To ensure your driving experience in the Seychelles Islands remains smooth and free from unpleasant situations, follow these recommendations.

Choose a car with automatic transmission

Especially if you are used to driving on the right side of the road. Even for those confident with a manual transmission, it's much easier to adapt to left-hand traffic when driving an automatic.

Prefer a compact car

Roads in Seychelles are quite narrow, and it's much easier to pass oncoming traffic in a smaller vehicle. Of course, you can drive a crossover, but a compact hatchback is more convenient.

Check your parking spot

Make sure you have not parked under a coconut palm — falling coconuts can damage the car. This is a fairly common cause of vehicle damage in Seychelles.

Questions and Answers About Car Rental in Seychelles