How to get to Seychelles

By | May 4, 2022

Overview

Seychelles is a country in Africa according to extrareference. What you otherwise only imagine in daydreams is reality in the Seychelles, because here the visitor expects an island paradise with first-class sandy beaches, turquoise waters and wonderfully warm weather. Very rare plant species thrive on the remote group of islands in the Indian Ocean. No fewer than 81 unique species of tropical plants have survived since the arrival of man two centuries ago. The most famous is the Seychelles palm, Coco de Mer, which grows in the Vallée de Mai on the Seychelles island of Praslin. Bird lovers will also get their money’s worth in the Seychelles. Up to two million sooty terns breed on Bird Island, and Aride is home to the world’s largest colonies of Lesser Noddies, Roseate Terns and other tropical bird species. Britain annexed the Seychelles after the French colonial powers, under whom the country was named after the royal accountant Viscount Moreau de Séchelles. Far removed from the rest of the world and almost entirely ignored by Europe, this island paradise has spent a hundred and fifty years developing its own colorful tradition, language and culture.

Getting there

Arriving by plane

Condor (DE) flies non-stop from Frankfurt/M. to the Seychelles; Feeder flights from Vienna and Zurich to Frankfurt/M. are possible with Lufthansa (LH) and the respective national airlines. In addition, flights from Frankfurt/M. Etihad Airways (EY) via Abu Dhabi, Emirates (EK) via Dubai and Ethiopian Airlines (ET) via Addis Ababa to the Seychelles. Austrian Airlines (OS) flies codeshare with Ethiopian Airlines (ET) from Vienna to the Seychelles. Emirates (EK) offers flights from Geneva and Zurich via Dubai to Mahé. Edelweiss Air (WK) flies from Zurich to Mahé from September to April.

Flight times

Frankfurt/M. – Seychelles: 9 hrs 40 mins (non-stop); Vienna – Seychelles: 13 hrs 15 mins; Zurich – Seychelles: 9 hrs 25 mins (non-stop September-April), 13 hrs 20 mins (with stopover).

Departure fee

None.

Arrival by car

Documents: The national driving license is sufficient.

Arrival by ship

The ports of the islands Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are usually called at by cruise ships.

Cruise ships

Due to the corona pandemic, the Seychelles government has closed all ports for cruise ships until the end of 2021.

Transportation

Traveling by plane

Air Seychelles (HM) has numerous daily flights between the islands of Mahé and Praslin. Zil Air connects Mahé with the other islands of the Seychelles with its helicopters.

Traveling by car/bus

The roads from Mahé, Praslin and La Digue run mainly along the coasts, less inland. On the other smaller islands, the road network is hardly developed. Petrol stations are usually only open during the day.

Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic

Left

Condition of the roads

The coastal roads on Mahé and Praslin are paved; most of the other roads, especially those on the other islands, are sand tracks.

Car rental

Car hire is available on Mahé and Praslin. Rental and insurance conditions should be checked carefully. The minimum age for drivers is 21 years.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful on Mahé and Praslin; on La Digue rather less. Fares are set by the government; they are higher on Praslin than on Mahé. Night surcharges are common. You should make sure that the taximeter is switched on. Sightseeing tours are available at a pre-arranged price. Taxis can be flagged down on the street or ordered by phone. There are taxi ranks at the airport, in Victoria on Albert Street and Independence Avenue and in front of larger hotels.

Bicycle

Bicycles can be hired, especially on La Digue. Scooters and motorbikes are also available on Mahé and Praslin.

Coach

On Mahé, buses run regularly and at relatively short intervals between Victoria and the rural areas. On Praslin, buses run approximately every hour along the coast and inland towards Valee de Mai. Minibuses serve as airport shuttles and for excursions.

Regulations

Traffic regulations: left-hand traffic. Speed ​​limits: – in built-up areas: 40 km/h; – extra-urban: 65 km/h; – on the Providence Motorway on Mahé: 80 km/h; – 40 km/h everywhere on Praslin.

Roadside Assistance

In the event of an accident or breakdown with the rental car, the car rental company must be contacted.

Documentation

The national driving license is sufficient.

Traveling by ship

Traditional private topsail schooner ferries regularly connect the islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. The Cat Cocos Ferry is a fast and modern catamaran that operates between Mahé and Praslin (journey time: 1 hour).

How to get to Seychelles