Flights to Mauritius: a complete guide to finding the best fares
Planning your trip to Mauritius and looking to book your flight under the best conditions? This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information to find the best fares, choose the right airline, optimize your travel dates, and enjoy a flight in optimal conditions.
Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean approximately 9,400 km from Paris, is accessible by direct flight from the French capital. The flight time is approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes. Planning your booking carefully can save you several hundred euros and significantly enhance your travel experience.
Summary
- Airlines that serve Mauritius
- Flight prices to Mauritius
- When to book to get the best rates?
- High season vs. low season: impact on prices
- Direct flight or with a layover: advantages and disadvantages
- Flight duration and time difference
- Tips for traveling comfortably
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) Airport
- Our tips for preparing your flight
- In summary
- FAQ – Frequently asked questions about flights to Mauritius
1. Airlines that serve Mauritius
Several airlines offer flights between France and Mauritius, with varying services and fares.
Direct flights from Paris
Air France
The French national airline offers daily direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Mauritius (approximately 10 flights per week). Air France provides a premium service with several classes (Economy, Premium Economy, Business), included meals, and a generous baggage allowance. It's the most comfortable option, but also generally the most expensive.
Air Mauritius
The Mauritian national airline also operates direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle (approximately 7 flights per week). Air Mauritius offers excellent value for money with a warm and genuine service. Fares are generally more competitive than Air France while maintaining a good level of comfort.
Corsair
Corsair offers direct flights from Paris Orly to Mauritius, generally three times a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). The airline provides decent service with fares that are often more attractive than traditional carriers. In-flight services are included (meals, checked baggage).
Air Austral
Air Austral offers flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle with a stopover in Réunion. This option could be attractive if you wish to combine visits to both islands during your trip.
Flights with stopovers (for the provinces and other options)
If you live outside of major cities or are looking for cheaper fares, several airlines offer flights with a layover:
Emirates
Flights with a stopover in Dubai. Excellent service, departures available from several French cities (Paris, Lyon, Nice). Total duration: approximately 16-18 hours.
Turkish Airlines
Flights with a stopover in Istanbul. Often very competitive fares. Stopovers are generally long (6-8 hours). Total duration: approximately 17-20 hours.
Ethiopian Airlines
Flights with a stopover in Addis Ababa. Economy fares. Total duration: approximately 16-19 hours.
Kenya Airways
Flights with a stopover in Nairobi. Good option for East Africa. Total duration: approximately 15-17 hours.
Air France via other hubs
For travelers from the provinces, Air France offers connections via Paris from Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes and other major French cities.
2. Flight prices to Mauritius
Flight prices to Mauritius vary considerably depending on the season, the airline, the booking date and the flexibility of your dates.
Indicative price ranges (round trip per person from Paris)
| Period | Direct flight (Air France, Air Mauritius, Corsair) | Flight with a layover |
|---|---|---|
| Low season (May, June, September, October) | 850 € – 950 € | 800 € – 900 € |
| High season (July-August, December-January) | 950 € – 1 400 € | 850 € – 1 100 € |
| Peak season (Christmas/New Year holidays) | 1 400 € – 2 200 € | 1 100 € – 1 600 € |
Important : These price ranges are given as an indication and correspond to the prices found on online comparison sites in February 2026. Actual prices vary depending on the booking date, availability and current promotions.
Supplement from the province
If you are departing from a provincial city with a connection in Paris, expect an additional charge of €100 to €200 per person depending on the city of departure and the season.
3. When should I book to get the best rates?
The golden rule: book early
To get the best rates, it is recommended to book 3 to 6 months in advance, or even earlier for peak season periods (Christmas, New Year, summer holidays).
Our experience: The best fare we found was for a booking made 9 months in advance with Turkish Airlines; tickets are generally around €1000 regardless of the travel period.
Periods to avoid
- Less than 2 months before departure: Prices increase considerably
- Last minute (less than 2 weeks): Prices are skyrocketing, except for rare, exceptional promotions
Keep an eye out for promotions
Airlines regularly launch promotions:
- Air France / Air Mauritius: Occasional promotions, sign up for their newsletters
- Corsair: Regular offers on their website
- Price comparison sites: Activate price alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kayak
4. High season vs. low season: impact on prices
High tourist season (high prices)
July and August European summer holidays, high demand from families.
December to March Summer season in the southern hemisphere, ideal time for the beach and water sports. Absolute peak during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Low season (best rates)
May, June, September, October Excellent prices, still very pleasant weather. It's the ideal time to travel on a budget.
April and November : Transition periods, attractive rates, generally favorable weather.
Cyclone season
From January to March, it's cyclone season in Mauritius. Although direct cyclone hits are rare, this period sees more rain and humidity. Prices are often lower, but be sure to check the weather forecast and take out cancellation insurance.
5. Direct flight or flight with a layover: advantages and disadvantages
Direct flight from Paris (approximately 11:30 am)
Benefits :
- Quick and easy journey
- Less fatigue, which is especially appreciated with children
- No risk of lost luggage during layovers
- Arrived the following morning, full day available for use on site
- No stress related to connections
Disadvantages:
- Higher fares (150 to 400 € more than with a stopover)
- Departure only from Paris (CDG or Orly)
- Less flexibility on dates and times
Flight with a stopover (15 to 22 hours total depending on the stopover)
Benefits :
- Prices are often more advantageous (savings of €150 to €400 per person)
- Option to depart from the province without significant additional charges
- A stopover can allow you to discover another city (Dubai, Istanbul…)
- More choice of dates and times
- The journey can be split into several parts (a welcome break for some).
Disadvantages:
- A much longer and more tiring journey (up to twice the time)
- Risk of delay in case of a problem on the first flight
- Increased risk of lost luggage
- Stopovers can sometimes be very long (3 to 10 hours depending on the options)
- Arrival often in the evening or at night, resulting in a wasted day at the location.
Our opinion For stays of 10 days or more, a direct flight is recommended to maximize your time and minimize fatigue. For longer stays (3 weeks or more), especially if you're departing from a regional airport or on a tight budget, a flight with a layover remains a very good option.
6. Flight duration and time difference
Flight time from Paris
The actual flight time from Paris to Mauritius is approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes. Direct flights generally depart in the late afternoon or evening (between 5 pm and 10 pm depending on the airline) and arrive the following morning or early afternoon (between 7 am and 12 pm, local time).
Flight duration with stopovers
Generally, you should add 1 to 1.5 hours to the flight time from the provinces to Paris.
Actual journey time!
It actually takes much longer to get to Mauritius because even for a direct flight, you have to add the time to get to the airport + you generally have to arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance.
For departures from the provinces, you must remember to add the duration of stopovers in Paris.
Time difference
Mauritius is 3 hours ahead of mainland France in European winter (November to March) and 2 hours ahead in European summer (April to October), due to the time change in Europe.
Example When it is 12pm in Paris in winter, it is 3pm in Mauritius. In summer, when it is 12pm in Paris, it is 2pm in Mauritius.
The jet lag is moderate and generally well tolerated by most travelers. Arriving in the morning makes it easier to adapt quickly to the local rhythm.
7. Tips for traveling comfortably
Choose your seat
- Window Ideal for sleeping undisturbed, magnificent view upon arrival on the island
- Corridor More freedom to get up without disturbing the neighbors
- Emergency exit rows Significantly more legroom (often an extra charge, between €30 and €80 depending on the company)
Reserve your seat when booking your ticket or (not recommended) during online check-in (24 hours before departure).
Our advice: If you are travelling in a group, it is essential to reserve your seats, otherwise you risk finding yourself scattered to the four corners of the plane!
Dress comfortably
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You should definitely bring a jacket or sweater as the air conditioning is often set very cold in the cabin, especially at night.
Hydration and movement
- Drink plenty of water during the flight (the cabin air is very dry)
- Avoid alcohol and limit coffee, as these exacerbate dehydration.
- Get up and walk down the aisle every 2 hours
- Do some simple stretching exercises in your seat (ankles, neck)
Entertainment
Plan something to keep yourself occupied:
- Download movies, series, music, and podcasts to your device before you leave.
- Bring a book, an e-reader, or some magazines
- Air France and Air Mauritius offer a complete in-flight entertainment system
- Bring your own comfortable headphones (the headphones provided are often basic).
Flight survival kit
In your carry-on luggage, pack:
- Sleep mask and earplugs (essential for a good night's sleep)
- Inflatable travel pillow (or not; in that case, put it around the handle of your carry-on suitcase so you don't lose it and can access it easily) for neck comfort
- Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste (to freshen up before arrival)
- A complete change of clothes (in case of lost hold luggage)
- Usual medications and possibly motion sickness medication
- Snacks if you have specific dietary needs
8. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) Airport
Mauritius International Airport (IATA code: MRU) is located in the southeast of the island, near the town of Mahébourg, about 48 km from Port Louis (the capital) and about 60 km from Grand Baie (to the north).
Upon arrival
- Formalities Valid passport (minimum validity of 6 months recommended), no visa required for French citizens for tourist stays
- Baggage claim Generally quick and efficient
- Exchange Currency exchange offices are available in the arrivals hall (fair rates, but often slightly better in town or at banks)
- Local SIM card : Shops of the three Mauritian operators (Emtel, MTML, Mahanagar) are present in the arrivals hall, with very affordable prices.
You will find all the information on our page: Complete guide to SIM cards for tourists in Mauritius - ATMs Several ATMs are available for withdrawing Mauritian rupees.
Transfer to your accommodation
- Official Taxi Expect to pay between 1,500 and 2,800 rupees depending on the destination (approximately €30 to €60). Fares are displayed at the official taxi counter in the arrivals hall.
- Hotel shuttle Often included in packages or offered by your accommodation for an additional fee
- Car rental The main car rental agencies are located at the airport (highly recommended for exploring the island freely).
Remember to book your car rental At the same time as purchasing your plane ticket and booking your accommodation, we offer you A car rental price comparison tool in Mauritius: click here.
9. Our tips for preparing for your flight
Use the price comparison tool at the top of this page
Be flexible with your dates
Shifting your travel dates by a few days can save you several hundred euros per person. Use price comparison websites' calendars (monthly view) to quickly identify the cheapest dates. A midweek departure is often more economical than a weekend trip.
Pay close attention to flight times and layover durations.
It is absolutely essential to favour flights which are largely at night (at least the Paris part (or other connecting cities: London, Istanbul, Dubai, …)). Mauritius, the flight will seem much shorter if you spend a good part of the flight sleeping!
Also, be aware that for those with a connecting flight, the layover time can be very long; the wait can quickly seem endless, especially for children. Also, be careful with a layover that is too short! This is because you need to be able to change planes and it also allows you to absorb any potential delays to the first plane.
Check what is included in the price
- Checked baggage Generally, 1 to 2 pieces of 23 kg baggage are included on Air France and Air Mauritius; check for Corsair.
- Cabin baggage 1 piece of cabin baggage (10-12 kg) + 1 personal item (handbag, laptop bag) on all airlines
- Meal Included on Air France, Air Mauritius and Corsair long-haul flights
- Seat selection Free in standard economy class or subject to a fee depending on the airline and seat category
Take out cancellation insurance
Given the high price of a ticket to Mauritius (€950 to €2,200 per person), trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended. First, check if your premium credit card includes travel insurance (often the case with Gold and Platinum cards). If not, purchase dedicated insurance when booking.
Online registration
You must check in online 24 to 30 hours before departure (depending on the airline) to choose your seat (we advise you to choose your seat when purchasing your ticket), print or download your boarding pass, and save valuable time at the airport.
Arrive at the airport early enough
For a long-haul international flight, plan to arrive 3 hours before departure, especially during peak travel periods (school holidays, weekends). This gives you time to drop off your luggage, go through security, and get to the boarding gate without stress.
10. In summary
Booking a flight to Mauritius requires preparation and planning ahead to secure the best fares. Aim to book 6 to 9 months in advance, always compare several airlines and platforms, and remain flexible with your travel dates whenever possible.
Direct flights from Paris (Air France, Air Mauritius, Corsair) offer the best comfort/travel time ratio, while flights with a stopover (Emirates, Turkish Airlines, etc.) are a more economical option.
With good preparation and the right information, you will fully enjoy your trip to this paradise island in the Indian Ocean.
11. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Flights to Mauritius
When is the best time to find cheap flights?
The months of May, June, September, and October generally offer the best rates. Ideally, book 6 to 9 months in advance to maximize your budget. Avoid school holidays and the end-of-year festive season if you're looking for the best prices.
Are there direct flights from the province?
No, all direct flights to Mauritius depart exclusively from Paris (Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports). Travelers residing outside of Paris must either connect in Paris with Air France, or opt for a flight with a stopover via an international hub (Dubai, Istanbul, etc.) or a flight with a stopover in Réunion with Corsair.
How much does a flight to Mauritius cost?
In the low season (May, June, September, October), expect to pay between €850 and €950 for a round-trip direct flight from Paris. In the high season (July-August, December-January), prices climb to between €1,000 and €1,400. During the Christmas and New Year holidays, prices can reach €1,400 to €2,200 per person; add €100 to €200 for departures from other French cities. Flights with layovers are generally €150 to €400 cheaper.
Which company should I choose for good value for money?
Air Mauritius generally offers excellent value for money with quality service and more competitive fares than Air France. Corsair offers attractive fares with decent service. For tighter budgets, connecting flights via Emirates or Turkish Airlines are good economical options.
Do you need a visa to go to Mauritius?
No, French citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Mauritius. A valid passport is sufficient (valid for at least six months beyond the recommended return date). Upon arrival, the Mauritian authorities will stamp your passport and authorize a tourist stay, generally up to 90 days.
What is the permitted baggage allowance?
It depends on the airline and the fare class:
- Air France Generally, 1 to 2 checked bags of 23 kg each, depending on the economy class.
- Air Mauritius : 1 to 2 checked bags of 23 kg each, depending on the fare
- Corsair Generally, one 23kg piece of luggage is included in economy class.
- Turkish Airlines Generally, two 23kg bags are included in economy class.
- Cabin baggage 1 piece of cabin baggage weighing 10-12 kg + 1 personal item (handbag, laptop) for all airlines
Always check the exact conditions of your ticket when booking, as the allowances may vary depending on the fare chosen (economy light, standard, flex…).
Can we bring food on the plane?
Yes, you can bring solid food in your carry-on baggage without any particular restrictions. Liquids (soups, yogurts, drinks, etc.) are strictly limited to 100 ml per container, all of which must fit in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one liter. Liquids purchased after security in the boarding area are permitted without restriction.
How to deal with jet lag?
The time difference between France and Mauritius is moderate (+2 or +3 hours depending on the season). To adapt quickly: expose yourself to natural light upon arrival, stay active during the Mauritian daytime, avoid long naps, stay well hydrated, and try to stay awake until the local evening before going to bed. The early morning arrival of direct flights greatly facilitates adjustment.
What to do in case of flight delay or cancellation?
According to European Regulation EC 261/2004, you are entitled to financial compensation in the event of a delay of more than 3 hours upon arrival or a flight cancellation (between €250 and €600 per passenger depending on the flight distance). Contact your airline's customer service immediately, keep all supporting documents (boarding passes, receipts), and do not hesitate to assert your rights. Your travel insurance may also cover additional expenses (extra hotel night, meals, etc.).
When is the best time to book your flight?
The best time to book is generally between 6 and 9 months before departure. Also, keep an eye out for special offers from airlines, often announced in January and February for travel during the current year.
The information and prices indicated in this article are for guidance only and correspond to data available in February 2026. Airfares can change very rapidly depending on demand and availability. The author and publisher accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided. It is recommended that you always verify information directly with the airlines and on flight comparison websites at the time of booking. See the Terms (Article 12).
More information:
Book a hotel or villa
Rent a car
Frequent questions - FAQ
All tourist places and activities
Complete guide to SIM cards for tourists in Mauritius
Formalities and procedures for coming on vacation to Mauritius
History and geography
Mauritian Creole
All complete guides
Bus routes: Click here
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