Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) sits on Mahé’s east coast, 15 minutes south of Victoria. Almost everyone arrives here, including the connecting flights for Praslin. La Digue has no airport. You get there by ferry from Praslin.
Where Seychelles connects from
The big direct hubs are the Gulf (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi), Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Mauritius, and seasonal European direct flights from Paris, Frankfurt and Zurich. From most of Europe it’s a one-stop trip via the Gulf carriers; from the US or Australia it’s usually two stops.
| From | Routing | Typical flight time |
|---|---|---|
| London | Direct (British Airways seasonal) or via Dubai/Doha | ~10–14 hrs total |
| Paris | Air France direct, or Air Seychelles via various hubs | ~10 hrs direct |
| New York / East Coast US | Via Dubai/Doha + Frankfurt | ~20–22 hrs total |
| Sydney / Australia | Via Doha or Singapore + Mumbai | ~22–25 hrs total |
| Johannesburg | Direct (Air Seychelles / Airlink) | ~4.5 hrs |
| Mumbai / Delhi | Direct (Air Seychelles / Air India) | ~5 hrs |
| Dubai | Direct (Emirates daily) | ~4.5 hrs |
From the airport to where you’re staying
- Taxi. Metered, the standard option. Mahé north (Beau Vallon, Victoria): SCR 500–700, 25–35 minutes. Mahé south: SCR 700–1,200, 45–60 minutes.
- Pre-arranged transfer. Most hotels offer one. Pay the same as a taxi, but skip the queue.
- Public bus. SCR 7. The SPTC route from outside the terminal runs to Victoria; from there you change. Cheap but slow with luggage.
- Rental car. Pick up at the airport. Drive on the LEFT.
Connecting to Praslin and La Digue
Praslin by air. Air Seychelles runs hourly hops from SEZ to Praslin (PRI) in a small Twin Otter. 15 minutes, sometimes with a low-pass over Cousin and Curieuse. Around EUR 80–120 one way. Beautiful flight, weight-limited (15kg checked).
Praslin by ferry. Cat Cocos catamaran from Mahé’s Inter-Island Quay in Victoria. Around 1 hour. Around EUR 60–80. Can be choppy in the trade-wind season.
La Digue. No airport. You take the Cat Cocos or Inter Island Ferry from Praslin’s Baie Sainte Anne. 15 minutes, very frequent during the day, around EUR 15.
Practicalities
- Airport opens around 4am for early international flights; expect heavy queues at peak departure windows (Friday/Sunday evenings).
- Mobile SIM cards (Cable & Wireless, Airtel) are available in arrivals. Passport required.
- ATMs at arrivals dispense Seychelles rupees and US dollars.
- Don’t rely on Uber/Bolt. They don’t operate. Taxis only.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to enter Seychelles?
No. Seychelles is visa-free for most nationalities. You get a one-month visitor’s permit on arrival, extendable on the islands. You DO need a Travel Authorisation (online form) submitted before departure plus proof of accommodation and onward travel.
How long is the flight from Europe?
Direct flights from London or Paris are around 10 hours. With one stop via Dubai or Doha, total travel time is 12–14 hours including connection.
Can I fly between Mahé and Praslin?
Yes. Air Seychelles runs frequent 15-minute hops on a Twin Otter. Tickets EUR 80–120. The Cat Cocos ferry is a slower (~1 hr) but cheaper alternative.
Is there a direct flight from the US?
Not currently. From the US you connect via the Gulf (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) or via Europe (Paris, London, Frankfurt).