Overview
Mauritius is a tropical Indian Ocean island of white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush mountains — a dream escape and honeymoon favourite for UK travellers. Flights land near the village of Plaisance in the island's southeast at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), the gateway to resorts, reefs and rum estates across Mauritius. Comparing every fare in one place makes finding the right flight from the UK quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Mauritius
Mauritius is warm all year. The cooler, drier season from May to November is the most comfortable for sightseeing and beaches, while the summer months from December to April are hotter and more humid, with a chance of cyclones. Fares typically ease outside the December–January peak and the UK school holidays, so travelling in the shoulder weeks stretches your budget — see the price charts on this page.
Airlines and routes
British Airways and Air Mauritius fly direct from London Heathrow to Mauritius in around 12 hours. For connecting options — often better value — Emirates (via Dubai), Kenya Airways (via Nairobi) and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) all serve the island from the UK, including regional airports such as Manchester. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Mauritius
Beyond the beaches, Mauritius rewards travellers with vivid scenery and culture:
- Le Morne Brabant: a dramatic UNESCO-listed peninsula and mountain with world-class kitesurfing.
- Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths: surreal dunes of naturally coloured sand near a waterfall.
- Black River Gorges National Park: lush rainforest trails, viewpoints and rare native birds.
- Port Louis Central Market: the capital's colourful hub for spices, crafts and street food.
- Île aux Cerfs: a postcard island lagoon ideal for swimming and water sports.
At Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU)
The island's main airport sits near Plaisance in the southeast, about 48 km from the capital Port Louis, with duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs and cafes. Most resorts arrange transfers, while metered taxis and pre-booked cars are readily available; there is no rail link, so a transfer or hire car is the usual choice.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Mauritius
- Book roughly 2–4 months ahead for popular beach dates — fares rise close to departure.
- Avoid the December–January peak and UK school holidays for better value.
- Be flexible with your dates — midweek departures are often cheaper than weekends.
- Compare direct and one-stop options; a Gulf connection can sometimes undercut a direct fare.
Travel essentials
- UK travellers do not need a visa for tourist stays — a free entry permit is granted on arrival.
- No special vaccinations are usually required; check the latest travel-health advice before you fly.
- The local currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR).
