Car rental in Praslin

Praslin is renowned for its luxurious beaches like Anse Lazio and the Vallée de Mai nature reserve. However, the main attractions are scattered across the island, and public transportation runs infrequently.

Taxi services on the island are quite expensive: even a short trip costs from €20, while routes from the airport to hotels in the northern part cost €35-45 one way. Daily car rental on Praslin often costs less than an average round trip by taxi. With a rental car, you can sunbathe in the morning at Anse Georgette in the north, visit coconut plantations at Grand Anse during the day, and return to the Côte d'Or Beach coastline in the evening.

Why Rent a Car on Praslin Through Localrent

Car rental on Praslin is usually associated with on-site searching: visiting rental offices, negotiating deposits, and choosing from a modest fleet. Online booking through Localrent changes this process—you can select a car for your needs in advance without rush or unclear terms. This is especially important on an island where supply often can't keep up with demand during peak season.

1. If you want to rent a car on Praslin, you'll likely need a deposit. On Localrent, most cars can be rented without a deposit.
2. Nearly all cars on Localrent can be booked without a credit card.
3. Filters help you select cars by brand, engine power, or payment terms.
4. Choose from vehicles with unlimited mileage if you plan to travel actively around the island.
5. Select convenient pickup location and time for your vehicle.

Localrent doesn't just save time but also reduces risks: you see the full rental cost and cancellation terms. Additionally, our support service is available to address any questions about your car rental.

Requirements for Car Rental on Praslin

To rent a vehicle, you'll need 2 documents: passport and valid driver's license. You'll also need to provide the voucher confirming your booking, which you'll receive via email after payment.

Rental conditions vary for all vehicles: minimum driver age is typically 21 years, with required driving experience from 1 year. We recommend using filters when selecting a car, specifying your age and experience to see only available options.

Traffic Rules and Driving Specifics on Praslin

Praslin, like all of Seychelles, follows left-hand traffic. If you're accustomed to right-hand traffic, be especially careful at intersections and when overtaking.

Main roads on the island are paved and in good condition, but many secondary roads are narrow, winding, and have potholes. Mountainous areas feature steep climbs and descents. On long descents, use engine braking rather than relying solely on brakes.

Road signs are intuitive but not very numerous. At uncontrolled intersections, priority goes to vehicles approaching from the right. Street lighting is poor and practically absent outside populated areas. During nighttime, we recommend reducing speed and being prepared for sudden obstacles.

Roads often encounter pedestrians, cyclists, and wild animals. Locals and tourists may cross roads in unexpected places, especially near beaches and rural areas.

Speed Limits:

• In populated areas: 40 km/h
• Outside towns: 65 km/h
• On highways (e.g., airport road): 80 km/h

Outside populated areas, we recommend using headlights even during daytime. Local drivers can be unpredictable: they often brake suddenly to avoid potholes or let pedestrians pass. On narrow roads, mutual right-of-way is customary, for example, when meeting oncoming traffic. If someone yields to you, flash your hazard lights for a couple of seconds as a thank you.

Parking on Praslin

On Praslin, you won't find multi-level parking garages or complex automated parking systems like in major cities. Most beach parking on the island is free. However, during high season, spaces fill up early in the morning, especially by 10:00 AM. Parking areas are marked with simple signs, often without marked spaces. Popular beaches like Anse Lazio have paid parking—usually marked with yellow lines and nearby information boards reading "Pay Parking."

On narrow access roads, it's important to park without blocking passage for other vehicles or access to local residents' homes. Near schools or administrative buildings, parking may be temporarily restricted during peak hours.

Due to the island's hilly terrain, you'll often park on slopes. International rules apply here:

• When parking uphill, turn wheels away from the curb—to the left, so the vehicle will hit the curb if it rolls
• When parking downhill, turn wheels toward the curb—to the right
• Always use the handbrake and engage first gear on manual transmission—or reverse for steep descents

In some tourist areas, such as the entrance to Vallée de Mai reserve, time restrictions apply, usually 2-4 hours.

Gas Stations on Praslin

Praslin has several gas stations, all located along the main island road that stretches along the coastline. Standard operating hours are 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM; on Sundays, stations close earlier, usually at 6:00 PM.

Gas stations have attendants who pump fuel and accept payment, including by bank cards. Be careful: sometimes tourists are deceived at gas stations—ensure the pump is reset to zero before refueling begins.

How to Easily Book a Car on Praslin

Start booking on the Localrent website by specifying your desired rental dates. Then specify the pickup location in the "Specify location" field to narrow down offers. For example, if you need car delivery to the airport or hotel, select the corresponding option in the filter.

Here are a few simple steps:

1. Use filters to select characteristics. You can specify preferred transmission type, car class, brand, or engine size.
2. Review suitable options in search results. Pay attention to included mileage and insurance conditions.
3. Add additional options like child seats or extra insurance if needed.
4. Proceed to checkout by entering driver personal data, contacts, and email.
5. Pay for the booking online with a card. After confirmation, you'll receive a voucher via email—save it.

When picking up the vehicle, inspect the body for damage with the rental representative. All scratches and dents should be noted in the report. Sign the contract, pay the remaining amount, and ensure you have the complete document package: contract, insurance policy, and company contacts.

Where to Go and What to See on Praslin

Praslin is the second-largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, known for nature reserves, scenic beaches, and well-developed road network. Most attractions are connected by paved roads, making travel in a rental car comfortable even for drivers with limited experience. Here are 5 places worth including in your itinerary:

1. Vallée de Mai Reserve. An ancient palm forest protected by UNESCO, where the endemic Seychelles palm grows with the world's largest coconuts—coco de mer. Tropical vegetation has remained virtually unchanged here since prehistoric times. The forest has walking trails of varying difficulty, allowing observation of rare birds, including the Seychelles bulbul and black parrot.
2. Anse Lazio Beach. One of the most famous beaches in Seychelles, surrounded by granite rocks and coconut palms. The gentle coastline with white sand and clear turquoise water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach has restaurants serving fresh seafood. The road is good but winding—we recommend a maneuverable compact car.
3. Pointe Zanguilles. The northern point of the island with panoramic ocean views and neighboring islands. Here you'll find a lighthouse and several viewpoints. The location is popular for photo shoots and sunset watching. From here you can see the neighboring Curieuse Island.
4. Praslin Museum in Anse Volbert Village. A private cultural center founded by a local enthusiast. Its exhibition is dedicated to the history and traditions of the Seychelles Islands: featuring old photographs, colonial-era household items, traditional musical instruments, and a collection of medicinal plants. Visitors can participate in workshops—for example, learn how to clean coconuts or prepare traditional dishes using old recipes. The grounds also feature an interactive area with domesticated flying foxes and giant tortoises.
5. Anse Georgette. A picturesque beach on the northwest coast of Praslin Island, annually ranking among the world's best beaches in World's 50 Beaches ratings. It's known for pristine natural beauty: white sand, turquoise water, and granite boulders framed by palm groves. Main features include snorkeling areas with rich underwater life where you can see turtles and tropical fish, and rocky headlands creating quiet bays. Infrastructure is minimal: no restaurants or rentals, so bring water and food.

Praslin is a small island—you can drive across it in just half an hour. But don't rush: stop at beautiful locations to admire nature, linger at viewpoints, or enjoy fresh fruit along the way. Enjoy your vacation on one of the most beautiful islands in Seychelles.

Where to Rent a Car on Praslin

Several pickup options are available on the island: local rental company offices, Praslin Airport terminal, the port, and vehicle delivery to your hotel or villa.

Not all vehicles can be picked up at any location on the island. Available locations for specific cars are indicated in their listings. To quickly find suitable options, use the "Specify location" filter—Localrent will show only vehicles available at your needed location.

Tips for First-Time Car Renters on Praslin

Local roads and driving conditions on Praslin have unique characteristics you should prepare for in advance. These recommendations will help you feel more confident behind the wheel and avoid common mistakes.

Vehicle Selection Considering Local Roads

Maneuverable compact cars work best for Praslin's narrow roads with single-lane traffic and frequent serpentines. The ideal option is a compact hatchback, like the Hyundai Grand i10, which simplifies passing oncoming traffic and parking in tight conditions.

For trips to hilly areas, choose cars with engines from 1.4L, as climbs can be steep. If you plan to drive actively around the island, select models like Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki Fronx, or Hyundai Creta.

Left-Hand Traffic Specifics

If this is your first time driving on left-hand traffic roads, it may cause stress. However, on Praslin, most drivers adapt within 15-20 minutes.

Focus primarily on the road edge—Seychelles lacks barriers, and shoulders often drop into drainage ditches up to 70 cm deep. At intersections, priority goes to traffic from the right, but local drivers often follow mutual courtesy—be prepared for informal rules.

Route Planning Considering Geography

Praslin's road network doesn't form a closed loop, so many routes require returning on the same roads or crossing mountain passes.

Mark points where you'd like to stop on offline maps in advance, such as Maps.me—mobile service is unstable in remote bays.

Attention to Pedestrians and Wildlife

Praslin's roads often encounter pedestrians, cyclists, and sometimes giant tortoises or flying foxes. Exercise special caution near Vallée de Mai reserve and rural areas—locals may cross roads in unexpected places.

Weather Condition Considerations

Short tropical downpours often make roads slippery with drastically reduced visibility. In rain, avoid secondary island roads—dirt shoulders become muddy, increasing skid risk. Always use headlights when driving outside towns. If caught in heavy rain, pull into the nearest parking area and wait it out—average rainfall duration rarely exceeds 20-30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental on Praslin