How to Get Around Madagascar

Traveling around Madagascar can be a challenge for tourists due to its substandard road conditions and underdeveloped public transportation system. With a scarcity of standard signs and an absence of traffic lights, only 15% of Madagascar's roads are paved with asphalt, while the rest are mostly dirt roads. On roads in relatively good condition, cars can travel at speeds of approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour, whereas on dirt roads, speeds decrease to just 20 kilometers (12 miles) per hour. During the local rainy season from November to March, some roads are even impassable.

The public transportation system in Madagascar has not developed well. Most domestic flights only connect the capital Antananarivo with surrounding cities. Some intercity buses have no fixed timetables and are very crowded. Few trains run between the central area and the east coast and stop frequently along the way. Ships are only suitable for island tours and are easily affected by bad weather.

To travel around Madagascar smoothly and flexibly, tourists are suggested to rent a car and hire a local driver.

By Rental Car with a Driver - Flexible and Affordable Choice

At the Antananarivo Ivato International Airport where most tourists enter Madagascar, large international car rental companies have their counters for tourists. Additionally, hotel reception staff can help to obtain local car rental services. For vehicle types, you can choose among compact cars, 4×4 off-road vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. The rental ranges from 60 to 80 USD excluding fuel cost, and may increase depending on different vehicle types and tourism seasons.

Rental Cars in Madagascar

Road Condition of Madagascar

Pros:
1. Flexible. You can start your trip at your own pace with no need to transfer.
2. Safe. The local driver is familiar with road conditions and makes your car ride safer.

Tips:
1. Remember to check whether the vehicle is in good condition, especially whether its tires are suitable for a cross-country ride.
2. The 4×4 off-road vehicle is the first choice because it’s more suitable for driving on dirt roads with complex conditions.

3. Fuel the vehicle up before setting off and take enough cash for fueling on the way.

In addition to renting a car for your travel, you can also check our Madagascar Tours 2025 & 2026.

By Air - Fast but Unstable Flights

In Madagascar, flights between Antananarivo and 10 surrounding cities are operated. From the Ivato Airport, it takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach the picturesque island resort of Nosy Be, with two flights available daily. The airfare for this journey is approximately 270 USD. In contrast, for travel to Morondava, there are between 3 and 5 flights per week, and the journey duration is 1 hour and 10 minutes, with a cost of 190 USD.

Passengers at the Ivato International Airport

Madagascar Domestic Flight

Pro:
1. Fast. It takes 1 to 2 hours by air from Antananarivo to major cities around the country.

Cons:
1. More expensive than the other modes of transportation.
2. Small planes each with about 70 seats. Tickets may be in demand in peak season from May to October.
3. Unexpected flight delay or cancellation.
4. Few intercity flights among cities except Antananarivo. You have to fly back to the capital and then fly to another city.

Tip:
1. Please set aside enough time for any temporary flight adjustment and book your ticket two months in advance.

By Taxi-brousse - Cheap but Time-consuming Means of Intercity Transport

The taxi-brousses are local intercity buses in Madagascar and are operated by different bus companies. When there is no traffic jam, the taxi-brousse can reach a speed of 35 kilometers (22 miles) per hour.

Taxi-brousse Travelling on the Street

Taxi-brousse with 13 Passenger Seats

Pro:

1. Cheap. From Antananarivo to Morondava, it takes 15 hours and 13 USD to arrive by taxi-brousse, with a distance of 650 kilometers (404 miles).

Cons:
1. Not all taxi-brousses have fixed timetables and some just depart when full.
2. On-spot ticket purchase only.
3. Severe overload. Some people even stand all the way.
4. Bad vehicle conditions. The ride is extended once the taxi-brousse needs repair.

Tips:
1. Take motion sickness pills, masks, and sun hats.
2. For larger space, choose seats near the driver if possible.
3. For a possible night ride, remember to take a flashlight.

By Train - Quite Sluggish but Featuring Scenery on Both Sides

Trains can be taken to Brickville, Tamatave, and Ambila on the country's east coast from Moramanga, a city about 115 kilometers (70 miles) east of Antananarivo. As for the south, a train line connects Manakara on the southeast coast and Fianarantsoa.

Pros:
1. Cheap. For a 120-kilometer-long (75 miles) ride, only 1.5 USD is needed.
2. Picturesque scenery on both sides. Forests, lakes, hills, and villages can be seen through the train window.

Cons:
1. Quite slow. The train speed is only about 15 kilometers (9 miles) per hour.
2. Long parking time because of breakdowns and many stations.
3. On-spot ticket purchase only and tickets are available one day before departure.

Tips:
1. Be prepared for a long ride.
2. A flashlight can help to illuminate if you arrive at the station at night.

By Ship - Island Tours Only

Ships are used for short-distance island tours only. For example, tourists can take ferries or speedboats to travel between the main island and surrounding islands of Nosy Be. Besides, ships can be taken from three ports on the east coast to Sainte Marie, a whale-watching island in Madagascar. In bad weather with strong wind and heavy rain, ships may be out of service.

Other Notes:
1. Avoid a night ride by any means of transportation.
2. Take enough water and food for a possibly long ride.
3. Keep your personal belongings well in case of any loss.