Madagascar is a large country, and, as such, you may find getting around by plane is necessary in order to visit some destinations, especially if your time is short. Otherwise, there are a number of different options for both getting from region to region, or for getting around within the cities or regions themselves.
You won't have to look hard to find transport around town owing to the ubiquitous pouse-pouse drivers!
Getting to Nosy Bé
Getting to and from Nosy Bé, and Madagascar generally, is fairly simple if you're willing to wait in a few lines. Most visas can be issued at the airport, but check with your local consulate before departing. Landing cards are printed in English and French.
By Air
Inter-continental flights arrive at Ivato airport, about 12km north of Nosy Bé. Airlines servicing the Nosy Bé routes are:
Ario: Representative Company for:
- Air France
- Air Madagascar
- British Airways
- Corsair
- Interair
We would be happy to help arrange your flights. Just contact us and send through your preferred travel dates, times and departure/arrival points and we can make arrangements for you.
For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.
Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Madagascar.
Flights to Madagascar
By taxi
Taxis-brousse depart almost every hour from Tana to all sorts of destinations, including Antsirabe, Andasibe, Fianarantsoa and Toamasina. Although a bit chaotic, there are four main bus stations (gares routieres) with minibuses, cars and coaches galore. These are Eastern (in Ampasampito), Northern (in Amodivona), Northern (in Lalana Pastora Rahajason) and Western (just 400m west of the Northern taxi-brousse station).
Getting to & from Antsirabe
Apart from the taxi-brousses from Nosy Bé, mentioned above, Antsirabe is also well served by buses from the capital. There used to be a train from Tana to Antsirabe, although whether it will be operation is unsure. Ask upon arrival if you are considering this option.
Getting to & from Andasibe
Andasibe can be accessed by road from either Nosy Bé or Tamatave. The taxi-brousse from Nosy Bé depart from the Eastern Station.
Getting to & from Fianarantsoa
Fianarantsoa can be accessed by airplane, as there are two flights a week on small planes that service the town. The other option is by taking either a taxi-brousse, jumbobus or private car from Nosy Bé, travelling on Route National 7. The journey time is approximately 8 hours.
Getting around Nosy Bé & Northern Madagascar
By Bus
There are some public transportation options, although they are usually packed and they only stop at official bus stops, so you'll need to know your way around if you choose this option.
By Car and Motorcycle
It's not recommended that anyone rent a car to drive themselves. There is too much risk of an accident, and it's normally not a pleasant experience, so if you choose to rent a car, drivers are almost obligatory. You may require a 4-wheel drive for some day trips, so be sure to check with the local agent to help you plan. For your rental car and motorcycle needs, contact us!
By Taxi
It is never difficult to find a taxi. The drivers stand out in their old Citroens Deux Chevaux (2CVs) and Renault 4s (some have newer cars too). The older cars tend to be a little less expensive than the sedans. You should agree on the price before you begin your journey. Fares in Nosy Bé range from Ariary 3000 to Ariary 8000, depending on whether the journey is uphill, downhill, the time of day and/or how long you want them to wait.
