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!

This Nosy Bé Transportation Guide lists both the best ways of getting to and from the different cities and regions located within Northern Madagascar, as well as some local transport options, especially for Nosy Bé. For options of getting to Madagascar, or information about travelling further afield within the country, take a look at our Madagascar Transportation Guide.

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. 

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:

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• 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.

Taxi-Brousse

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

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.

Car & 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!

Taxis

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.