Getting around in Madagascar

Local Transport

There are number of ways to get around Madagascar, from air to zebu cart, from pousse-pousse or rickshaw in the flatter towns to taxis-brousses in the bush.

Taxis-brousses are the most popular way to get around in Madagascar. 'Air Mad' has an excellent network to over 60 cities and towns, and regularly offers discounts of up to 30-50% on internal flights.

By taxi
All important towns have taxis, and fares range from around 700-2,000FMG or $0.5-$2 to 12,000FMG or $7.5.

By Train
There are five railway links in the island, Antananarivo to Toamasina (232 miles), Antananarivo to Antsirabe (100 miles), Fianarantsoa to Manakara (102 miles), and Moramanga to Lake Alaotra (110 miles). The Antananarivo to Toamasina and Fianarantsoa to Manakara tracks run through steep mountains, rain forests and quaint villages and costs around $15.

By bus
Buses are seen almost everywhere, and are a great way to meet friendly people and travel cheaply. But they charge a flat fare, irrespective of the distance traveled.

By air
Most of Madagascar can be reached by air, except a few towns in the central highlands. Air Madagascar flies to 51 towns and localities in the island and Air Tourist Pass allows unlimited travel for certain periods. There are connections daily with Toamasina, six days a week with Mahajanga, five days a week with Tolanaro, Antsiranana and Nosy Be, four days a week with Toliary and Sainte-Marie from Antananarivo. It costs around $300 to Nosy Be or Toliary, $180 to Mahajanga, and around $120 to Toamasina from the capital city.