How to Reach Seychelles from Mumbai – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Seychelles from Mumbai by flight with practical tips on airlines, airports, and travel planning for a smooth journey.
Seychelles is a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its pristine beaches and unique wildlife. Mumbai, a major city on India's west coast, serves as a key gateway for travelers heading to Seychelles. This route is popular among tourists seeking a tropical escape from India.
This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Seychelles, including flight options, travel tips, and what to expect upon arrival. You will gain practical advice to plan your trip confidently and enjoy a hassle-free journey.
Getting from Mumbai to Seychelles – Main Options
Flight
Flying is the only practical and popular way to reach Seychelles from Mumbai due to the long distance and ocean in between. Direct and connecting flights operate regularly, making air travel the most efficient choice.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai is the main departure point, with flights landing at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé Island, approximately 2,800 km away.
Direct flights by Air Seychelles and connecting flights via airlines like Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air Mauritius typically take 4 to 8 hours depending on stopovers, with fares ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 one-way.
Flight frequency varies seasonally, with more options during peak tourist months (November to April); booking 2-3 months in advance helps secure better fares and preferred timings.
Passengers should consider visa requirements and carry valid passports; Seychelles offers visa-free entry for Indian tourists for up to 30 days, easing travel formalities.
Airport transfers in Mumbai and Seychelles are well-organized, with prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber available for convenient last-mile connectivity.
Train
There is no train option to Seychelles from Mumbai as it is an island nation. Train travel can only be used to reach Mumbai airport from other Indian cities.
Travelers from other parts of India can use Indian Railways to reach Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus or Lokmanya Tilak Terminus before flying to Seychelles.
Local trains and metro services in Mumbai connect the airport to various city parts, helping passengers reach the airport comfortably and on time.
Train travel within Mumbai is affordable and frequent but can be crowded during peak hours; plan accordingly to avoid delays when catching flights.
Booking train tickets via IRCTC in advance is recommended to ensure availability, especially during holiday seasons.
Bus
Bus travel is not feasible for the Mumbai to Seychelles route due to the ocean barrier. However, buses can be used within Mumbai for airport transfers or to reach the airport from nearby cities.
Mumbai's BEST buses and private operators run services connecting the city to the airport area, suitable for budget travelers with light luggage.
Intercity buses from nearby towns to Mumbai can help travelers reach the airport but require additional planning for timing and traffic conditions.
Bus travel in Mumbai can be slow during peak traffic hours; allow extra time when planning airport transfers.
Booking bus tickets online or through local counters is advisable to avoid last-minute hassles.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving from Mumbai to Seychelles is impossible due to the sea crossing. However, self-drive options are useful for airport transfers within Mumbai or exploring Seychelles after arrival.
Car rentals and self-drive services are available in Mumbai for airport pickups, with companies like Zoomcar and local providers offering hourly or daily rates.
In Seychelles, renting a car is a popular way to explore the islands at your own pace; international driving permits are recommended.
Driving in Mumbai requires caution due to heavy traffic, narrow roads, and local driving habits; plan routes and timing carefully.
Pre-booking cars online can save time and ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Seychelles to make the journey smooth and stress-free.
Step 1: Book your flight tickets early through trusted portals or airline websites to get the best fares and preferred flight timings; check for direct or connecting flights based on your convenience.
Step 2: Arrange airport transfers in Mumbai by booking prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to avoid last-minute rush and ensure timely arrival at the airport.
Step 3: Pack your documents, including passport, visa (if required), flight tickets, and hotel bookings; carry light luggage to ease airport and flight transfers.
Step 4: Arrive at Mumbai airport at least 3 hours before international departure to complete check-in, security, and immigration smoothly; keep an eye on flight updates via airline apps.
Step 5: Upon arrival at Seychelles International Airport, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for safe and reliable transfers to your accommodation; confirm fares before starting the ride.
Step 6: Enjoy your stay in Seychelles by renting a car or using local buses and taxis to explore the islands; always carry local currency and stay hydrated in the tropical climate.
Practical Travel Tips
Safety: Always use prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs in Mumbai and Seychelles to avoid scams; keep your belongings secure in crowded places like airports and markets.
Food and Water: Drink bottled water and eat at reputable restaurants in Seychelles to avoid stomach issues; Mumbai airport has multiple food options if you want to eat before the flight.
Booking Strategy: Use official airline websites or trusted travel portals for flight bookings; avoid last-minute purchases to save money and ensure seat availability.
Local Transport: In Seychelles, public buses are limited; renting a car or using taxis is more convenient for island travel; in Mumbai, local trains and metro are efficient for airport access.
Luggage: Pack light and within airline baggage limits to avoid extra charges; carry essential medicines and travel documents in your hand luggage for easy access.
Seasonal Warnings: Avoid traveling during the monsoon season in Mumbai (June to September) due to heavy rains that may delay airport transfers; Seychelles is best visited during the dry season (April to October).
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to travel from Mumbai to Seychelles is during the dry season in Seychelles, which runs from April to October. This period offers pleasant weather and calm seas, ideal for beach activities and island exploration.
Travelers should avoid the monsoon months in Mumbai, from June to September, as heavy rains can cause traffic delays and flight disruptions. Planning flights early in the day can help avoid weather-related issues.
Avoid peak Indian festival periods like Diwali and Christmas when flights and airports are crowded, and prices are higher.
Monsoon rains in Mumbai can cause flight delays and traffic jams; plan extra time for airport transfers during these months.
Early morning flights from Mumbai often face fewer delays and less airport crowding, making them preferable for international travel.
Seychelles experiences occasional tropical storms from November to March; check weather forecasts before booking flights during this time.
Arrival at Seychelles & What to Expect
Upon arrival at Seychelles International Airport on Mahé Island, you will find a small but well-maintained airport with clear signage and helpful staff. Immigration is straightforward for Indian tourists due to visa-free entry policies.
For local commute, prepaid taxi counters are available inside the terminal, offering fixed fares to popular areas like Victoria city and beach resorts. App-based cabs are less common but can be arranged through hotels. Many travelers prefer renting cars for flexibility. Accommodation options are concentrated around Victoria and Beau Vallon, with a range of hotels and guesthouses to suit different budgets.
Conclusion
Flying remains the most efficient and practical way to reach Seychelles from Mumbai, with direct and connecting flights offering flexibility and convenience. Early booking and planning your airport transfers in Mumbai will help avoid last-minute stress and ensure a smooth start to your journey.
By following the step-by-step plan and practical tips provided, you can confidently prepare for your trip and enjoy the stunning beauty of Seychelles without travel hassles. With good preparation, your Mumbai to Seychelles trip will be a memorable and enjoyable experience.