Transportation in Madagascar

# Transportation in Madagascar Madagascar's transportation network reflects its island geography and developing infrastructure. **Taxi-brousses** (shared minibuses) form the backbone of intercity travel, connecting towns and cities across the country, though journey times can be lengthy due to road conditions. For longer distances, domestic flights operated by carriers like Air Madagascar and Tsaradia link major cities including Antananarivo, Nosy Be, and coastal destinations. Within cities, taxis are widely available, though visitors should agree on fares beforehand as meters are uncommon. First-time visitors should prepare for transportation that operates differently from Western standards. Road quality varies significantly—paved routes exist between major centers, but many roads are unpaved and can become challenging during the rainy season (November-March). **Allow extra time for all journeys** and maintain flexibility in your schedule. Cash is essential as card payments are rarely accepted for local transport. Learning a few French phrases helps, as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas. **From Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo):** The airport sits about 16km from the capital. Taxis are the primary option for reaching the city center—use the official taxi rank and confirm the fare before departing. Some hotels offer airport transfers, which can be arranged in advance. For current pricing and to book reliable airport transport, check the booking options available through travel platforms that serve Madagascar.

Taxi-brousse (bush taxis) are the primary intercity transport - arrive early as they depart when full, not on fixed schedules

Roads are challenging during rainy season (November-March), so allow extra travel time and verify route conditions

In Antananarivo, agree on taxi fares before starting your journey as meters are rarely used

Domestic flights with Air Madagascar connect major cities - book well in advance during peak season (July-September)