Public transportation in Madagascar is not as well developed as one might wish. Within the cities it is best to travel by buses. They are quite inexpensive, a ticket costs around 1-1.5 USD. If you want, take a cab, there are several options. Licensed Adema cabs, equipped with meters, are considered the most convenient.
Private cabs can sometimes be more expensive, so it's advisable to negotiate the fare in advance.
On average, you can expect to pay around 1 USD per kilometer. Keep in mind that local transportation may not always follow strict timetables but rather focuses on ensuring the vehicle is filled. Additionally, when receiving directions, locals may refer to cardinal directions like "north" or "southwest" rather than left or right, so keep that in mind for navigation.
Shuttle buses in Madagascar come in two main types. The first is the "taxi-be," a minibus with nine seats that is more likely to adhere to a set schedule. The second is the "taxi-brousse," which can accommodate more passengers and typically waits until the vehicle is filled before departing. These minibus options are often the most convenient way to travel between cities. You can find schedules for intercity routes posted at the airport.
The most convenient way to travel within Madagascar is by plane, using the domestic airline system Air Madagascar. Interestingly, if you purchase tickets from this company, such as from Europe to the island, you can benefit from significant discounts of up to 50% for domestic flights. It's worth noting that the airline's domestic schedule may experience occasional disruptions.
Madagascar has several airports serving domestic and international flights. The capital, Antananarivo, has an airport, and there's another airport 45 km away in Arivunimamu. Mahadhanga serves flights from Africa and the Comoros, while Nuzi-Bi connects to Europe and the Seychelles. Tuamasin also has an airport with flights to Mauritius.
For those seeking a more adventurous option, you can consider traveling by train. Madagascar has two unconnected railway lines, one in the north and the other in the south. While trains are relatively affordable, they are slow and may not offer the same level of comfort as other modes of transport. However, they provide a unique opportunity to explore the country at a leisurely pace.
