Getting Around Comoros
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use taxis and shared minibuses in Moroni and major towns. Inter-Island: Rent a car for island exploration where roads allow. Between Islands: Ferries and domestic flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Prince Said Ibrahim Airport to your destination.
Train Travel
Inter-Island Ferries
Limited ferry services connect Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli with irregular schedules due to weather.
Cost: Moroni to Anjouan €15-25, journeys 2-4 hours depending on seas.
Tickets: Buy at ports or through local agents; confirm departures as they change often.
Peak Times: Avoid rainy season (Nov-Apr) for safer, more reliable sailings.
Ferry Passes
Multi-island tickets available for €40-60 covering round trips between main islands for budget travelers.
Best For: Island-hopping over several days, savings for 2+ inter-island trips.
Where to Buy: Main ports in Moroni or Mutsamudu, or via local tour operators with advance booking.
Private Boat Charters
Charter boats for direct island connections to Mayotte or smaller atolls, ideal for groups.
Booking: Arrange through hotels or ports days in advance, costs €100+ per trip.
Main Ports: Moroni Port on Grande Comore, with links to Fomboni on Mohéli.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Useful for exploring Grande Comore's volcano and coasts, but roads are rough. Compare rental prices from €40-70/day at Moroni Airport and limited city outlets.
Requirements: International license required, credit card, minimum age 25 due to road risks.
Insurance: Full coverage essential for potholes and off-road, verify 4x4 options.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, no major highways.
Tolls: None on Comoros roads, but informal fees may apply on rural paths.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and livestock, roundabouts common in towns.
Parking: Free in most areas, but secure spots at hotels; avoid leaving valuables.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel scarce outside Moroni at €1.20-1.50/liter for petrol, stations limited on outer islands.
Apps: Google Maps useful but offline mode essential due to poor signal.
Traffic: Light overall, but chaotic in Moroni with shared taxis and pedestrians.
Urban Transport
Taxis & Shared Rides
Shared taxis (taxis-brousse) cover towns, single ride €1-3, full day charter €20-30.
Validation: Negotiate fares upfront, no meters; safer in daylight.
Apps: Limited; use hotel recommendations for reliable drivers.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Motorbike rentals common on islands, €10-20/day with basic helmets provided.
Routes: Coastal paths on Mohéli ideal for scenic rides, avoid volcano roads.
Tours: Guided scooter tours available in Moroni for safe exploration.
Minibuses & Local Services
Informal minibuses link villages on Grande Comore and Anjouan, €0.50-2 per ride.
Tickets: Pay driver on board, crowded but authentic local experience.
Inter-Town: Services to Mitsamiouli or Mutsamudu, schedules flexible.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near ports or airports in Moroni for easy access, beach areas on Mohéli for relaxation.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and major festivals like Grand Comore events.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-dependent ferry plans.
- Amenities: Check for generator power, mosquito nets, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
3G/4G coverage in main towns, spotty in rural areas; no widespread 5G yet.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Comores Telecom and Moov offer prepaid SIMs from €5-15 with basic coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 2GB for €10, 5GB for €20, top-ups easy via vouchers.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and some cafes, limited public access outside Moroni.
Public Hotspots: Airports and ports have paid WiFi, tourist areas improving.
Speed: Slow (5-20 Mbps) in urban areas, plan for intermittent connections.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Prince Said Ibrahim Airport 5km from Moroni, taxi €10 (10 min), or book private transfer for €15-25.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports (€3-5/day) and hotels in major towns.
- Accessibility: Limited ramps and facilities; islands have uneven terrain, plan for walking.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on ferries with restrictions (small free, large €10), check accommodation policies.
- Bike Transport: Motorbikes can be carried on ferries for €5-10, rentals common locally.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Comoros
Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Prince Said Ibrahim (HAH): Primary international hub on Grande Comore, 5km from Moroni with taxi links.
Mohéli Bandar Es Eslam (NWA): Small domestic airport 10km from Fomboni, flights from Moroni €50 (30 min).
Anjouan Ouani (AJN): Regional airport with domestic connections, convenient for southern islands.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season travel (May-Oct) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly via Nairobi or Johannesburg hubs for better connections and savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Austral, Ethiopian Airlines, and Precision Air serve HAH with African and Indian Ocean routes.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and domestic add-ons when comparing costs.
Check-in: Online 24-48 hours before, airport processes can be slow.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Limited to Moroni and airports, fees €2-4, carry cash for rural areas.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in hotels, cash preferred elsewhere; no widespread Amex.
- Contactless Payment: Rare; use cash or cards at tourist spots.
- Cash: Essential for markets, taxis, and islands, keep €50-100 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchanges with high fees.