Madagascar flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide

Public transit, airports, and getting around in Madagascar

Madagascar's transportation landscape is defined by its island geography and vulnerability to cyclones, with 94 airports aiding connectivity across its vast terrain, but limited roads (only a fraction of 30,000 km paved) and minimal rail networks pose major challenges. Key strengths include ongoing World Bank and EIB-funded road rehabilitations enhancing access to markets and services, while taxi-brousse minibuses serve as primary public mobility. Residents and visitors rely on air travel for long distances, ports like Toamasina for trade, and informal transport amid poor infrastructure.
Public Transport
Below Average
Road Infrastructure
Below Average
Public Transport
2.5/10

Public transport is limited to taxi-brousse (minibus services) in urban areas like Antananarivo and basic bus operations; no metro or modern rail systems exist. One single trainline serves southern regions. Coverage is poor outside capitals, with low frequency and reliability affected by weather.

Road Infrastructure
3.2/10

Road network totals ~30,000 km but mostly unpaved; 17 million rural residents lack all-season access. Ongoing rehabilitations (e.g., RN44, RN6 by World Bank/EIB) improve resilience to cyclones, yet maintenance is poor, travel times excessive (500km in 3 days), and safety risks high from bandits and weather.

Internet Speed
3.5/10

Internet infrastructure lags with urban-rural divides; mobile dominates access. Fiber limited to cities, broadband challenged by power outages and cyclone damage.

Avg: 25.4+ Mbps • Limited to Antananarivo and major cities; rural areas rely on mobile/3G

Airport Connectivity
5.8/10

94 airports total, 23 major ones provide decent domestic coverage vital for rainy season connectivity; Ivato (TNR) is primary international gateway with regional links to Africa/Europe. No major global hubs, but network supports humanitarian and internal travel.

Hubs: Ivato International (TNR)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
N/A (no metro)
Bus Trip
N/A (taxi-brousse ~5000-20000 MGA per short ride)
Taxi
N/A (~10000 MGA start + 2000 MGA/km)
High-speed Train
N/A (no high-speed rail)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Limited to Antananarivo and select urban areas; pilot deployments by Telma/Orange in 2024-2026
4G Coverage: Good urban coverage (~80% population), limited rural (50-60%) due to terrain

Networks reliable in cities via Telma, Orange, Airtel; 4G speeds 10-30 Mbps urban, slower rural. Cyclone disruptions common, but expanding with resilience focus.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid 3 months with IDP; right-hand driving. Long-term residents must convert to Malagasy license via exam after 90 days. Carry IDP with original license.