Renting an Automatic vs Manual Car in Praslin
Discovering the beautiful Praslin in Seychelles with a rental vehicle is exciting and convenient. You can easily be spontaneous and travel around each corner of this destination without worrying about public transit schedules. But the trick comes when deciding which transmission you should choose for your island adventure.
Whether it’s an automatic or manual car, picking the right one makes all the difference, especially on the narrow village roads and scenic routes with tight curves. Let’s explore the advantages and downsides of both options down to help you make an informed decision.
Automatic Cars Advantages
Simple to Drive on Hilly Roads
The main benefit of hiring an automatic vehicle is that it’s much easier to drive because it does most of the heavy lifting for you. It consists of just two pedals and three settings on the stick, which allows you to fully focus on the road and surrounding views of Praslin instead of constantly switching gears on steep climbs.
This can also make travelling around the island much simpler, as it can handle winding and narrow roads more comfortably when visiting attractions like Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve and Anse Georgette.

Stress-Free for Tourists
Is this your first time driving to every corner of this destination with your rental vehicle from Bliss? If yes, then an automatic car is the best choice for you, especially if you are unfamiliar with left-hand driving rules in Seychelles. You will experience a more relaxed drive behind the wheel, as it reduces the learning curve and there’s no need to stress about changing gears.
Travellers can effortlessly focus on navigation and road signs for a more enjoyable journey.
Perfect for Stop-and-Go Traffic
In the busiest areas like Anse Volbert (Côte d’Or), Grand Anse, and Baie Sainte Anne, an automatic ride saves you from the hassle of gear shifting or frequent clutch work.
No need to press the clutch, well there isn’t one! This makes driving in traffic feel less exhausting and more convenient, promising visitors a smoother driving experience during their island holiday.
Downside
It’s important to know that, compared to manual vehicles, automatic transmissions can typically be more costly to rent and use a bit more fuel.
Good news for you, Bliss Car Hire offers a wide range of automatic cars at affordable yet competitive rates.
Manual Cars Advantages
Budget-Friendly Option
Manual rental cars are generally affordable, which makes them an excellent choice for travellers looking to save on transport costs while driving on the island. They also have lower daily rental rates and higher availability compared to automatics.
Better Control for Skilled Drivers
If you hire a manual vehicle, you will have much more control over speed and gear selection. This can make driving easier on the hilly and winding roads of Praslin. This transmission is also ideal for experienced drivers who prefer to manage gear changes themselves for seamless engagement and responsiveness.
Fuel Efficiency
A manual car still offers solid fuel efficiency, but this depends on which rental category you opt for. They often use less fuel than automatics, which makes them perfect for the open roads and longer drives. Planning to go on a road trip in this tropical paradise? Then a stick shift ride is the best choice for you.
Downside
It can be more challenging for those who are not used to manual vehicles because the driver controls the gears. So, if you are not confident with manual driving on uphill and narrow road conditions, it can turn into a stressful and exhausting experience.
Wondering Which Transmission Should You Choose?
Bliss Car Hire provides extensive selection of rental cars for travellers looking to make the best out of their Seychelles adventure. But choosing the right ride is the foundation of your trip. An automatic vehicle is the best option, especially if you want convenience and are new to left-hand driving.
While driving manually is great for visitors on a restricted budget or experienced with shifting gears. Ready to book a car with Bliss?
CONTACT US today for more information on our range of vehicles or booking enquiries.

