Trains and ferries in Madagascar

Hi there I’m heading to Madagascar soon and I’m looking for two pieces of info: - Is there a passenger train between Tananarive and Tamatave? - Are there maritime connections again between Madagascar and the Comoros from Majunga? If so, can you buy ferry tickets online? Thanks Laurent

Hi there, Tana/Tamatave by train—from what I know, it doesn’t operate, except maybe on a partial route, but I’m not sure.

I don’t think the ferry between the Comoros and Majunga is running at the moment either. Worth double-checking, though. (13) ACADIE | Facebook

In theory, the train runs between Moramanga and Toamasina (Tamatave), once or twice a week, passing through Ambila Lemaitso, an old abandoned seaside resort—mandatory stop! For schedules and days, I don’t know how to look it up; your best bet is to ask locally, but you can still try searching online, on Madagascar Facebook groups like Expat, for example. For the Comoros, I saw a notice saying it was "in preparation"—which says it all! Maybe in a few years...

Hi there,

For boats, I’m still thinking of the Samson, which hasn’t been around for ages. As for trains, I know there’s one that runs Tana-Andasibe for tourists, and there’s definitely freight service to Tamatave, but no passenger trains.

Are there any maritime connections again between Madagascar and the Comoros from Majunga?

Wanting to reach Mayotte (I had family there) from Madagascar, and with air connections suspended due to strikes in Madagascar, I had to fall back on the boat... Tough stuff! The crossing between Majunga and Anjouan took 2 days and 2 nights—boat people style—surrounded by piles of furniture, luggage, and all sorts of goods. Only one "toilet" for 50 people or more. Loads of sick people vomiting everywhere... An experience to live once, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for even a minimum of comfort🤪.

PS: There used to be (1 or 2 years ago) a train that ran between Tana and Andasibe—I never took it, but I think it still exists. At least, my daughter took it last year. I’ve already taken the one that went from Tana to Antsirabe. Apparently, that one no longer exists.