Driving side
Right
🇷🇪 EasyCab destination guide
Car Rental in Réunion
Explore volcanic landscapes, mountain villages, beaches and scenic coastal roads with the flexibility of a rental car in Réunion.
Independent rental options
Local information
Pickup guidance
Minimum age
Varies
Airport pickup
Available
Automatic cars
Available
Destination overview
Renting a Car in Réunion
Réunion is a mountainous French island where a rental car gives travellers the freedom to move between Saint-Denis, the west-coast resorts, the volcanic interior and the southern towns at their own pace. Main routes are generally well developed, but steep gradients, winding mountain roads, changing weather and busy urban traffic make careful route planning important.
Freedom to explore
Why Rent a Car in Réunion?
Independent transport can make the destination easier to explore, especially beyond the main visitor areas.
Airport collection
Car rental desks and collection options are commonly available around Roland Garros Airport, the island’s main international gateway near Saint-Denis.
Mountain and coastal routes
A rental car makes it practical to combine west-coast beaches, mountain viewpoints, cirques and the volcanic south during the same trip.
Flexible island travel
Driving gives visitors more freedom to reach trailheads, villages and scenic stops that may be less convenient by public transport.
Where to collect your vehicle
Popular Car Rental Locations in Réunion
Choose a pickup point based on your arrival location, accommodation and planned route.
Pickup location
Roland Garros Airport
The main arrival point for international travellers and a practical place to collect a rental car before continuing around the island.
Pickup location
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
A popular west-coast base for beaches, lagoon activities, restaurants and access to nearby scenic routes.
Pickup location
Saint-Pierre
A lively southern town that works well as a base for exploring the coast, volcanic landscapes and the Wild South.
Explore independently
Scenic Drives in Réunion
Use these route ideas as inspiration and adapt them to road, traffic and weather conditions.
Roland Garros Airport to Saint-Gilles
A practical arrival route from the airport and Saint-Denis toward the west-coast accommodation areas and lagoon resorts.
Route du Volcan
A memorable mountain drive through changing landscapes toward the viewpoints and walking routes around Piton de la Fournaise.
Saint-Pierre and the Wild South
Follow the southern and southeastern coast through lava landscapes, villages, viewpoints and dramatic shoreline scenery.
Before you drive
Driving Information for Réunion
Review these practical points before collecting your vehicle.
Driving side
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Réunion, following the French road system.
Road conditions
Major coastal roads are generally well developed, while routes into the mountains and cirques can be steep, narrow and winding.
Vehicle choice
A compact car is suitable for many trips, but travellers planning mountain routes should consider engine performance, passenger numbers and luggage space.
Traffic planning
Congestion can occur around Saint-Denis and on key commuter routes. Allow extra time during weekday peak periods and before flights.
Weather and visibility
Conditions can change quickly with altitude. Fog, rain and reduced visibility are possible on mountain roads, so slow down and check local conditions before departure.
Parking
Use marked parking areas and review local signs carefully, especially in towns, coastal resorts and near popular trailheads.
Documents and conditions
Car Rental Requirements in Réunion
Requirements vary by provider, vehicle category and driver profile. Confirm the final terms before booking.
- A valid driving licence accepted in France and by the rental provider
- For some non-European licences, an official French translation or an international driving permit may be required
- Passport or another accepted identity document
- A payment card and deposit method accepted by the rental provider
- Compliance with the provider’s minimum-age and driving-experience conditions
- Confirmation of insurance coverage, excess and roadside-assistance conditions
- Review of mileage, fuel, additional-driver and vehicle-return policies before collection
Partner with EasyCab
Become a Partner
Do You Operate a Car Rental Business in Réunion?
Introduce your company to travellers researching Réunion. Approved suppliers can be presented with their website, pickup locations, services and company profile.
Frequently asked questions
Car Rental FAQ for Réunion
Answers to common questions before renting and driving.
Is it useful to rent a car in Réunion?
Yes. A rental car is particularly useful for combining coastal towns, mountain villages, trailheads, viewpoints and volcanic landscapes on your own schedule.
Can I collect a rental car at Roland Garros Airport?
Airport collection is widely available, but the exact desk location, opening hours and after-hours procedure should be confirmed with the selected provider.
Which side of the road do people drive on in Réunion?
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, as in mainland France.
Do I need an international driving permit in Réunion?
It depends on where your licence was issued. A valid European licence is generally accepted. A non-European licence used for a short stay must be valid and, when it is not written in French, may need an official translation or an international driving permit. Confirm the requirement with the rental provider before travelling.
What type of rental car is suitable for Réunion?
A compact car is suitable for many coastal and urban trips. For mountain routes, luggage-heavy travel or larger groups, choose a vehicle with adequate power, space and braking performance.
What should I check before accepting the rental vehicle?
Inspect the car, record existing damage, verify the fuel level, test essential controls and confirm insurance, excess, mileage, roadside assistance and return conditions.
Continue exploring
More Popular Car Rental Destinations
Compare another destination and continue planning your next independent journey.
Continue your search
Find a Rental Car in Réunion
Compare available vehicles, collection locations and final rental conditions.