Car rental in Réunion
🇷🇪 EasyCab destination guide

Car Rental in Réunion

Renting a car in Réunion Island gives travellers flexible access to Roland Garros Airport, Saint-Denis, west-coast beaches, mountain villages, volcanic landscapes and the Wild South.

Independent rental options Local information Pickup guidance
Independent rental options Réunion pickup guidance Airport pickup available Local driving information
Choose the right car

Car Rental in Réunion

Compare the vehicle categories, pickup locations and rental conditions available for your trip.

Compact car rental

Easy parking and economical driving for couples and city trips.

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Automatic car rental

Automatic vehicles are available from selected rental suppliers.

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SUV or family car rental

Extra passenger and luggage space for longer journeys and family travel.

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7-seater or group car rental

More seating for families and small groups travelling together.

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Destination overview

Renting a Car in Réunion

Réunion is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean where vehicles drive on the right. A rental car is one of the most flexible ways to travel between Saint-Denis, Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Saint-Pierre, the volcanic interior and the island’s three cirques. Main coastal routes are generally well developed, but steep gradients, winding mountain roads, changing weather and busy commuter traffic make 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.

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Where to collect your vehicle

Popular Car Rental Locations in Réunion

Choose a pickup point based on your arrival location, accommodation and planned route.

Roland Garros Airport
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.

Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Pickup location

Saint-Gilles-les-Bains

A popular west-coast base for beaches, lagoon activities, restaurants and access to nearby scenic routes.

Saint-Pierre
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
Approximately 45 km Around 45 to 60 minutes

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
Varies by starting point Allow most of a day

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
Flexible coastal route Half-day to full-day trip

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.

01

Driving side

Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Réunion, following the French road system.

02

Road conditions

Major coastal roads are generally well developed, while routes into the mountains and cirques can be steep, narrow and winding.

03

Vehicle choice

A compact car is suitable for many trips, but travellers planning mountain routes should consider engine performance, passenger numbers and luggage space.

04

Traffic planning

Congestion can occur around Saint-Denis and on key commuter routes. Allow extra time during weekday peak periods and before flights.

05

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.

06

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
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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 because Réunion follows the French road system. Visitors arriving from Mauritius, Rodrigues, the United Kingdom or another left-driving country should take particular care at junctions and roundabouts.

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.

Is driving in Réunion difficult?

Principal coastal roads are modern, but routes towards Cilaos, Salazie, mountain viewpoints and the volcano can be steep, winding or affected by weather. Check current road conditions and allow more time than the distance alone suggests.

Should I reserve a rental car before arriving at Réunion Airport?

Advance booking is advisable, particularly during busy travel periods or when an automatic, family vehicle or specific collection time is required. Confirm the Roland Garros Airport desk, opening hours and after-hours instructions with the selected provider.

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