IslandGuide — La Réunion
🇫🇷 France

Car rental in La Réunion

Reunion's most spectacular sights -- the active volcano Piton de la Fournaise, the three calderas, the Trou de Fer canyon, and the Langevin river valley -- are all in the interior and unreachable without a car. The island has no rail network and bus services are limited outside the coastal strip. A hire car is essential: RUN airport to Saint-Gilles is 45 min; to Piton de la Fournaise trailhead is 2.5 hrs. Driving is on the right (French rules).

Pickup locations

RUN Roland Garros Airport
Rent a car — DiscoverCars

Frequently asked questions

Is a hire car necessary on Reunion?
Yes. The volcano, calderas, and most natural sites are in the interior with no practical public transport. Without a car you are limited to the coastal strip.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Reunion?
Right-hand side (French rules). Road signs and regulations follow French metropolitan standards.
How long is the drive from RUN airport to the volcano?
The trailhead at Pas de Bellecombe (Piton de la Fournaise) is about 90 km from Saint-Denis -- allow 2.5 hours for the mountain road. The road to Cilaos caldera has 400 curves and takes about 2 hours from Saint-Denis.
Are mountain roads on Reunion difficult to drive?
The road to Cilaos is narrow and winding but fully asphalted. The coastal RN1/RN2 highway is a modern dual carriageway. A standard hire car is sufficient for all main routes.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a hire car necessary on Reunion?
Yes. The volcano, calderas, and most natural sites are in the interior with no practical public transport. Without a car you are limited to the coastal strip.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Reunion?
Right-hand side (French rules). Road signs and regulations follow French metropolitan standards.
How long is the drive from RUN airport to the volcano?
The trailhead at Pas de Bellecombe (Piton de la Fournaise) is about 90 km from Saint-Denis -- allow 2.5 hours for the mountain road. The road to Cilaos caldera has 400 curves and takes about 2 hours from Saint-Denis.
Are mountain roads on Reunion difficult to drive?
The road to Cilaos is narrow and winding but fully asphalted. The coastal RN1/RN2 highway is a modern dual carriageway. A standard hire car is sufficient for all main routes.