DriveAtlas
Car Rental Costs in Reunion 2026
Reunion is France, which means two things for your car rental budget: the quality is high and the prices are not cheap. This is not Southeast Asia where you can rent a scooter for five dollars a day. Reunion uses the euro, follows French pricing structures, and adds an island surcharge because every vehicle on this rock arrived by ship. That said, a rental car here costs roughly the same as renting in the south of France, and it unlocks an island where public transport barely exists and taxis charge as if they are the only option – which, without a car, they essentially are.
We tracked our expenses across a six-day rental on our last trip. The total came to EUR 287 for the car (compact, manual, local agency), plus EUR 112 for fuel, and EUR 0 for tolls and parking outside Saint-Denis. Grand total: EUR 399 for six days, or about EUR 66 per day for complete freedom on one of the most spectacular islands in the Indian Ocean. We consider that reasonable. We are aware that not everyone will get the same deal – we booked in May (low season) through a local agency. July or December, add 30-50%.
Daily Rental Rates (2026 Estimates)
| Vehicle Category | Low Season (per day) | High Season (per day) | Weekly Rate (low season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (Renault Clio, Toyota Aygo) | EUR 22-30 (~$24-33) | EUR 35-45 (~$38-49) | EUR 140-190 |
| Compact (Dacia Sandero, Peugeot 208) | EUR 28-38 (~$30-41) | EUR 40-55 (~$43-60) | EUR 175-240 |
| Mid-size (Peugeot 308, Renault Megane) | EUR 35-48 (~$38-52) | EUR 50-65 (~$54-71) | EUR 220-310 |
| Small SUV (Dacia Duster, Peugeot 2008) | EUR 40-55 (~$43-60) | EUR 55-75 (~$60-82) | EUR 260-360 |
| Minivan (Renault Scenic, Citroen Berlingo) | EUR 50-70 (~$54-76) | EUR 65-90 (~$71-98) | EUR 330-460 |
| Automatic surcharge | +EUR 5-15/day | +EUR 8-18/day | Varies |
Low season: May through mid-June, September through November. Fewer tourists, better availability, lower prices across all categories.
High season: July-August (French summer school holidays) and mid-December through mid-January (French Christmas and New Year holidays). Prices jump 30-50% and popular vehicles – automatics, small SUVs – book out weeks in advance.
Why the range within each category: The lower end reflects local agencies (Jumbo Car, ITC Tropicar, Rentacar). The upper end reflects international brands (Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt). Local agencies are consistently 20-30% cheaper for equivalent vehicles.
Local vs. International Agency Price Comparison
| Vehicle Class | International Agency (peak) | Local Agency (peak) | Savings with Local |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy/Compact | EUR 40-55/day | EUR 28-40/day | EUR 12-15/day (~25-35%) |
| Mid-size | EUR 50-65/day | EUR 35-48/day | EUR 15-17/day (~25-30%) |
| Small SUV | EUR 55-75/day | EUR 40-55/day | EUR 15-20/day (~25-30%) |
| Automatic (compact) | EUR 50-70/day | EUR 38-55/day | EUR 12-15/day (~20-25%) |
Local agencies maintain perfectly adequate fleets. Their disadvantages – smaller roadside assistance networks, less standardized claims handling – matter less on an island where the distances are short. The savings over a week are real: EUR 70-100 less for the same vehicle.
Agency Overview
| Agency | Type | Fleet | Price Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europcar | International | Newest vehicles | Highest | Travelers wanting maximum standardization |
| Hertz | International | Very good | High | Corporate travelers, insurance clarity |
| Avis | International | Good | High | Loyalty program users, international CDW |
| Sixt | International | Good, sporty options | High | Those who want a specific car model |
| Jumbo Car | Local | Good, well-maintained | Budget | Best value on the island, experienced local staff |
| ITC Tropicar | Local | Good, island-appropriate | Budget | Long-time island specialist |
| Rentacar | Local | Basic, older models | Lowest | Purely budget-focused, shorter trips |
| Ada | French budget brand | Decent | Mid-budget | Good balance of price and standardization |
Jumbo Car specifics: This is the agency we recommend for independent travelers. Their staff know the island’s roads in detail, can advise on current road conditions (particularly useful during wet season when mountain roads occasionally close), and their vehicles are appropriate for Reunion’s terrain. They are cheaper than international agencies and more island-knowledgeable. Booking is done primarily by phone or their website, and English is spoken.
Seasonal Pricing Patterns in Detail
| Month | Weather | Tourist Demand | Price Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Wet season, cyclone risk | Low (French holidays ending) | Medium | Prices dropping from Christmas peak |
| February | Wet season | Low-medium | Low-medium | Cyclone season, avoid mountain roads |
| March | Improving | Low | Low | Good value, roads improving |
| April | Transitional | Low | Low | April showers possible |
| May | Dry season beginning | Medium | Low | Excellent value, best shoulder season |
| June | Dry season | Medium | Low-medium | School holidays begin mid-June |
| July | Peak dry season | Very high | Highest | Book 6-8 weeks ahead minimum |
| August | Peak dry season | Very high | Highest | Automatics unavailable without advance booking |
| September | Dry season | Medium | Medium | Good conditions, reasonable prices |
| October | Transitional | Low-medium | Low-medium | Solid value, mostly dry |
| November | Dry season ending | Low | Low | Last good month before wet season |
| December | Wet season, Christmas | Very high | High | Christmas holiday spike mid-month |
Insurance Costs
Insurance in France is not optional – it is baked into the legal framework. Every rental includes basic minimum coverage, but the coverage structure is more layered than in many other countries, and the excess (franchise) on the basic policy is high enough to matter.
| Insurance Type | What It Covers | Typical Cost | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW (included) | Collision damage with excess EUR 800-1,500 | Included in rental rate | Not enough on its own for mountain driving |
| Super CDW (rachat de franchise) | Reduces or eliminates excess | EUR 8-15/day (~$9-16) | Strongly recommended |
| Theft protection (vol) | Vehicle theft, usually included in CDW | Included | Standard |
| Personal accident insurance (PAI) | Medical costs for driver and passengers | EUR 3-5/day (~$3-5) | Optional if you have comprehensive travel insurance |
| Tire and underbody cover | Stone chips, punctures, underbody contact | EUR 3-5/day (~$3-5) | Useful for gravel mountain roads |
The excess is the number that matters: Without Super CDW, you are liable for the first EUR 800-1,500 of any damage to the vehicle. On Reunion, where the mountain roads involve loose volcanic gravel, narrow passing sections, and cliff faces with occasional rock debris, the probability of picking up a windscreen chip or scraping a wheel on a curb over a week of driving is meaningfully above zero. The Super CDW at EUR 8-15 per day over a seven-day rental costs EUR 56-105 and eliminates this liability. It is the best-value add-on on the island.
Total insurance cost for a week: If you add Super CDW and tire/underbody cover, expect EUR 77-140 on top of your base rental rate. This is the French rental structure – annoying but standardized.
Credit card CDW coverage: Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold, and many premium US cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum) include rental car CDW coverage when you charge the rental to the card. Verify with your card issuer that the coverage extends to French overseas departments (DROM) – most do, but check specifically. Even with card coverage, the agency will block a security deposit of EUR 500-1,500 on your credit card.
What Standard CDW Does Not Cover
Several common exclusions apply that are particularly relevant on Reunion:
- Tire punctures: Volcanic gravel on mountain roads increases puncture risk significantly. Most standard CDW excludes tire damage.
- Windscreen chips: Single-point stone chips are often excluded or subject to a separate sub-excess. Confirm at the desk.
- Underbody damage: Narrow mountain passes where the car scrapes against a curb edge or road barrier can damage exhaust components or underbody panels not covered by standard policies.
- Roof damage: Falling debris on mountain roads (rock fragments from cliff faces above) can cause roof damage that falls outside standard CDW.
- Side mirror clips: Narrow cirque roads where mirrors clip a rock face or barrier are sometimes excluded depending on policy wording.
- Unauthorized driver: Any incident where the driver was not named on the rental agreement voids all coverage.
- Driving under the influence: Any incident above 0.05% BAC (the French limit) voids coverage entirely.
Third-Party Insurance as an Alternative
For travelers renting for more than five days, annual third-party excess insurance from providers like iCarhireinsurance (approximately GBP 55-80/year) or RentalCover (USD 60-100/year) covers the excess across all rentals during the year. The coverage extends to French overseas departments if you check the policy terms. For regular travelers, the math is straightforward: one annual policy versus paying EUR 70-105 per trip in Super CDW.
Fuel Costs
Fuel on Reunion is more expensive than mainland France, because everything on the island is shipped in – vehicles, fuel, building materials, everything. The island produces sugar cane and tourism; it imports the rest.
| Fuel Type | Price per Liter (2026 est.) | Full Tank 40L (compact) | Full Tank 60L (SUV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unleaded 95 (SP95) | EUR 1.75 (~$1.90) | EUR 70 ($76) | EUR 105 ($114) |
| Diesel (Gazole) | EUR 1.55 (~$1.70) | EUR 62 ($67) | EUR 93 ($101) |
| Unleaded 98 (SP98) | EUR 1.85 (~$2.00) | EUR 74 ($80) | EUR 111 ($121) |
Mountain driving fuel consumption reality: Reunion’s switchbacks significantly increase fuel consumption. A compact car that gets 6 liters per 100 km on a French highway will use 8-12 liters per 100 km on the steep climbs to Cilaos or the volcano. The constant low-gear engine braking on the descents also increases consumption. Budget for roughly double your normal fuel costs on mountain driving days.
Weekly fuel estimate:
| Driving Pattern | Weekly Distance | Compact Fuel Cost | SUV Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mostly coastal | 400-500 km | EUR 42-65 | EUR 65-100 |
| Mixed coastal and mountains | 600-800 km | EUR 80-130 | EUR 110-165 |
| Mountain-heavy itinerary | 700-900 km | EUR 100-160 | EUR 140-200 |
Fuel Station Locations
| Town/Area | Number of Stations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Denis | 8-10 | Plentiful, all fuel types |
| Saint-Pierre | 5-7 | Well-covered for south coast base |
| Saint-Paul | 4-5 | Good for west coast driving |
| Le Tampon | 3-4 | Last reliable fuel before volcano road |
| Cilaos village | 1 | Only option in the cirque – fill up before entering |
| Salazie village | 1 | Only option in Salazie – fill before entering |
| Volcano road (from coast to Pas de Bellecombe) | 0 | Fill completely at Le Tampon or Bourg-Murat |
| Sainte-Rose (east coast) | 2 | Good to fill here before continuing south on Route des Laves |
Universal Reunion fuel rule: Fill completely before any mountain excursion. The one station in Cilaos may or may not be open on the day you arrive, and running dry on the RD242’s 400 curves is not a problem that resolves quickly.
Payment: All stations accept credit and debit cards. Automated pumps work with European chip-and-PIN cards. Some international cards with magnetic stripe only may need to pay inside at the counter. Automated pumps at unstaffed stations sometimes require a French or European card – pay inside at the staffed stations in main towns to avoid issues.
Tolls
There are no toll roads on Reunion. The entire road network is free. This is consistent with all French overseas departments – the French toll road system does not extend to the DOM-TOM. The budget impact is zero.
Parking Costs
| Location | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Denis center streets | EUR 1-1.50/hour | Metered zones, maximum 2 hours in blue zones |
| Saint-Denis waterfront (Barachois) | EUR 1/hour | Most accessible central option |
| Saint-Denis parking garages | EUR 1.50-2/hour | Several options in commercial zone |
| Saint-Pierre (city) | EUR 0.50-1/hour | Some metered zones, mostly manageable |
| Saint-Paul market area | Free-EUR 1/hour | Fills on Friday-Saturday morning |
| Beach parking (west coast) | Free | Fills by 10 AM summer weekends |
| Mountain towns (Cilaos, Hell-Bourg) | Free | Limited spaces at peak times |
| Trailhead parking (cirques) | Free | Arrive before 8 AM on weekends |
| Airport (Roland Garros) | EUR 8-12/day | Short-term and long-term options |
Total parking budget for a week: EUR 10-25 if you are based outside Saint-Denis or use the free beach and mountain parking. If you are based in the capital, budget EUR 25-50.
Parking strategy by base:
- Saint-Denis: Barachois waterfront area is your best daily option for city access. Avoid driving into the steep residential neighborhoods without a specific destination – the roads are narrow and turning around is challenging.
- Saint-Pierre: Parking is easy and mostly free outside the Saturday market morning. The waterfront boulevard has ample space.
- Mountain areas: Arrive before 8 AM on weekends for trailhead spaces. The Pas de Bellecombe volcano viewpoint parking fills early on clear mornings.
Day-by-Day Cost Breakdown: 7-Day Reunion Circuit
Using a compact car (Dacia Sandero), manual, local agency (Jumbo Car), low season, with Super CDW. Itinerary: Saint-Denis → east coast → south coast → Cilaos → volcano → west coast → Saint-Denis.
| Day | Activity | Distance | Fuel | Parking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, Saint-Denis half-day, east coast drive to Sainte-Rose | 80 km | EUR 9 | EUR 5 (Saint-Denis) | Easy arrival day |
| Day 2 | Sainte-Rose → Route des Laves → Saint-Philippe → south coast | 100 km | EUR 14 | EUR 0 | Lava road, start early |
| Day 3 | Saint-Pierre → Cilaos full day | 120 km | EUR 20 | EUR 0 | Mountain fuel consumption |
| Day 4 | Saint-Pierre → volcano (Pas de Bellecombe) → Bourg-Murat | 160 km | EUR 28 | EUR 0 | Highest fuel day, altitude |
| Day 5 | South coast beaches → Grand Anse → west coast | 90 km | EUR 11 | EUR 0 | Beach day |
| Day 6 | Salazie → Hell-Bourg → Saint-Denis area | 120 km | EUR 16 | EUR 3 (Saint-Denis evening) | Last mountain day |
| Day 7 | Saint-Denis → airport departure | 15 km | EUR 3 | EUR 0 (return at airport) | Fill up before return |
| Total | 685 km | EUR 101 | EUR 8 |
Full 7-day cost breakdown:
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Car rental (7 days × EUR 33/day, Jumbo Car compact, low season) | EUR 231 |
| Super CDW (7 days × EUR 10/day) | EUR 70 |
| Fuel (685 km, mixed coastal/mountain) | EUR 101 |
| Parking (mostly free, some Saint-Denis) | EUR 8 |
| Total transportation cost | EUR 410 (~$446) |
Alternative 10-Day Budget with Different Base
For travelers spending 10 days and basing in Saint-Pierre (better access to south attractions):
| Expense | 10-Day Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car rental (Jumbo Car compact, 10 days, low season) | EUR 305 | ~EUR 30.50/day at weekly rate extended |
| Super CDW | EUR 100 | EUR 10/day |
| Fuel (950 km, mixed) | EUR 140 | More mountain days = higher consumption |
| Parking (Saint-Pierre is mostly free) | EUR 10 | Minimal cost outside Saint-Denis |
| Total | EUR 555 (~$603) | EUR 55.50/day – excellent value |
Total Cost Estimates: Three Budget Scenarios
| Scenario | Base Rental (7 days) | Insurance | Fuel | Parking | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (economy, manual, local agency, May/Oct) | EUR 175 | EUR 70 (Super CDW only) | EUR 85 | EUR 10 | EUR 340 (~$370) |
| Mid-range (compact, manual, mixed agencies, shoulder season) | EUR 230 | EUR 98 (Super CDW + PAI) | EUR 110 | EUR 20 | EUR 458 (~$498) |
| Comfortable (SUV, automatic, international agency, July/August) | EUR 500 | EUR 140 (full coverage) | EUR 140 | EUR 25 | EUR 805 (~$876) |
Per-day equivalent: EUR 49-115. The mid-range option at EUR 65 per day is the practical target for most visitors.
Cost Comparison: Reunion vs. Nearby Islands
| Destination | Economy 7-day | Fuel per Liter | Driving Side | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reunion | EUR 175-500 | EUR 1.75 | Right | Mountain roads add consumption |
| Mauritius | EUR 140-380 | ~EUR 1.40 | Left | Wider roads, less dramatic terrain |
| Seychelles | EUR 245-595 | ~USD 1.70 | Left | Short distances, very small island |
| Maldives | N/A | N/A | N/A | No road network for tourists |
Reunion is mid-range among Indian Ocean island destinations for car rental cost, but it offers by far the most diverse and dramatic driving on any of the islands. The cost per spectacular kilometer is arguably the lowest in the region.
Hidden Fees and Surcharges
Young driver surcharge: Under 25 at international agencies: EUR 10-20 per day. Some local agencies do not charge this. If you are under 25, ask Jumbo Car and ITC Tropicar specifically.
Additional driver: EUR 5-10 per day per additional driver. Some agencies include one additional driver free.
One-way drop-off: Picking up at the airport and dropping off in Saint-Pierre (or any city office): EUR 30-60. Not all agencies offer this.
Late return fee: Return more than 30-60 minutes past the agreed time and you may be charged an extra half-day or full day. Plan your return schedule carefully.
GPS rental: EUR 8-12 per day. Skip it – Google Maps and Waze work well on Reunion with mobile data. Download offline maps before arrival.
Child seat rental: EUR 5-8 per day. French law requires child seats for children under 10 years (or under 135 cm).
Excess deposit block: EUR 500-1,500 blocked on your credit card throughout the rental. Released 7-14 business days after return. Ensure adequate available credit.
Automatic shortage surcharge: During July-August and December-January, automatic cars command an additional EUR 3-8/day premium above the posted surcharge simply because they are the first to sell out. If you need an automatic during peak season, book it as early as possible and expect to pay the full premium.
Fee Avoidability
| Fee | How to Avoid | Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Young driver surcharge | Ask local agencies, not international brands | EUR 70-140 over 7 days |
| GPS rental | Use phone with downloaded offline maps | EUR 56-84 over 7 days |
| Full-to-empty fuel markup | Always choose full-to-full policy | EUR 30-60 per tank |
| High-season premium | Travel May-June or September-October | EUR 80-180 over 7 days |
| Automatic surcharge | Book manual if you can drive it | EUR 35-105 over 7 days |
| International agency premium | Use local agencies (Jumbo Car, ITC Tropicar) | EUR 70-100 over 7 days |
Money-Saving Tips
Book local agencies. Jumbo Car, ITC Tropicar, and Rentacar are 20-30% cheaper than Europcar, Hertz, and Avis for equivalent vehicles. Their cars are well-maintained and their staff know the island’s roads. We have used them multiple times without issues.
Book early for high season. July-August and December-January: demand exceeds supply and prices are not negotiable. Booking 6-8 weeks ahead gets you better rates and your preferred vehicle class (especially important for automatics, which are the first to sell out).
Choose manual transmission. Automatics cost EUR 5-18 more per day and book out first. If you can drive manual, the savings over a week are real – EUR 35-126 depending on season and agency. Reunion’s mountain roads are genuinely better tackled in manual anyway – engine braking on the descent from Cilaos is much more controlled in a lower gear.
Take the weekly rate. Weekly rates are 15-25% cheaper per day than daily rates. If you need the car for 5 days, check whether the 7-day rate is actually cheaper. It often is, by a meaningful amount.
Skip the GPS rental. Use your phone. Google Maps and Waze are both accurate on Reunion. Download offline maps of Reunion before arrival as backup for the cirques and mountain roads where signal drops. Save EUR 56-84 per week.
Use credit card insurance. If your premium credit card includes rental car CDW that extends to French overseas departments, you can decline the agency’s Super CDW and save EUR 56-105 per week. Verify coverage explicitly with your card issuer before departure.
Fuel up at coastal stations. Mountain stations (where they exist) sometimes charge EUR 0.05-0.10 more per liter than coastal stations. Fill up in the main towns before heading uphill.
Choose full-to-full fuel policy. Always. The agency’s markup on prepaid or full-to-empty policies is typically 30-50% above pump price. Fill up at the fuel station near the airport before returning – there is one approximately 5 minutes from Roland Garros.
Shoulder season is the sweet spot. May-June and September-October offer the best combination of good weather, lower prices, and better availability than either peak season (July-August) or wet season (December-April). Prices in May are typically 30-40% lower than July.
Consider a diesel vehicle. Diesel costs EUR 0.20 less per liter than petrol on Reunion, and on a mountain-heavy itinerary (700+ km over a week), the difference in fuel costs between a diesel and petrol compact can reach EUR 20-30. Ask agencies specifically whether diesel vehicles are available in the class you are booking.
Base in Saint-Pierre for southern itineraries. If your priorities are Cilaos (1.5 hours from Saint-Pierre vs. 2.5+ hours from Saint-Denis), the volcano road (1.5 hours vs. 2 hours), and the south coast, basing in Saint-Pierre cuts your daily driving time significantly. Less driving means less fuel. Over a week, this geographical advantage saves a meaningful amount.
Pick up and return at the airport. The airport (Sainte-Marie, 10 km east of Saint-Denis) is the most efficient pickup point for all agencies. Some agencies charge EUR 15-30 for in-city pickup or delivery. The airport has the largest fleet selection, the best opening hours, and no delivery surcharge for most agencies.
Payment and Deposits
Credit card required. All agencies require a credit card (not debit) for the security deposit. The deposit is blocked (not charged): EUR 500-1,500 depending on the vehicle and coverage level.
Accepted cards: Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. American Express is accepted at international agencies but not consistently at local ones. Check before arrival if Amex is your only card.
Currency: All transactions are in euros. No currency exchange needed.
Deposit release: The blocked amount is typically released within 7-14 business days after the rental ends, assuming no damage claims. If you need the credit available quickly after returning home, use a card with a high limit or one you do not depend on for other purchases during this period.
Deposit Amounts by Car Class and Agency Type
| Vehicle Class | International Agency Deposit | Local Agency Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | EUR 600-900 | EUR 500-700 |
| Compact | EUR 800-1,200 | EUR 600-900 |
| Mid-size | EUR 1,000-1,500 | EUR 800-1,100 |
| Small SUV | EUR 1,200-1,800 | EUR 900-1,300 |
The deposit amount does not reflect the likelihood of damage – it reflects the maximum amount the agency can recover in case of damage without pursuing you in court. With Super CDW, the deposit may be reduced to EUR 200-500 at some agencies.
For detailed agency comparisons, see our airport rental guide. For driving rules and mountain road preparation, read our driving guide. For city-specific rental options, check our top cities guide. Comparing islands? See our Mauritius costs guide for the neighboring island, or our Seychelles costs guide for another Indian Ocean comparison.