DriveAtlas
Best Cities to Rent a Car in Reunion
Reunion is a small island with three towns large enough to have proper car rental infrastructure. Saint-Denis in the north is the capital and home to the only international airport. Saint-Pierre on the south coast is the island’s second city and the gateway to the southern attractions. Saint-Paul on the west coast sits in the middle of the beach zone and the best weather. Each has a different character, and where you pick up your car determines which part of the island you reach first.
We have started trips from all three towns. The honest answer is that it barely matters on an island this compact – you can drive from any point to any other point in under three hours. But if you want to minimize driving time on arrival day, avoid the coastal traffic between north and south, or start your trip in a specific region, choosing the right pickup location helps. What follows is a practical breakdown of each option.
City Comparison
| Feature | Saint-Denis | Saint-Pierre | Saint-Paul |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | ~150,000 | ~85,000 | ~105,000 |
| Airport | Roland Garros (RUN), 10 km east | Pierrefonds (ZSE, regional only) | None |
| Rental agencies | 10+ (airport + in-city) | 5-8 (city offices) | 3-5 (city offices) |
| Best for | Airport pickup, north coast, Salazie | South coast, Cilaos, volcano road | West coast beaches, relaxed pace |
| Parking difficulty | Moderate-Hard (center) | Easy-Moderate | Easy |
| Traffic | Heavy (commute hours) | Moderate | Light |
| Nearest cirque | Salazie 45 min, Cilaos 2.5 hr | Cilaos 1.5 hr, Salazie 2 hr | Mafate viewpoints 45-60 min |
| Drive to volcano (Pas de Bellecombe) | 2 hr via RN3 | 1.5 hr via RN3 | 2.5 hr |
| Best months to base here | Year-round (but note cyclone risk Dec-Mar) | Year-round | May-November (best beach weather) |
| Restaurant/culture scene | Best on island | Good, more relaxed | Limited but authentic |
Saint-Denis
Saint-Denis is where most visitors first touch Reunion soil. Roland Garros Airport is 10 km east of the city center, and the majority of rental agencies have their main desks at the airport. Picking up there is the most convenient option by a considerable margin – the agencies are in the arrivals hall, the cars are in the adjacent lot, and you are on the road in twenty minutes.
The city itself is worth a half-day exploration before heading inland or south. It has the best preserved Creole colonial architecture on the island – the area around the Rue de Paris and the Jardin de l’Etat is lined with 19th-century buildings with characteristic wooden balconies and louvered shutters. The Le Grand Marche (covered market) is worth a walk-through for local spices, vanilla, and the particular organized chaos of a functioning island market. The restaurant scene in Saint-Denis is the best on the island: Creole cuisine (cari, rougail saucisse, mines sautees) executed with French technique at places that have been serving the same dishes to the same families for generations.
Driving in Saint-Denis: This is the most challenging urban driving on the island. Traffic is genuinely heavy during the commute (7-9 AM, 4-6:30 PM), particularly on the Route du Littoral connecting Saint-Denis to the west coast – a 12 km coastal road squeezed between cliffs and the sea that handles far more traffic than it was designed for. The construction of the Nouvelle Route du Littoral (a new elevated coastal highway) has been ongoing for years and continues to affect traffic patterns in the Saint-Denis to La Possession corridor. Outside commute hours, driving in Saint-Denis is manageable.
Street layout: Saint-Denis is built on a coastal strip with steep hills immediately behind. The main commercial streets are roughly grid-like, but the residential areas climbing the hillside are a maze of narrow lanes. GPS navigation is essential. Street signs are in French and the naming conventions are not intuitive (roads named after 19th-century French dignitaries). One-way streets exist in the center; check signage carefully.
Parking in Saint-Denis:
| Location | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City center streets | Metered | EUR 1-1.50/hour | Blue zones require a disc for time-limited parking |
| Barachois waterfront | Open lot | EUR 1/hour | Best central option, accessible |
| Shopping center garages | Covered | EUR 1.50-2/hour | Several options in the commercial zone |
| Residential streets above center | Free street | Free | Requires navigating steep roads |
| Airport | Short/long term | EUR 8-12/day | For departures only |
Key parking strategy: The Barachois waterfront area is the most practical base for exploring central Saint-Denis. It is flat, accessible, and within 10 minutes’ walk of most of the city center sights. Avoid driving into the steep residential neighborhoods above the city unless you know where you are going – the roads are narrow and turning around is genuinely difficult in some areas.
Rental agencies in Saint-Denis:
| Agency | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Europcar | Airport (Sainte-Marie) + Rue Marechal Leclerc | Largest fleet on island |
| Hertz | Airport + City center | Good for larger vehicles |
| Avis | Airport + Boulevard Lancastel | Standard international service |
| Sixt | Airport + City area | Competitive on compact rates |
| Jumbo Car | Airport + Rue du Marechal Leclerc | Best local value, experienced staff |
| ITC Tropicar | Airport + Sainte-Clotilde | Local specialist |
| Ada | Airport + Rue Pasteur | French budget brand |
| Rentacar | Airport + City | Lowest prices, basic fleet |
Best base for: Arriving and departing (airport proximity), exploring the north coast, day trips to Salazie and Hell-Bourg (45 minutes), and the east coast Route des Laves. If your itinerary is weighted toward the north and east of the island, Saint-Denis makes sense as a base.
What to Do on Your First Day in Saint-Denis
If you arrive in the afternoon, use the rest of the day in Saint-Denis before heading out of town the following morning. The Barachois waterfront promenade is pleasant in the evening – the lighthouse, the sea-facing cafes, and the French colonial building facades are all worth the walk. The covered market at Le Grand Marche (Rue Marechal Leclerc) is best in the morning; arrive by 8 AM for the full experience before the tourist traffic.
Dinner in Saint-Denis: the Creole restaurants in the Marche de Savanna area serve authentic cari (curry) with rice, rougail (tomato and spice), and bredes (leafy greens) at prices that make Paris look unhinged. A full dinner for two with wine rarely exceeds EUR 40.
Day Trips from Saint-Denis
| Destination | Distance | Driving Time | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salazie / Hell-Bourg | 45 km | 1-1.5 hr | RN2 east + RD48 | Start 7 AM for clear views |
| East coast / Sainte-Rose | 60 km | 1-1.5 hr | RN2 east | Route des Laves access |
| Saint-Paul market | 35 km | 40-50 min | RN1 west | Friday/Saturday morning only |
| L’Ermitage beach | 45 km | 50-60 min | RN1 west south | Avoid Route du Littoral rush hour |
| Grand Etang lake | 70 km | 1.5 hr | RN2 east + detour | Inland mountain lake |
| Cilaos | 110 km | 2.5-3 hr | RN1 south + RD242 | Full day from Saint-Denis |
| Volcano (Pas de Bellecombe) | 95 km | 2 hr | RN1 south + RN3 | Start before 7 AM |
| Cascade Niagara | 30 km | 35 min | RN2 east | Easy waterfall stop on the Salazie road |
Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre is the south coast’s main city and feels noticeably more relaxed than Saint-Denis. It has a bustling Saturday morning market, a waterfront lined with bars and restaurants where people actually sit outside in the evenings, and a sunnier and drier climate than the north. The architecture is less colonial and more utilitarian, but the atmosphere is more lived-in and less administrative. If your itinerary is weighted toward Cilaos, the volcano road, and the south coast beaches, Saint-Pierre is a better base than Saint-Denis.
Pierrefonds Airport near Saint-Pierre (ZSE) handles a few regional flights per week – primarily to Mauritius and Madagascar on small propeller aircraft. It is not the arrival point for international visitors. However, several rental agencies maintain offices in Saint-Pierre itself, making one-way rentals possible: pick up at Roland Garros in Saint-Denis on arrival, explore the island, and drop off in Saint-Pierre before a regional flight to Mauritius.
Driving in Saint-Pierre: Significantly easier than Saint-Denis by any measure. The city is smaller, traffic is lighter, and the road layout is more straightforward. The main challenge is the Saturday morning market, when the waterfront area and surrounding streets are clogged with locals and vendors from across the south. If you are staying in or near Saint-Pierre on a Friday night, expect limited parking near the center by 8 AM Saturday.
Saint-Pierre to Cilaos: The RD242 mountain road to Cilaos begins from Saint-Louis, approximately 15 km west of Saint-Pierre. From Saint-Pierre, you are at the base of the Cilaos drive within 20 minutes – far more convenient than starting from Saint-Denis. This alone is a strong argument for basing in Saint-Pierre if Cilaos is a priority.
Saint-Pierre to the volcano: The RN3 climbs from Saint-Pierre through Le Tampon and across the Plaine des Cafres to Bourg-Murat (1,400 m) in approximately 1 hour. From Bourg-Murat, the Route Forestiere leads another 27 km to the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint at 2,311 m. Total drive from Saint-Pierre to the viewpoint: approximately 1.5-2 hours. This is the most direct route to the volcano from any of the island’s main towns.
Parking in Saint-Pierre:
| Location | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfront (Boulevard Hubert Delisle) | Street and lots | EUR 0.50-1/hour | Easy, mostly free evenings |
| Saturday market area | Controlled | EUR 0.50/hour | Fills by 8 AM on Saturdays |
| Shopping centers (peripheral) | Free | Free | Walk from town center |
| Beach areas (Grand Anse, Manapany) | Free lots | Free | Arrive early summer weekends |
| Old cemetery area | Free street | Free | Historical area, peaceful |
Rental agencies in Saint-Pierre:
| Agency | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Europcar | Boulevard Hubert Delisle | Largest local fleet |
| Jumbo Car | Route Nationale, ZI | Best value, Cilaos-experienced staff |
| Hertz | Avenue des Mascareignes | Premium vehicles |
| ITC Tropicar | Saint-Pierre city | Local specialist |
| Ada | Rue Marius et Ary Leblond | Budget option |
Best base for: Cilaos (20 min to road start, 1.5 hr to the village), volcano road (1.5 hr to summit viewpoint), south coast beaches (Grand Anse, Manapany-les-Bains), and the east coast Route des Laves (1 hour to Sainte-Rose). If your trip is focused on the southern half of the island, Saint-Pierre is the most logical base.
Saint-Pierre Practical Notes
The Saturday market: Worth attending for local food, spices, and the genuine market energy of southern Reunion. Arrive by 7:30 AM for the best selection. The market covers the Boulevard Hubert Delisle waterfront and several surrounding streets. It is primarily a local market rather than a tourist market – the clientele is Reunionnais, the products are everyday and regional, and the prices reflect this. Excellent for vanilla, lentils from Cilaos (the locally-grown Bourbon lentil is a regional specialty), rum arrangé (flavored rums), and island-made handicrafts.
Waterfront evenings: The Saint-Pierre promenade is more lively in the evenings than Saint-Denis, with open-air bars and restaurants that feel genuinely Mediterranean despite being in the Indian Ocean. Sunset over the sea from the waterfront terrace is worth timing dinner around.
The old cemetery: A historical curiosity worth a quick visit. The Cimetiere Marin (sea cemetery) near the waterfront contains the graves of significant figures from Reunion’s colonial period and is one of the oldest preserved cemeteries on the island.
Day Trips from Saint-Pierre
| Destination | Distance | Driving Time | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cilaos | 55 km | 1.5 hr | RN1 west + RD242 | Start 7 AM, full day |
| Pas de Bellecombe (volcano) | 80 km | 1.5-2 hr | RN3 + Route Forestiere | Start 6 AM for clear summit views |
| Grand Anse beach | 18 km west | 20 min | RN1 west | Black sand, dramatic |
| Cap Mechant | 25 km east | 25 min | RN2 east | Wild volcanic coastline |
| Sainte-Rose (Route des Laves start) | 80 km east | 1.5 hr | RN2 east | Allow full day |
| Saint-Paul / west coast beaches | 90 km | 1.5-2 hr | RN1 west | Long day from south |
| Manapany-les-Bains | 15 km west | 18 min | RN1 | Popular south coast beach |
| Langevin waterfall | 45 km east | 50 min | RN2 east | One of the island’s most dramatic falls |
Saint-Paul
Saint-Paul sits on the west coast between Saint-Denis and the beach resort area of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. It is the island’s third-largest town and home to one of Reunion’s most-attended attractions: the Friday and Saturday morning market along the seafront, regularly cited as one of the largest open-air markets in the Indian Ocean. The market sells everything from fresh produce and spices to handmade jewelry and tourist goods – the spice stalls alone are worth the trip if you are planning to bring anything back to a kitchen. Vanilla beans, curcuma, cari blends, and local rum are the classics.
Saint-Paul has fewer rental agencies than Saint-Denis or Saint-Pierre, but the major local brand (Jumbo Car) maintains an office here, and international agencies in nearby Saint-Gilles and Saint-Gilles-les-Bains are accessible within minutes. The town’s central position on the west coast makes it the best base for anyone focused primarily on beaches, water sports, and the coastal experience.
Driving in Saint-Paul: The west coast between Saint-Paul and Saint-Leu is the most pleasant coastal driving on the island – a two-lane road with beaches, reef-protected lagoons, roadside restaurants, and significantly less stress than anything near Saint-Denis. Traffic is moderate. The only significant issue is the Route du Littoral between Saint-Paul and Saint-Denis to the north – the same congested coastal section that plagues the capital. If you are driving between Saint-Paul and Saint-Denis, do it outside commute hours.
Market day parking: The Friday and Saturday morning market fills every parking space near the waterfront by 8 AM. If you want to visit the market (and you should), arrive before 7:30 AM or park 10 minutes’ walk away in the residential streets.
Parking in Saint-Paul:
| Location | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfront (market area) | Free/metered | Free-EUR 1/hour | Fills fast on market days |
| Town center streets | Free and metered | Free-EUR 0.50/hour | Easier than Saint-Denis |
| L’Ermitage beach | Free lot | Free | Fills on summer weekends by 10 AM |
| Boucan Canot beach | Free street | Free | Limited spaces, arrive early |
| Saint-Leu | Free lots | Free | Easy parking, beach town |
| Kelonia observatory parking | Free lot | Free | Part of the entry package |
Rental agencies in Saint-Paul:
| Agency | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo Car | Route Nationale, Saint-Paul | Best local value |
| Europcar | Nearby Saint-Gilles | Large fleet (10 min drive) |
| ITC Tropicar | Saint-Paul area | Local specialist |
Best base for: West coast beaches (Boucan Canot, L’Ermitage, Saint-Leu), snorkeling and diving (the west coast lagoon is the best in Reunion), surfing (Saint-Leu, Trois-Bassins), and day trips to Mafate viewpoints (Col des Boeufs is 45-60 minutes away). If your trip is predominantly beach and water-based with occasional excursions, Saint-Paul or the immediately adjacent Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is your base.
The West Coast Explained
The stretch of coastline between Saint-Paul and Saint-Leu is Reunion’s tourist heartland for good reason. The barrier reef creates a lagoon that is protected from ocean swell, the beaches are sandy (rare on this volcanic island), and the water temperature stays at 25-28 degrees C from May through November. Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and L’Ermitage-les-Bains are the main beach resort settlements – concentrated hotel and restaurant infrastructure, boat trips to the reef, and beach bars that function on a schedule calibrated to sunset rather than business hours.
Saint-Leu, 30 km south of Saint-Paul, hosts one of the best left-hand surfing breaks in the world. The Pro Reunion longboard competition brings international surfers each October. The beach itself is pleasant for non-surfers, and the Kelonia sea turtle observatory (approximately 3 km south of the center) is one of the island’s best family attractions – admission is EUR 9 adults, EUR 4.50 children, and the turtle breeding program is genuinely interesting.
Day Trips from Saint-Paul
| Destination | Distance | Driving Time | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L’Ermitage / Boucan Canot beaches | 5-10 km | 10-15 min | RN1 south | Best lagoon beaches |
| Saint-Leu (surf) | 30 km | 30 min | RN1 south | World-class left-hand break |
| Kelonia (sea turtle observatory) | 30 km | 30 min | RN1 south near Saint-Leu | Excellent, book tickets ahead |
| Col des Boeufs (Mafate viewpoint) | 45 km | 45-60 min | RN2 + mountain road | Viewpoint into Mafate cirque |
| Salazie / Hell-Bourg | 70 km | 1.5 hr | RN2 north + RD48 | Full day |
| Saint-Denis market | 35 km | 40-50 min | RN1 north | Avoid rush hours |
| Cilaos | 80 km | 2 hr | RN1 south + RD242 | Long day from Saint-Paul |
| Trois-Bassins (waterfalls) | 20 km | 20 min | RN1 south | Multiple falls accessible by short trail |
| Maido viewpoint | 25 km | 40 min | Mountain road inland | Panoramic view over Mafate, 2,205 m altitude |
Choosing Between Pickup Locations
If your priorities are: Getting started immediately, airport convenience, Salazie access, north and east coast itinerary – pick up at Roland Garros Airport (Saint-Denis).
If your priorities are: South coast focus, Cilaos, volcano road, least driving to your sights – pick up at Roland Garros, then drive south and base in Saint-Pierre.
If your priorities are: Pure beach holiday, west coast relaxation, water sports – pick up at Roland Garros, drive west, and base near Saint-Paul or Saint-Gilles.
The one-way drop-off option is available from international agencies for an additional fee of EUR 30-60. Given the island’s size, this is rarely necessary – the maximum drive from any point to Roland Garros is about 2 hours.
Quick Decision Guide
| Trip Focus | Best Base | Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| North + east coast, Salazie | Saint-Denis | Airport |
| South coast, Cilaos | Saint-Pierre | Airport → drive south |
| Volcano road (primary) | Saint-Pierre or Bourg-Murat area | Airport → drive south/inland |
| West coast beaches | Saint-Paul or Saint-Gilles | Airport → drive west |
| Full island circuit | Any (clockwise itinerary) | Airport |
| Mixed / all of the above | Saint-Denis or Saint-Pierre | Airport |
Recommended Itinerary Structures by Base
7-day circuit from Saint-Denis (recommended for first-time visitors):
Day 1: Saint-Denis exploration on foot. Day 2: East coast to Sainte-Rose (Route des Laves). Day 3: Drive south to Saint-Pierre (coastal road). Day 4: Cilaos day trip. Day 5: Volcano day trip. Day 6: Drive north via west coast (L’Ermitage, Saint-Paul). Day 7: Salazie/Hell-Bourg, return to Saint-Denis.
7-day circuit from Saint-Pierre (recommended for south/volcano focus):
Day 1: Drive from airport to Saint-Pierre via RN1 west coast. Day 2: Cilaos full day. Day 3: Volcano full day (start 6 AM). Day 4: South coast beaches, east toward Cap Mechant. Day 5: Route des Laves, Sainte-Rose area. Day 6: Drive north via west coast, Saint-Paul/L’Ermitage. Day 7: Return to airport via Saint-Denis and Salazie.
Practical Tips for Driving in All Three Cities
Roundabouts are everywhere on Reunion. The French roundabout system is used extensively across the island. Traffic already circling in the roundabout has priority. Approach slowly, yield to vehicles already in the circle, and enter when clear. Reunionese drivers are generally competent and patient at roundabouts.
Speed cameras at town entries. The Route Nationale has speed cameras at the entry points to most towns, where the limit drops from 110 km/h (open highway) to 50 km/h (urban). These transition zones are common camera locations. Reduce speed before the town entry signs, not after you see them.
Street signs are in French. GPS navigation works accurately across the island. Google Maps and Waze both perform well. Download offline maps of Reunion before arrival as backup – mobile signal drops in the cirques and on sections of the mountain roads.
Fuel in all three cities. Multiple fuel stations in Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, and Saint-Paul. Standard practice: fill up completely before any mountain excursion. The mountain areas have limited stations (one each in Cilaos and Salazie) and the volcano road has none.
Mountain roads start abruptly. From Saint-Pierre, you can be on a flat coastal road and within 15 minutes be on the steep switchbacks leading to Cilaos. The transition from city driving to mountain driving happens fast – be mentally prepared for a gear change in both senses.
Rush hours affect all three cities. Saint-Denis worst (7-9 AM, 4-6:30 PM), Saint-Pierre moderate (7:30-8:30 AM, 4:30-6 PM), Saint-Paul light (morning only on the Route du Littoral approaching Saint-Denis direction). Plan to avoid these windows when moving between the north and west.
Altitude changes require windscreen defrosting. If you drive to the Pas de Bellecombe or the Maido viewpoint, the rapid temperature change (sea level 28°C to summit 8-12°C) causes windscreen condensation on descent. Have the defroster ready.
For airport-specific pickup advice, see our airport rental guide. For full pricing details, check our costs and tips. For the mountain road drives you will be taking from these cities, see our best routes guide. Comparing Indian Ocean options? Our Mauritius top cities guide covers the neighboring island.