To make the most of Reunion Island, transport quickly becomes a question. Here is the essential to get around with ease, especially in the West.
A rental car, the top choice
By far the most practical way to explore the island at your own pace: beaches, cirques, viewpoints. Book ahead in high season (July-August, school holidays) and choose a model suited to mountain roads if you head up to Cilaos or the Maïdo.
Public transport
The regional Car Jaune network links the main coastal towns at low cost, complemented by local urban networks. Handy for a one-off trip, but less flexible than a car for excursions.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Available mainly in tourist areas and for airport transfers. Expect a higher budget for long distances.
Getting around the West
From Saint-Gilles, Saint-Leu or La Possession, everything is easy by car: beaches, boat trips and hike trailheads are minutes away. A well-located home shortens journeys even more.
Our driving tips
- The new coastal road links the West to the North — check traffic conditions during heavy swell.
- Mountain roads are winding: allow more time than the distance suggests.
- Fill up before heading into the highlands.
Need a well-located home to explore from? See our homes in the West.
Driving, in practice
Book a rental car ahead, particularly during the austral winter when demand regularly outstrips supply. Agencies are concentrated at Roland-Garros airport and in the main towns.
Coastal roads are fast, but mountain roads take time: tight bends, steep gradients and slow traffic. Always allow more than the distance suggests.
Traffic and parking
The approaches to Saint-Denis and the coastal route slow down at peak hours. Shifting your journey by an hour is often enough to avoid the worst.
Parking is free near the beaches but limited at the end of the week, particularly at Boucan Canot and L’Hermitage. Arriving early remains the best strategy.
Can you manage without a car?
For a stay centred on Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, yes: beaches, restaurants and shops are all walkable. For the rest of the island, buses exist but run on timetables that sit awkwardly with visiting the sites.
The middle path is to rent a vehicle for a few targeted days rather than for the whole stay.
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