Final Rentals

Finalrentals Blog

How Much Is Car Rental in Réunion Island? Full Price Guide
All images used in this website, including all the blogs and blog section are created and obtained from a paid Canva Pro subscription. We do not intend to use any of this information commercially and it is solely for the purpose of knowledge and education of our visitors.

Published in Car Rental Category.

A cheap daily rate may look attractive, but it does not always show your full booking cost. Insurance, airport charges, deposits, car type, and travel dates can all change the final amount.

The car rental cost in Réunion Island often starts between €20 and €35 daily for an economy car. Automatic cars, SUVs, and 7-seaters usually cost more. This guide explains daily prices, fixed fees, deposits, insurance cover, and key booking terms before you rent a car in Réunion.

Daily Car Rental Prices in Réunion Island by Car Type

The car rental cost in Réunion Island varies by seating, luggage space, fuel type, and transmission. These daily pricing ranges reflect the sample tariff used for this guide.

Economy and Manual Hatchback Costs

Small manual hatchbacks usually start at between €20 and €30 per day. They normally seat four or five people and carry one or two bags. A small car can make town parking easier for solo travellers and couples. However, check the listed boot space before booking because passenger numbers can be misleading.

Manual economy rates often include unlimited mileage and air conditioning. These inclusions help you manage costs during longer island drives. Your quote can still change through rental dates, collection points, and available cars.

Diesel and Automatic Hatchback Costs

A diesel manual hatchback usually starts at €30 to €35 per day. An automatic hatchback typically costs between €35 and €40 per day. The automatic rate can therefore cost around €15 more daily than the cheapest manual option. Drivers may find an automatic easier on steep climbs, sharp bends, and busy hill starts. Diesel cars may use less fuel on longer drives. However, fuel savings depend on routes, traffic, hills, and current pump prices.

SUV and Seven-Seater Costs

Compact and standard SUVs usually start at between €35 and €65 per day. Automatic 7-seaters often start at between €65 and €70 per day. Larger SUVs may carry four bags, while some premium models list space for only two.

Think about both passenger space and luggage before choosing a 7-seater. Using all seven seats can leave limited space for large suitcases. It may still cost less than renting two smaller cars, but compare deposits, fuel costs, and parking needs first. Check the listed luggage capacity before booking an SUV.

What Affects Car Rental Prices in Réunion Island?

The car rental cost in Réunion Island includes several charges. Daily and fixed costs affect your final payment in different ways.

Vehicle Size, Gearbox, and Travel Dates

Small manual cars usually have the lowest daily rates. Larger bodies, automatic gearboxes, and more passenger space create higher daily hire rates. Automatic cars and family SUVs may also sell out earlier during popular periods. Demand often rises from November to January and during July and August. School holidays can also reduce the availability of family cars. Booking early gives more choice across gearboxes, seating layouts, and luggage limits.

Airport Collection and Fixed Extras

The sample tariff adds a €20 airport surcharge per rental. A child seat could increase costs, so include this charge when checking airport car rental prices in Réunion. Compare the collection at Roland Garros Airport with a branch in Saint-Denis. The airport can save time for transfers, while a city branch may avoid the surcharge.

Other branches may operate around Saint-Gilles, Sainte-Marie, and Saint-Pierre. However, include your transfer cost, as a taxi could be more expensive. Reserve the correct child seat in advance, and confirm whether the staff will install it.

Insurance, Deposits, and Included Features

Basic Collision Damage Waiver and Third Party Liability provide basic insurance coverage. The damage excess can reach €1,200 for economy groups and €1,500 for standard groups. A matching refundable deposit is held on the main renter’s credit card.

Optional Super Collision Damage Waiver costs between €15 and €20 daily. This cover reduces the excess to zero and lowers the refundable deposit to €200. Check important cover exclusions for glass, tyres, keys, underbody damage, and incorrect fuel. The listed groups include unlimited mileage and air conditioning. The same-fuel policy means you return the car with the fuel level you collected. Check each condition before confirming the car rental cost in Réunion Island.

To plan a clear budget, book online through Final Rentals and compare economy cars, automatics, SUVs, and seven-seaters in one place.

How to Compare Daily Car Rental Costs in Réunion Island

A good comparison starts with the base daily rate and your chosen protection. Add fixed extras separately to see the full booking cost.

Separate Daily Charges From Fixed Fees

The vehicle rate and optional protection apply each day. The airport surcharge and child seat apply once per rental. Longer bookings spread fixed charges over more days, while daily cover continues to increase. This difference explains why similar headline prices can produce different final totals. Calculate the full booking period rather than comparing the first visible rate.

Compare the Same Car Type and Terms

Use identical dates and collection times when comparing quotes. You should also match return times, car groups, gearboxes, and cover levels. A manual economy car cannot be compared fairly with an automatic compact car.

Returning late may trigger another rental day. Check mileage, fuel terms, deposits, and damage excesses. You should also compare luggage capacity, not only passenger seats. Use the listed bag limit because pictures cannot confirm suitcase space. Photograph the dashboard, body, wheels, windscreen, and interior during collection. These pictures can help if you later dispute existing damage.

Check Extra Fees Before Collection

Review extra charges, including additional driver fees, young driver costs, cleaning charges, late returns, and one-way restrictions. These areas may create hidden car rental fees in Réunion. Drivers must also be aged between 22 and 75.

You need a valid full driving licence and must meet the required licence-holding period before collection. An international driving licence must accompany your domestic licence. Bring your passport or identity card and a credit card in the main renter’s name. Only accepted credit cards can be used to cover the deposit.

Debit cards, prepaid cards, and cash are not accepted. Cross-border travel may also not be permitted. Check payment rules and all car rental fees in Réunion Island before booking.

Takeaway

The car rental cost in Réunion Island becomes clearer when you compare full terms rather than a single headline rate. Choose luggage space that's enough, check the gearbox, and separate daily cover from fixed extras. A lower daily price may still require a larger deposit or stricter fuel terms. Your best choice offers clear pricing, useful coverage, and enough comfort for island roads throughout your entire Réunion trip.

Rent a car in Réunion with Final Rentals to get unlimited mileage and included CDW and TPL cover. With various car types, you can compare your options before booking. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average car rental cost in Réunion Island?

The car rental cost in Réunion Island usually starts between €20 and €35 daily for an economy car. Automatic cars, SUVs, and seven-seaters generally cost more. Travel dates, collection location, included cover, and available cars can also change the quote. Check the full booking terms, including luggage space, mileage, fuel rules, and the deposit.

How much does an automatic rental car cost in Réunion?

An automatic hatchback usually costs between €35 and €40 daily. Automatic SUVs often start between €40 and €65 daily. Seven-seaters often start between €65 and €70 daily. Rates can rise quickly during busy travel periods across the island. Book automatic cars early because fewer options may be available than manual cars.

What extra charges should you expect when renting at Réunion Airport?

The sample tariff includes a €20 airport surcharge for each rental. Optional protection costs between €15 and €20 daily, while a child seat costs €20 once. You may also face charges for extra drivers, late returns, cleaning, or age rules. Check all airport booking costs, including the deposit, fuel level, damage excess, and collection times.