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Rent a Car at Roland Garros Airport (RUN)

Convenient Car Rental Pick-Up at Roland Garros Airport

Roland Garros Airport (RUN) is the main international airport serving Réunion Island, a French overseas region in the Indian Ocean. Most travelers arrive through this airport to explore the island’s beaches, volcanic landscapes, mountain roads, and coastal towns. Renting a car at Roland Garros Airport is the most efficient way to travel across Réunion, as public transport does not cover many key attractions.

With Final Rentals, travelers can book an online car rental at Roland Garros Airport in advance, avoid delays after landing.

Why Rent a Car at Roland Garros Airport?

Réunion Island has limited public transportation, especially outside Saint-Denis and major towns. Buses follow fixed routes and schedules and are not suitable for flexible travel or remote areas.

Renting a car at RUN Airport allows you to:

  • Travel directly from the airport to your accommodation

  • Reach beaches, mountains, and viewpoints easily

  • Explore the island at your own pace

  • Avoid dependence on taxis or tour schedules

  • Travel comfortably with luggage or family

Location of Roland Garros Airport

  • Airport Name: Roland Garros Airport

  • Airport Code: IATA: RUN | ICAO: FMEE

  • Location: Sainte-Marie, Réunion Island, France

The airport is located on the north coast of Réunion, approximately 8 km east of Saint-Denis, the island’s capital.

Distances from Airport to Key Destinations

Driving from the airport provides direct access to the island’s main areas:

  • Saint-Denis: 8 km | 15 minutes

  • Saint-Gilles-les-Bains: 45 km | 50 minutes

  • Saint-Pierre: 95 km | 1 hour 30 minutes

  • Salazie (mountain region): 35 km | 1 hour

  • Piton de la Fournaise: 90 km | 2 hours

Roads are paved and well-maintained, with scenic coastal and mountain routes.

Roland Garros Airport Facilities

Roland Garros Airport is modern and organized, offering essential services for arriving travelers:

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout terminal areas

  • ATMs and banking services

  • Currency exchange counters

  • Cafés, bakeries, and restaurants

  • Duty-free and retail shops

  • Tourist information desks

  • Short-term and long-term parking

Clear signage in French and English helps visitors move easily through the terminal.

Contact Details

  • Address: Aéroport de La Réunion Roland Garros, 97438 Sainte-Marie, Réunion

  • Official Website: https://www.reunion.aeroport.fr

  • Airport Operator: Groupe ADP / Aéroports de La Réunion

  • Information Desk: Located in the arrivals area

Official airport services provide reliable assistance for arriving passengers.

Car Rental Pick-Up at Roland Garros Airport

Car rental operations at RUN Airport are handled through organized airport procedures to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. Pickup may take place at designated service areas or nearby facilities, depending on booking details.

With Final Rentals, the process is clear:

  • Book your rental car online before arrival

  • Receive pickup instructions with confirmation

  • Complete immigration and baggage claim

  • Proceed to the assigned pickup point

  • Inspect the vehicle and begin driving

Vehicle Options Available at RUN Airport

Final Rentals offers vehicles suitable for Réunion’s terrain and road conditions:

  • Economy cars: Fuel-efficient for city and coastal travel

  • Compact cars: Easy handling on narrow roads

  • Sedans: Comfortable for longer drives

  • SUVs: Recommended for mountain routes

  • Larger vehicles: Suitable for families and groups

Vehicle choice should match your route, luggage needs, and travel stl.

Driving in Réunion

Before leaving the airport, drivers should understand local rules:

  • Driving side: Right-hand side

  • Speed limits:

    • Urban areas: 50 km/h

    • Main roads: 80 km/h

    • Dual carriageways: up to 110 km/h

  • Seat belts: Mandatory for all occupants

  • Mobile phones: Hands-free only

  • Alcohol limits: Strictly enforced

Traffic laws follow French regulations and are actively enforced.

Road Conditions and Safety Tips

  • Coastal and city roads are in good condition

  • Mountain roads are narrow with sharp bends

  • The weather can change quickly at higher elevations

  • Use lower gears on steep descents

  • Avoid driving too fast on unfamiliar roads

Driving cautiously is important, especially in mountainous areas.

Fuel, Parking, and Navigation

  • Fuel stations are widely available around the island

  • Payment by card is commonly accepted

  • Parking is available in towns, on beaches, and at viewpoints

  • Paid parking applies in some urban areas

  • GPS or offline navigation apps are recommended

Fuel prices are regulated across France, including Réunion.

Best Time to Book a Car Rental at the RUN Airport

Demand increases during:

  • June to September: Peak travel season

  • December holidays: High tourist arrivals

Documents Required

Travelers usually need:

  • Valid passport

  • Valid driving license (EU or international)

  • Credit card in the main driver’s name

  • Booking confirmation

Age and license requirements may vary by vehicle category.

Why Choose Final Rentals?

Final Rentals focuses on reliable airport rental solutions:

  • Advance online booking

  • Clear rental terms and conditions

  • Vehicles suitable for island driving

  • Organized pickup instructions

  • Support throughout the rental period

How to Book Your Car at Roland Garros Airport?

Visit the Final Rentals website
Select Roland Garros Airport (RUN) as your pickup location
Choose dates and vehicle type
Complete booking and receive confirmation
Collect your car and explore Réunion Island.

With a rental car ready at the airport, traveling across Réunion becomes flexible and efficient from the first day.

FAQs About Roland Garros Airport Car Rentals

What documents do foreign tourists need to rent a car at RUN?

You need a valid driver’s license from your home country and a passport. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required if your license is in English or French. Digital licenses aren’t accepted—always carry the original physical copy. This makes car hire at Roland Garros Airport straightforward for most EU, UK, and North American visitors.

Can Réunion residents rent a car at Roland Garros Airport using only a local ID?

Local citizens can use a valid French driver’s license and national ID card (Carte d’Identité). No passport is needed. A credit card in the driver’s name is still required for the deposit. Insurance terms may differ slightly from tourists.

What’s the minimum age to rent a car from Roland Garros Airport?

You must be at least 21 years old. Drivers aged 21–24 may pay a small young driver fee (10–15% extra). Most SUVs or premium models require renters to be 25 or older. Some providers ask for at least one year of driving experience.

How much does car hire cost per day at Roland Garros Airport?

Compact cars like the Renault Clio or Peugeot 208 start at $30–$45/day in low season (May–Nov), rising to $55–$85/day in peak (Dec–Mar). SUVs such as the Dacia Duster or Nissan Qashqai cost $70–$110/day. A deposit of $300–$800 is standard. Fuel and basic insurance are usually included—confirm when booking car hire at Roland Garros Airport.

Do I need an International Driving Permit at the RUN Airport?

If your license is from the EU, UK, US, Canada, or Australia, it’s valid in Réunion (a French department). IDP is only needed for non-French/English licenses. Most tourists don’t require one.

What fuel policy applies to rentals picked up at Roland Garros?

“Full-to-full” is standard: you receive the car full and must return it full. Petrol costs about $1.80–$2.00 per liter. Stations (Total, Shell) are available in Saint-Denis and along main roads. Keep your receipt—without it, you’ll pay a 20% refueling service fee.

Are automatic cars easy to find at Roland Garros Airport?

Most compact and SUV models offer an automatic transmission. Common automatics include the Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, and Dacia Duster. They cost 10–20% more than manuals. Availability is good year-round, but reserve early during holidays to secure your preferred automatic car.

What’s the security deposit for renting at Roland Garros Airport?

A temporary hold of $300–$800 is placed on your credit card, based on vehicle type and insurance level. Economy models require less; SUVs need more. The hold releases within 5–10 days after return if no damage occurs.

Can I drive my rental anywhere on Réunion Island from RUN?

Rental cars can be driven island-wide, from Saint-Gilles beaches to Piton de la Fournaise volcano. All main roads are paved, though mountain routes like the Route du Volcan are steep and winding. Confirm your agreement allows full-island use—this is standard, but verifying ensures no issues when exploring Réunion’s dramatic terrain.

Are there tolls on roads from Roland Garros Airport?

Réunion has no toll roads. The drive from Roland Garros Airport to Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, or coastal towns is completely free. However, national park entry fees (e.g., for Réunion National Park trails) may apply—around $5–$10 per person.

Is parking easy in the Réunion?

Most beaches, hiking trailheads, and towns offer free or low-cost parking. Hotels usually provide secure lots. In Saint-Denis or Saint-Paul, street parking is common, but watch for time limits. Avoid blocking driveways or emergency zones.

What insurance should I get when renting at Roland Garros Airport?

Basic coverage includes third-party and collision but comes with a deductible of $500–$1,200. Given Réunion’s mountain roads, sharp turns, and occasional landslides, upgrading to zero-deductible (CDW) is wise. Check if your credit card covers rentals in French territories.

What are the popular rental cars at RUN suitable for mountain driving?

Dacia Duster, Nissan Qashqai, and Peugeot 3008 offer good ground clearance and stability on steep, winding roads to Salazie or Cilaos. Compact cars like the Renault Clio work for coastal routes but struggle on highland climbs. Choose a higher-riding model if visiting volcanic or forested interiors from Roland Garros Airport.

What if my flight is delayed—will my rental be held?

Our car rental staff at Roland Garros Airport tracks flight arrivals. Still, delays of over 90 minutes may require a quick message. As our agent will guide you at the airport to pick up the rental car, they’ll hold your vehicle with minimal notice. Just share your flight number during booking to ensure a convenient car hire pick-up at Roland Garros Airport.

Is GPS included with rentals from Roland Garros Airport?

Rarely—most cars don’t have built-in navigation. Use Google Maps or Maps.me with offline Réunion maps. Mobile data works well across the island. Buy a local SIM at arrivals for a reliable signal. Digital navigation is essential—road signs can be minimal in remote cirques.

What driving rules must tourists know in Réunion?

Drive on the right—same as mainland France. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80–90 km/h on open roads, 110 km/h on rare dual-carriageways. Seat belts are mandatory for all. Using a phone while driving is illegal without a hands-free device. Police enforce DUI strictly (0.05% limit).

Should I rent a compact car or an SUV from Roland Garros?

For coastal towns and city driving, a Renault Clio or Peugeot 208 saves fuel and is easy to park. For mountain villages, waterfalls, or rainy-season travel, a Dacia Duster or Nissan Qashqai offers better traction and visibility. Match your vehicle to your itinerary—this is key for hassle-free travel.

Is it safe to drive at night in Réunion with a rental car?

Generally not recommended in mountain areas. Roads like those to Mafate or Cilaos lack lighting, have sharp drop-offs, and frequent landslides after rain. Coastal routes are safer but still narrow. Most rental agreements discourage night driving in highland zones. Stick to daytime travel for safety when using a rental car.

Are child seats provided with car hire at Roland Garros Airport?

French law requires approved child restraints for kids under 10 or under 135 cm tall. Reserve at booking—availability is limited during school holidays. Bringing your own ensures fit and hygiene. Essential for families to explore Réunion’s family-friendly beaches and parks.

Can I return my rental to a different location than Roland Garros Airport?

One-way rentals to Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, or Le Tampon are often possible for a $20–$40 drop-off fee. Not all zones are covered, so confirm during booking. Unauthorized returns risk penalties. This option helps if you’re flying out of RUN but staying downtown.

How far ahead should I book a car at Roland Garros Airport?

Book 7–14 days ahead during peak season (Dec–Mar, July–Aug) to secure popular models like automatic SUVs. Last-minute rentals may cost 25–40% more or have limited choice. Even in low season, early booking locks in better insurance terms.