Driving Tips in La Réunion

Why Driving in La Réunion Deserves Its Own Guide

If you want to explore La Réunion properly, you’ll need a car. Public transport is limited, especially if you're headed to trailheads, inland gîtes, volcano viewpoints, or remote beaches. But driving here comes with its own challenges—steep climbs, hairpin turns, fast locals, and weather that changes mid-journey.

This guide gives you real, practical advice—what it’s like from behind the wheel, what to expect on the roads, and what I wish someone had told me before we picked up the keys.

Should You Rent a Car?

Yes. If you’re staying in more than one place or want to hike, drive scenic routes, or avoid hours of waiting for buses and taxis, a rental is essential.

La Réunion public transport doesn’t reach inland areas, volcanic zones, or national park trailheads.

Taxis exist, but taxi fares in La Réunion are expensive. Journeys to remote areas often cost more than a full day’s rental.

Manual or Automatic?

Most cars on the island are manual transmission. If you want an automatic car rental in La Réunion, book early because they’re limited and priced higher.

Don’t assume you’ll adapt to a manual on the fly. If you’re not confident with gear changes on steep inclines, book an automatic well in advance.

Driving Conditions to Expect

Driving in La Réunion for first-time visitors can feel like a challenge, but it’s manageable with preparation.

What to expect:

• Narrow mountain roads with no guardrails

• Sharp blind turns, especially in Cilaos and Salazie

• Steep climbs, especially near volcano areas

• Potholes and uneven surfaces on rural roads (e.g. Cascade Niagara, Cascade du Chien)

• Coastal traffic jams. Locals often leave at 5am to avoid 3-hour delays.

Local Driving Behaviour

Locals know the roads. They drive fast and confidently. Don’t try to match them, just let them pass. Use pullouts when available and stick to your own pace.

Parking

• Saint-Denis: tight, crowded, signage can be unclear. Avoid rush hour.

• Coastal towns: usually manageable, but tight spots

• Trailheads: often roadside or small dirt pull-offs—arrive early for space

Essentials to Have in the Car

• Offline maps (Organic Maps, Maps.me)

• Water and snacks because you may be on the road longer than planned

• Charged phone and power bank

• Printed address of your accommodation (some roads have no signage)

• Coins or small bills for parking, snacks, toll-free zones.

What to Watch Out For

• Rain can make mountain roads slippery, especially in Salazie and Piton sectors

• Fog that's heavy at altitude. Drive with lights on and reduce speed

• Animals like dogs, cats, and even cows cross rural roads

• No signal. Some areas have zero reception—download everything before you go.

Fuel and Repairs

• Petrol stations are frequent on the coast but sparse inland so fill up before heading up a mountain.

• Diesel and unleaded available, similar pricing to mainland France

• Basic car repair shops exist in most towns, but call your rental provider for anything major.

Final Driving Tips

• Drive slowly in the highlands and through villages. Locals will overtake but you don’t need to stress.

• Never rely on a single app. Google Maps can mislead you on trailhead access.

• Respect signs and closures. Landslides and flooding do happen.

• Take breaks. Even short drives can be exhausting due to terrain and concentration.