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Transportation & Infrastructure Guide · Reunion

Transportation & Infrastructure Guide in Reunion

Public transit, airports, and getting around

La Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, offers a dynamic transportation landscape shaped by its volcanic terrain and biodiversity hotspot status. Key strengths include 11 airports with Saint-Denis as the main gateway undergoing €113m expansion to handle 3.5M passengers annually, comprehensive bus networks (CARSAT), and innovative projects like 2.7km urban cable cars in Saint-Denis and the €2bn New Coastal Road featuring a 5.4km sea viaduct linking north and west. Challenges involve narrow coastal roads prone to congestion and landslides, limited rail infrastructure, and car dependency. Residents and visitors rely on buses, car rentals, taxis, and soon cable cars for efficient mobility amid stunning landscapes.
Public Transport
Moderate
Road Infrastructure
Moderate
Public Transport
5.2/10

Comprehensive bus network via Car Jaune covers urban and interurban routes with good frequency in Saint-Denis and coastal areas; limited rail. New 2.7km cable car (opening 2023) links four city districts. Integration moderate via multi-modal tickets; accessibility improving but hilly terrain challenges service.

Road Infrastructure
6.8/10

Dense 3,000km road network with good maintenance on coastal N1/N2; narrow, winding mountain roads prone to landslides. Major upgrades include €2bn New Coastal Road (12.5km) with 5.4km viaduct (opened 2023) easing north-west congestion. Traffic management via cameras; safety features adequate but curves demand caution.

Internet Speed
7.1/10

Solid broadband infrastructure with fiber expanding via ZEIO network. Urban areas achieve high speeds; rural/mountain gaps narrowing. Mobile data strong from SFR/Orange.

Avg: 142+ Mbps • 60%+ households covered (2025); full island rollout targeted by 2027, prioritizing Saint-Denis and coastal zones

Airport Connectivity
7.3/10

11 airports including 2 major: Saint-Denis Gillot (RUN) expanding to 3.5M pax/year with new €113m arrivals terminal; Pierrefonds serves south. Strong French/European links via Air France, Air Austral; regional Indian Ocean routes. Good domestic connectivity.

Hubs: Saint-Denis Gillot (RUN)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
€50/month (Imagine card)
Bus Trip
€1.80 single (Car Jaune), €75/10 rides
Taxi
€2.10 start + €1.95/km (Saint-Denis)
High-speed Train
Not available (no rail network)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Deployed in Saint-Denis, Saint-Paul, Saint-Pierre; expanding to 70% population by 2026 via SFR/Orange
4G Coverage: 98% population coverage, including remote areas

Reliable networks from SFR, Orange, Free Mobile with strong 4G signals island-wide despite terrain. 5G rollout accelerating in urban/coastal zones for tourism and smart city apps.

Driving License

EU licenses validConversion needed

EU/EEA licenses valid indefinitely. Non-EU licenses valid 1 year with IDP recommended. Residents must exchange for French permit after 1 year via prefecture with translation/test if needed.

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