Réunion Island Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Réunion Island, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, is served by two main airports that connect the island internationally and handle domestic flights. Due to the island’s dramatic mountainous terrain, air travel is often the fastest and sometimes only practical way to travel between its distant regions.

Understanding which airport to use is crucial for planning your visit to this volcanic island, as the airports are located on opposite coasts, nearly 50km apart. This guide details both airports, including IATA codes, terminal facilities, and clear explanations of transportation options to popular destinations.

Roland Garros Airport (RUN)

Overview: Roland Garros Airport (named after the Réunion-born French aviator, not the tennis stadium) is Réunion’s main international gateway and largest airport. Located approximately 10 km (6 miles) east of Saint-Denis, the capital, on the island’s northern coast. It handles all long-haul international flights and most domestic connections to Mauritius and regional destinations.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1: Handles all international flights (Air France, Air Austral, Corsair, etc.)
• Terminal 2: Dedicated to domestic and regional flights (including Air Austral services to Mauritius and Mayotte)

The terminals are separate buildings about 300 meters apart, connected by a free shuttle bus that runs every 15-20 minutes. There is also a pedestrian path, but it’s not recommended with luggage.

Getting to and from RUN Airport:

• Car Rental:
  The most popular and practical option for exploring Réunion. All major international and local rental companies (Avis, Europcar, Hertz, etc.) have desks at Terminal 1. Réunion’s famous coastal road (RN1, RN2) and mountainous interior routes are best navigated by car.
• Taxi:
  Available outside both terminals. Fares are regulated but expensive. A trip to Saint-Denis center costs approximately €25-30. Always confirm the fare before departure.
• Bus (Car Jaune):
  Réunion’s public bus system, “Car Jaune,” connects the airport to Saint-Denis and other northern towns. Line T1 (Gillot Express) serves Saint-Denis. Fares are cheap (around €2), but service frequency is limited (every 30-60 minutes) and luggage space is restricted.
• Hotel Shuttles:
  Many hotels, especially in Saint-Denis and the northern resorts, offer transfer services. Must be pre-booked.
• Private Transfer:
  Can be pre-arranged for fixed prices to destinations across the island. Often more comfortable than taxis for long journeys to the west or south coast.

Best for: All international arrivals, travelers staying in the north (Saint-Denis) or east coast, and those beginning a circular tour of the island.

Pierrefonds Airport (ZSE)

Overview: Pierrefonds Airport is Réunion’s secondary airport, located on the southwestern coast near the town of Saint-Pierre, about 55 km (34 miles) south of Roland Garros Airport. It primarily handles domestic flights between Réunion and Mauritius, along with inter-island services to Mayotte and the Comoros. It offers a convenient entry point for visitors heading directly to the island’s spectacular southern and western regions.

Terminals:

• Single Passenger Terminal: A modern, compact terminal building handling both arrivals and departures.

Getting to and from ZSE Airport:

• Car Rental:
  Major rental companies have desks inside the terminal, though selection may be smaller than at RUN. Essential for exploring the dramatic southern landscapes, including the volcanic plains and cirques.
• Taxi:
  Available outside the terminal. To Saint-Pierre center: ~€10-15. Fares to other southern towns like Saint-Louis or Étang-Salé are reasonable, but trips to the north (Saint-Denis) are very expensive (€100+).
• Bus (Car Jaune):
  Line S1 connects the airport to Saint-Pierre’s main bus station (Gare de Saint-Pierre). From there, connections are available to other southern and western towns. Check schedules carefully as evening and weekend service is limited.
• Hotel Shuttles:
  Common for resorts in Saint-Pierre, Saint-Leu, and L’Hermitage-les-Bains. Must be arranged in advance.

Best for: Travelers focusing on the south/west coast (Saint-Pierre, Saint-Leu, L’Hermitage beach), those coming from Mauritius, and visitors wanting to avoid the drive from the north airport to southern destinations.

Which Réunion Airport Should You Choose?

Your choice depends entirely on your itinerary and point of origin:

Roland Garros Airport (RUN) is mandatory if you’re flying from Europe, mainland France, or other long-haul destinations (South Africa, Asia). It’s also the best arrival point if you plan to tour the entire island or stay in the north/east.

Pierrefonds Airport (ZSE) is ideal if you are:

• Flying from Mauritius (Air Mauritius and Air Austral offer multiple daily flights)
• Your main destination is the popular west coast beach resorts (Saint-Gilles, Saint-Leu) or the south (Saint-Pierre)
• You want to minimize driving time upon arrival

Important: There are no direct flights between RUN and ZSE. To transfer between them, you must drive (1-1.5 hours) or take a bus (2+ hours).

Inter-Airport Transfers and Island Transportation

Transferring between Roland Garros (RUN) and Pierrefonds (ZSE) airports is a common necessity for travelers connecting from international flights to Mauritius-bound services or vice-versa. This requires a road transfer across the island.

Can you connect between RUN and ZSE on the same day?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. The drive between airports takes 1 to 1.5 hours under ideal conditions via the coastal highway. However, traffic around Saint-Denis can be heavy, and accidents or weather in the mountains can cause delays.

Recommended minimum connection time: Allow 4-5 hours between a scheduled arrival at one airport and departure from the other. This accounts for baggage claim, the road transfer, and check-in for your next flight.

Transfer options between airports:

• Pre-booked Private Transfer/Taxi:
  The most reliable method. Companies offer fixed-price transfers (approx. €90-€120). Book in advance for peace of mind.
• Rental Car (Pick-up at RUN, Drop-off at ZSE, or vice-versa):
  A practical option offered by major companies, though a one-way fee applies. Gives you flexibility if you want to stop along the way.
• Bus (Car Jaune):
  The cheapest but slowest and most complex option. Requires taking a bus from RUN to Saint-Denis bus station, then another bus to Saint-Pierre, then a local bus or taxi to ZSE. Total journey time can exceed 3 hours. Not recommended with luggage or tight schedules.

Essential Tips for Réunion Air Travel:

• Domestic Flights to Mauritius: Check which airport (RUN or ZSE) your Mauritius flight departs from—it can be either, and this often changes seasonally.
• Luggage for Helicopter Tours: If you’re taking a famed helicopter tour of the cirques and volcanoes, weight restrictions are strict (often 15kg total per person). Pack accordingly.
• Road Conditions: The Route du Littoral (coastal highway between Saint-Denis and La Possession) is prone to closures due to rockfalls. Always check traffic conditions before your airport transfer.
• Language: French is the official language. While some airport staff speak English, having key phrases or a translation app is helpful.

Bottom line: For international arrivals, you will land at Roland Garros (RUN). If your final destination is the south or west coast, consider booking a connecting flight to Mauritius from Pierrefonds (ZSE) and arranging a direct transfer there, rather than backtracking to RUN. Always allow generous time for any inter-airport transfer on this beautiful but geographically complex island.