How much does car hire cost in Réunion?

Here are the ranges commonly seen on the island, for a week's hire (unlimited mileage, with the usual long-stay discount applied):

• City car / economy (Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Dacia Sandero): roughly €20–30/day. The smart choice for a couple or a solo traveller.
• Compact (Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, Citroën C3): €30–40/day, a little more comfort on long drives.
• SUV / 4x4 (Dacia Duster, MG ZS): €45–60/day, pleasant for climbing into the highlands and the cirques.
• 7-seater, van or utility: €50–95/day depending on size, for families, groups or house moves.

These prices fall automatically when you hire for several days: most agencies apply a sliding scale. You can compare the available vehicles and see exact prices for your dates.

For the same model, several factors push the bill up (or down):

• The season. Peak tourist season (July to October, plus the end-of-year holidays) stretches prices. Booking early genuinely makes a difference.
• The duration. The longer you hire, the lower the daily rate. A week costs proportionally less than three days.
• Airport drop-off. Some agencies charge a delivery or handover supplement at Roland Garros Airport (often €20–40). Check before you book.
• Age and licence seniority. Many agencies require 21 or 23 years of age and 2–3 years of licence; some apply a young-driver surcharge.

Three families of hirers coexist on the island, with different positioning:

• Peer-to-peer hire is often the cheapest, but it is a private individual's car: variable condition, not always roadside assistance, uncertain availability.
• Réunionnais local agencies offer the best compromise: far gentler rates than the international brands, with a properly maintained fleet, insurance and professional service.
• International brands (Sixt, Europcar, Hertz…) present at the airport are the most expensive, especially in high season.

Tropiloc lets you compare several vetted professional local agencies in one place: you keep the reliability of an agency while enjoying local prices. It is the sweet spot between a private owner's price and a professional's dependability.

The advertised price is not always the final price. Watch out for:

• The deposit and the excess. A large deposit blocked on your card, or a huge excess if something goes wrong, can sink a "bargain". On Tropiloc the deposit is left with the agency and returned after the hire.
• Limited mileage. In Réunion you drive a lot: a capped mileage package quickly turns into a nasty surprise. Favour unlimited mileage (offered by default on our listings).
• Hidden fees: additional-driver supplements, child seat, return in another town, fuel not topped up…
• Cancellation terms. Plans change fast: prefer free cancellation.

A few simple habits to lighten the bill:

• Book early, especially in high season and during events (such as the Grand Raid): the best prices and the economical cars go first.
• Hire by the week rather than in several short bookings: the sliding scale works in your favour.
• Pick the right category. A city car is enough for the vast majority of journeys; keep the SUV for when you really are heading into the cirques.
• Compare before booking: on Tropiloc, several agencies on the same dates, transparent prices, unlimited mileage.

In short: reckon on roughly €150–220 a week for a city car, a little more for a compact or an SUV. A very reasonable budget given the freedom a car brings on an island this varied, where everything is spread out from the volcano to the lagoon.

Ready to compare? See the available vehicles on Tropiloc — real prices for your dates, vetted local agencies, unlimited mileage and free cancellation.