Why you'll (really) need one
The island is compact, but don't trust the distances: between the hairpin bends, the traffic jams at the entrance to Saint-Denis and the terrain, you rarely drive fast. Above all, Réunion has a quirk: its climate changes from one side to the other. On the East it's green, wild and often rainy; on the West it's dry and sunny. With a car, you can “chase the sun” — decide in the morning to hit a beach in the West or drive up to see the Volcano in the highlands. On the bus, you put up with it; behind the wheel, you choose.
The documents to bring — and the deposit misunderstanding
On the paperwork side, nothing tricky:
- A valid driving licence (category B for a car). For visitors from the European Union, your national licence is enough; for other countries, an international driving permit (or an official translation) may be required.
- An ID document, and sometimes a proof of address.
And here's the point that confuses everyone: the security deposit. Many people think you “pay” it online. Wrong. On Tropiloc, you pay online only the deposit (30%) that confirms the booking. The security deposit is a guarantee requested directly by the agency when you collect the keys: its amount and terms depend on each agency, and it is returned to you if the vehicle comes back undamaged. Tropiloc never touches it. It's clearer, and above all no nasty surprises.
A minimum age (often 21) and a few years' licence may be required depending on the vehicle. It's all written plainly on each vehicle page before you book.
Where to pick up your car?
Two schools of thought. The simplest: at the airport, as soon as you land, to be independent straight away (we explain this in detail in our guide Roland Garros Airport: how it works). The other: in town, near your accommodation — in Saint-Denis if you're in the North, Saint-Gilles on the beach side, or Saint-Pierre to explore the South. Good to know: some agencies will even deliver the vehicle to an agreed point — handy if you arrive late.
How much it costs, honestly
The price depends on the vehicle, the season, the length of hire and the agency — a scooter or a small city car will stay far more affordable than an SUV, a van or a luxury vehicle. On Tropiloc, the displayed price is the full price, taxes included, with no hidden fees: you pay 30% online to book, and the balance directly to the agency at the keys. A local tip: budget for fuel too — the price is regulated but it climbs fast when you string together climbs into the highlands.
Driving here: what the guides forget to mention
A few ground truths that will save you stress:
- Saint-Denis traffic jams are an institution. Avoid entering or leaving the main town around 7–8:30am and 4–6pm.
- The New Coastal Road (between Saint-Denis and La Possession) and the route des Tamarins (the West's dual carriageway) are fast and comfortable — the rest of the time, it's hairpins.
- For the highlands (Maïdo, Volcano, Cilaos), allow plenty of time: the Cilaos road and its hundreds of bends has to be earned. Leave early in the morning: at the Maïdo, the sea of clouds often swallows the view by late morning.
- Fill up before heading up: petrol stations are few and far between in the highlands.
- The highland weather changes in minutes (fog, rain, chill). The Volcano road can even close in bad weather.
For these high-altitude trips, an SUV or 4x4 brings real comfort.
Booking on Tropiloc, in 3 minutes
We've kept it simple, and 100% online: you choose your vehicle and dates, you pay the deposit securely, and you get your instant confirmation with your booking voucher. You rent from vetted local agencies, with flexible cancellation depending on the vehicle — not from a faceless giant. See available vehicles →