How to get to Rennes

Rennes is the administrative centre and the heart of the Brittany region in northwestern France, attracting tourists with its rich history and unique half-timbered architecture. If you have decided to travel to Rennes, an excellent transport network is at your service: from high-speed trains and flights to comfortable buses and private cars. Figuring out how to get to Rennes is quite simple, as this city serves as a major transport hub, open to travellers from all over the world.

The fastest way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by its own international airport, Rennes–Saint-Jacques (RNS), located just a few kilometres southwest of the centre. Direct flights arrive here from various cities in France and several European capitals, making route planning extremely convenient.

Upon arrival at the airport, you can quickly reach the centre of Rennes by regular bus, taxi, or rental car. If a direct flight is not available, travellers often choose flights to major hubs, such as Nantes or Paris, from where it is easy to continue the journey by high-speed train.

Rail travel is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to get to Rennes. The city's main station (Gare de Rennes) is located in the immediate vicinity of the centre and is a key transport hub for the Brittany region. The modern terminal is integrated with metro lines and bus routes, allowing tourists to navigate easily immediately upon arrival.

The TGV high-speed trains, which depart regularly from Paris Montparnasse station, are particularly popular. The journey time from the French capital is only about 1.5 hours. Direct rail connections are also established with other major cities such as Lyon, Lille, Marseille, and Strasbourg, making the journey comfortable from any part of the country.

Bus services connect Rennes with many corners of the region, offering travellers a scenic and budget-friendly alternative to trains. One of the most popular routes is from Nantes: a trip of about 115 kilometres takes on average one and a half to two hours, allowing you to leisurely observe the changing landscapes outside the window.

If you are travelling from the coast or major attractions, consider direct routes from the famous island fortress of Mont Saint-Michel or the resort town of Dinard. The road from these points usually takes just under two hours, making the bus an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the views of France and arrive comfortably in the very heart of Brittany.

Travelling by car on the roads of Brittany will give you freedom of movement and picturesque views. A trip from Nantes via the convenient expressway will take just 1 hour 20 minutes (about 110 km), while the road from the port of Saint-Nazaire, spanning 125 km, will require approximately one and a half hours. The quality of the road surface here is excellent, making driving comfortable and untiring even for those driving in France for the first time.

If you are travelling from the northern coast, for example, from the resort of Dinard, the distance of 75 km can be covered in less than an hour. Taxis on intercity routes are not cheap: a transfer from neighbouring cities can cost on average between 140 and 250 euros, so many tourists prefer car rental. Private transport allows you not to depend on schedules and to make spontaneous stops in colourful Breton villages on the way to Rennes.

Preparing for a trip to Rennes will be much easier if you learn about some local features in advance. We have collected useful recommendations for you that will make your trip around the capital of Brittany comfortable and help avoid common mistakes.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate in Brittany is mild but changeable. Even if the forecast promises sun, be sure to take an umbrella or a light raincoat with you — short rains are not uncommon here. The best principle for your wardrobe is layering, and for walking on the cobblestones of the historic centre, comfortable flat shoes are indispensable.
2. Transport. The historic city centre is compact and is most pleasant to explore on foot. For trips over longer distances, use the modern STAR public transport network, which includes the metro and buses. Rennes is also very convenient for cyclists: there is a bicycle rental system here that is actively used by locals.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, from restaurants to museums and transport. However, it is still worth having some cash (small notes and coins) with you — they will be useful for purchases in small bakeries or at markets.
4. Health and Safety. Rennes is a calm and safe city, but as in any tourist destination, you should keep an eye on your personal belongings in crowded places. Pharmacies are easy to recognise by the flashing green cross, and the standard of medical care in France is very high. The single emergency number is 112.
5. Communication. Many students live in the city, so the level of English proficiency here is higher than the average for the province. Nevertheless, the French greatly appreciate respect for their culture: start a conversation with a polite "Bonjour" (Good day) or "Excusez-moi" (Excuse me), and people will be much more willing to help you.
6. Local Etiquette. When entering a shop, cafe, or bus, it is customary to greet the staff or driver. This is not just a formality, but an important social norm. In restaurants, a service charge is often already included in the bill, but leaving a few coins as a thank you for good service is considered good manners.
7. What to Avoid. Do not plan active shopping for Sunday — most shops, including grocery supermarkets, will be closed. Also, keep an eye on lunch times: many restaurants serve food strictly from 12:00 to 14:00, and if you are late, finding a place for a full lunch before the evening will be problematic.
8. Gastronomic Tip. If you find yourself in the city on a Saturday morning, be sure to visit the market at the Place des Lices (Marché des Lices). Try the local street food speciality — "galette-saucisse" (a grilled sausage wrapped in a buckwheat pancake). This is a cult dish, without which a visit to Rennes is impossible to imagine.

By following these simple tips, you will be able to feel confident and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Breton hospitality. May your acquaintance with the city leave only pleasant memories!