Saint Pierre

When planning a trip to Saint Pierre, you are setting off for the colourful "southern capital" of Reunion Island, where relaxing beach holidays coexist with rich historical heritage. This lively city attracts many tourists, so the question of how to get to Saint Pierre has several convenient solutions. You can arrive here via a flight through the local airport, or by taking scenic roads by bus or rental car from other parts of the island.

The city of Saint Pierre is served by its own airport — Pierrefonds (ZSE). This compact aviation hub primarily accepts regional flights, for example, from the neighbouring island of Mauritius. Arriving directly at Pierrefonds is the fastest way to reach the southern coast, bypassing overland transfers across the entire island.

Nevertheless, the majority of international and long-haul flights arrive at the main airport of Reunion — Roland Garros, located in the north. If you land there, you can reach Saint Pierre by land: a journey by car or bus will allow you to immediately immerse yourself in the island's atmosphere and enjoy scenic views along the way.

It is impossible to reach Saint Pierre by train: passenger railway services are completely absent on Reunion Island. There is no railway station in the city, so this mode of transport is unavailable for travellers.

Instead of trains, tourists are recommended to use the developed network of intercity buses or rent a car. A trip along the highways will allow you not only to reach your destination in comfort but also to enjoy magnificent coastal views along the way.

Intercity bus service is an excellent way to get to Saint Pierre from the island's capital, Saint-Denis, or from the main international airport. The primary carrier on Reunion is the Car Jaune network, whose recognisable yellow buses operate around the entire perimeter of the island, ensuring a stable connection between the north and the south.

A trip on a Car Jaune bus is not just a transfer, but an opportunity to enjoy picturesque views of the coast and volcanic slopes on the way to your hotel. The cabins are equipped with air conditioning and spacious luggage compartments, making the journey comfortable even after a long flight. Express routes allow you to cover the distance from the capital to the "southern pearl" in approximately one and a half to two hours, significantly saving your budget compared to a taxi.

For travellers arriving at the main airport of Reunion in the north of the island, the main route to Saint Pierre lies along the modern N1 expressway, known as the "Route des Tamarins" (Tamarind Road). This route, approximately 85 kilometres long, is considered the fastest and most scenic: the drive takes on average 1 hour and 15 minutes, revealing breathtaking panoramas of the ocean and mountain gorges along the way. An alternative option for those driving from the east coast is to cross the island through the centre via the "Route des Plaines" (N3), which will take just over an hour and a half but offers views of volcanic landscapes.

The island's road network is in excellent condition, so car rental is the most popular choice among tourists. If you prefer a taxi, be prepared that a transfer from the Saint-Denis area to the "southern capital" will cost approximately 90–130 euros depending on the time of day. Traffic in the city itself is calm, but small congestion may occur at entrances during peak hours, so it is better to plan your departure with some spare time.

To ensure your trip to Saint Pierre is as comfortable and carefree as possible, it is worth learning about some local features in advance. We have collected useful recommendations to help you easily adapt to the rhythm of life in this sunny city on the south of the island and avoid common tourist mistakes.

1. Clothing and sun protection. Saint Pierre is considered one of the hottest places on Reunion, so pack light clothing made of natural fabrics, headwear, and high SPF cream. However, if you plan trips to the mountains or the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, be sure to bring a fleece jacket, a windbreaker, and sturdy shoes — temperatures can drop sharply at altitude.
2. Transport within the city. The city centre is compact enough for walking, but to visit beaches or supermarkets, it is more convenient to rent a car. Note that parking in the centre is often paid on weekdays. An alternative is the Alternéo network of yellow city buses, but it is worth checking their schedule in advance.
3. Finances and payment. The official currency is the Euro (€). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere: in hotels, restaurants, and large shops. However, for visiting the famous Saturday market (Marché forain) or buying street food, be sure to carry cash, preferably in small denominations.
4. Health and safety. The level of medical care here corresponds to French standards, and pharmacies are frequently found. Tap water is safe to drink, though tourists often prefer bottled water. The main hazards are the tropical sun and mosquitoes (carriers of dengue fever), so repellents are mandatory, especially in the evening.
5. Language barrier. The official language is French, although locals speak Creole amongst themselves. English is not widely understood everywhere, mostly only in tourist zones and large hotels. Learning a few basic phrases in French ("Bonjour", "Merci", "L’addition, s’il vous plaît") will help you build a rapport with the locals.
6. Local etiquette. The island's residents are very polite and friendly. When entering a shop or addressing a salesperson, it is customary to greet them ("Bonjour"). Life here flows at a relaxed rhythm, so service in restaurants may be leisurely — treat this with understanding and patience.
7. Swimming rules. Never ignore signs on the beaches. Swimming in the ocean is permitted only in specially designated areas protected by a coral reef (lagoon), where there is no risk of encountering sharks. Saint Pierre has an excellent beach with a lagoon that is safe for swimming, but swimming beyond its limits is strictly prohibited.
8. Daily schedule. Keep in mind that the island wakes up early: markets start working at dawn (around 6:00 AM), and many shops close by 17:00–18:00. Plan active events and trips for the first half of the day to catch the most interesting sights before dusk falls.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and focus on the main thing — enjoying the unique atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and natural beauties of the island's southern capital.