Roland Garros airport ↔ Saint-Pierre transfer: fare & time
Roland Garros airport ↔ Saint-Pierre transfer: fare & time
Landing up north (Roland Garros) and heading to the wild south: Saint-Pierre, Terre-Sainte, Ravine Blanche, Grands Bois, or further toward St-Joseph. It''s the longest transfer on the island. Here''s how to plan, what it really costs, and the alternatives.
Contents
- Distance and route
- Zoot fares Roland Garros → St-Pierre
- How long should I really expect?
- Alternative: Pierrefonds, the southern sibling
- FAQ
Distance and route
Saint-Pierre is about 80 km from Roland Garros via the RN1 (national road 1, called the coastal road on its first leg). Route:
- Roland Garros → St-Denis: 11 km, ~15 min
- St-Denis → La Possession (coastal cliffs road): ~15 km, 15-20 min
- La Possession → St-Paul → Boucan Canot → St-Gilles → St-Leu: ~35 km of dual carriageway
- St-Leu → Étang-Salé → St-Louis → St-Pierre: ~20 km
The coastal road is the weak link: often shifted to 1-2 lane mode, occasionally closed by swell or rockfall. The New Coastal Road (NRL, opened 2022) secures the first stretch.
👉 Download the Zoot app to book in 2 minutes
Zoot fares Roland Garros → St-Pierre
| Southern destination | Distance | Duration | Fare (from) |
|---|---|---|---|
| St-Pierre center | 80 km | 1h-1h15 | €110 |
| Terre-Sainte | 82 km | 1h05-1h15 | €114 |
| Ravine Blanche | 78 km | 1h | €108 |
| Grands Bois | 88 km | 1h15-1h30 | €123 |
| Grand Bois | 90 km | 1h20 | €127 |
| St-Joseph | 100 km | 1h30-1h45 | €141 |
| Petite-Île | 95 km | 1h25 | €134 |
For long distances, VTC stays competitive vs taxi (often €130-160 negotiated) and more convenient than one-way car rental (abandonment fees etc.).
How long should I really expect?
The 1h-1h15 range holds barring events. Watch for:
- Coastal road closed (swell, rockfall) → detour via La Montagne / Le Brûlé = +45 min easily.
- Friday/Sunday evenings: dense southbound traffic (weekend returns).
- South Zone school holidays: packed beaches, RN1 saturated around 10-11 AM.
- NRL overnight works: occasional reversals.
Smart move: book a 30-min buffer if heading TO Roland Garros for a long-haul.
Alternative: Pierrefonds, the southern sibling
If your flight comes from Mauritius or Mayotte, it may land directly at Pierrefonds (St-Pierre), the regional airport. Compare both in Pierrefonds vs Roland Garros. For long-haul, Roland Garros is mandatory, so the southern transfer is unavoidable.
FAQ
How much does a VTC from Roland Garros to St-Pierre cost?
From €110 for downtown. Final fare depends on time, traffic, exact drop. Shown and locked before confirmation.
How long to Saint-Pierre from the airport?
1h to 1h15 via RN1. More if the coastal road is in works or closed, or during southern school holidays.
Is the Car Jaune bus cheaper?
Yes for one wallet (€10), but it''s 2h30-3h with transfers, and your bags ride in the bus hold. For 1 person no luggage, why not. For 2-4 with bags, VTC wins overall.
Can the driver stop along the way (Cilaos, St-Leu)?
Yes: book the hourly chauffeur (from €41/h) if you want stops, photos, lunch. Handy to combine transfer with the start of your visit.
What if the coastal road is closed when I land?
The driver is informed live. Switches to the bypass route (La Montagne or Le Brûlé). Zoot fare may adjust for detour, transparently in-app.
See also
Related articles
Zoot · La Réunion 974
Get the Zoot app
Book a verified local driver anywhere in Reunion Island. Upfront price, secure in-app payment. iPhone and Android.