Getting Around Rennes. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation Overview

Rennes has two automated metro lines: Line A (east-west) since 2002, and Line B (north-south) since 2022. Both lines use the automated VAL (Véhicule Automatique Léger) system, making them highly reliable and driverless. The metro is quick and efficient for covering longer distances within the city. An extensive network of bus lines complements the metro, covering areas not served by the underground system. Buses link the city center to suburbs and residential areas, giving comprehensive coverage.

Line A links JF Kennedy (northwest) to La Poterie (southeast). Line B links Saint-Jacques – Gaîté (southwest) to Cesson – Viasilva (northeast). Both lines intersect at Sainte-Anne and Gares (Rennes train station) for easy transfers. République and Gare Routière serve as major bus hubs in the city center. Detailed route maps are available at metro stations, bus stops, and on the official STAR website or app.

Ticketing & Fares

Ticket Unité (Single Ticket): Valid for 1 hour of unlimited transfers.
Carnet (Book of 10 Tickets): Cheaper per-ride cost for multiple rides.
Day Pass (Ticket Journée): Unlimited travel for 24 hours from first validation.
Multi-day Passes: STAR offers passes for 3 or 7 days.

Metro Hours

Approx. 05:15 to 00:30 (Line A), 05:00 to 00:45 (Line B). Frequent trains every 1-3 minutes during peak hours.

Bus Hours

Generally early morning until late evening (around 21:00-00:30 for main lines). Less frequent on Sundays/holidays.

Accessibility

Metro lines are fully accessible with elevators/ramps. Newer buses are low-floor with ramps.

Navigation Tips

App Usage

Download the official STAR app for real-time schedules and route planning.
The app helps with information on disruptions.
Utilize the app for seamless navigation.

Ticketing Advice

Validate your ticket every time you board a bus or enter a metro station to avoid fines.
Buy a Carnet or Day Pass for multiple rides to save money.
Ticket machines accept credit cards and cash; buses accept cash for single tickets.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Hailing

Licensed taxis are white/black with a "Taxi" sign; hail on street or at stands.

Typical Fares

Metered fares; €8-€15 for a short city ride. Higher at night/weekends.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber and Bolt operate in Rennes for fare estimates and cashless payment.

Safety

Verify driver/vehicle details; share trip details for extra safety.

Rental Options

For greater independence, consider renting a car or a bicycle. Options for motorcycle and scooter rentals are limited in Rennes; search online for specialized local providers.

Car Rental

Valid driving license needed; IDP often for non-EU licenses.
Credit card for deposit.
Major companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar) at airport/station.
Book in advance for better rates, especially peak season.

Bicycle Rentals

Vélo STAR: Bike-sharing program with stations across the city.
Private bike shops offer daily/weekly rentals.
Electric bike options are available at many rental shops.
Renting saves luggage space and transport fees.

Driving Laws & Conditions

Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 110-130 km/h motorways.

On-street parking is metered; underground garages are convenient.
French roads are generally well-maintained.
Drink driving limits are strict; use hands-free for mobile phones.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Rennes city center is very walkable, ideal for exploring historic core, timber-framed houses, and parks.

Walking Tour Options

Guided tours of the historic center or self-guided tours using maps from the Tourist Office.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Growing network of dedicated bike lanes makes cycling popular and safe.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond standard options, Rennes offers a few specialized transport methods.

Tour Buses

Rennes has no dedicated hop-on-hop-off bus service.
Private tour operators may offer guided coach tours to specific sites.
Check with the Rennes Tourist Office for available options.
Tours may extend to regions around Rennes.

Water Transportation

Vilaine River is not used for common urban transport like boat taxis.
It is mainly for leisure boat rentals, like small pleasure crafts or kayaks.
Offers a relaxed way to see the city from the water.
Not a means for arriving in the city itself.

Accessibility Services

STAR Network

The STAR network considerably improved accessibility.

Metro is fully accessible with elevators/ramps.

Bus Accessibility

Many newer buses are low-floor and equipped with ramps.

Suitable for wheelchairs/mobility needs.

Taxi Bookings

Book taxis in advance and specify if you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Not all taxis are equipped.

No-Go Areas & Safety

General Safety

Generally, no areas are strictly "no-go" for pedestrians or cyclists during the day.
Exercise caution in isolated areas after dark, as in any city.
Follow traffic rules and remain aware of your surroundings for safety.

Awareness Points

Stay alert to petty crime in crowded tourist spots.
Keep valuables out of sight.
The safest areas are typically well-lit and populated.

Important Reminder

Driving Safely

Adhere to French driving laws, including speed limits and seatbelt use.
Do not drink and drive; limits are strict.
No mobile phone use without a hands-free kit.

Pedestrian Safety

Use designated crosswalks.
Look both ways before crossing, even on one-way streets.
Avoid distractions like loud music or phone use while walking.

Final Tip

Image: [https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Metro_Rennes_La_Potterie.jpg/1280px-Metro_Rennes_La_Potterie.jpg](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Metro_Rennes_La_Potterie.jpg/1280px-Metro_Rennes_La_Potterie.jpg)

Caption: Rennes's modern, automated metro system provides efficient urban transport.

Getting Around Rennes