Rennes France Travel Guide
Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS) is Rennes's main airport, handling domestic and limited international flights (mostly UK, Spain). Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), 1.5-2 hours away, is a larger international alternative. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) / Orly (ORY) are France's major international hubs, with wide global connections.
Direct flights to RNS from outside Europe are limited. Most international travelers connect via Paris (CDG/ORY) or major European hubs. Flight prices peak in summer and around holidays. Booking well in advance is a strong recommendation for better fares. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner for comparisons.
Closest and most direct, mainly domestic and limited international.
Larger international airport, 1.5-2 hours by car/train from Rennes.
France's major international hubs, TGV link to Rennes.
A smaller airport with basic facilities: car rental desks, taxi stands, a few shops, cafes. Free Wi-Fi exists.
Larger airport with extensive facilities: duty-free shops, wide dining options, airport lounges, various car rental agencies.
Major international hubs with the widest range of facilities, including diverse ground transportation choices.
Rennes is a significant position on France's TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) high-speed rail network. Frequent direct TGV services operate from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Rennes Gare. The journey lasts approximately 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, a quick and pleasant way to travel.
Long-distance buses give a cheaper, though often slower, alternative to trains. Ouibus (BlaBlaCar Bus) and FlixBus give intercity bus services to and from Rennes, connecting it to cities like Paris, Nantes, and other regions across France.
A valid driving license from your home country is necessary. Check if an International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary (often for non-EU licenses). Minimum driving age is 18, but rental companies often need drivers to be 21-25 and may impose a young driver fee.
Major car rental companies like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and Enterprise have offices at Rennes Airport and the train station. Book in advance during peak season for better rates. Bring a GPS Navigation Device or use an app for easier navigation. Find good deals at DiscoverCars.com.
No specific exit fees or taxes levy directly on departing travelers from France. These typically form part of the airline ticket price or train fare. You will face no additional charges at the airport or train station for departure.
Rennes Bretagne Airport features a small selection of shops and cafes for last-minute snacks or souvenirs. Rennes Train Station (Gare de Rennes) has several shops, cafes, ticket offices, and comfortable waiting areas. You can purchase food and drinks or find last-minute travel necessities.
Sufficient time for check-in and security screening.
Allowance for unforeseen delays.
Time to find your platform and carriage at the train station.
Image: [https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/TGV_Atlantique_%C3%A0_Rennes.jpg/1280px-TGV_Atlantique_%C3%A0_Rennes.jpg](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/TGV_Atlantique_%C3%A0_Rennes.jpg/1280px-TGV_Atlantique_%C3%A0_Rennes.jpg)
Caption: A TGV high-speed train at Rennes station, ready to connect the city.
