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How to Get to Rennes

How to Get to Rennes

Rennes France Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports Serving Rennes

Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS) is Rennes's main airport, handling domestic plus few international flights (mostly UK, Spain). Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), 1.5-2 hours away, is a bigger international alternative. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) / Orly (ORY) are France's major international hubs, with large global connections.

Airlines & Routes

  • RNS: France's National airline, Volotea, easyJet, Ryanair (seasonal).
  • Common RNS routes: Paris-CDG, London-Stansted, Barcelona.
  • NTE: Wide range of European and some intercontinental routes.

Flight Tips & Transfers

Direct flights to RNS from outside Europe are limited. Most international travelers connect via Paris (CDG/ORY) or key European transport centers. Flight prices peak in summer and around holidays. Making reservations early is a potent recommendation for better fares. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner for comparisons.

Airport Transfers

  • RNS to city: Bus C6 to République (20-30 min), or taxi (€20-€30).
  • Paris Aviation hubs to Rennes: TGV from Gare Montparnasse (1.5-2 hrs). Total 2.5-3.5 hrs from airport.
  • RNS facilities: Car rental, taxis, basic shops. Larger services at NTE/CDG/ORY.

Rennes Bretagne Airport RNS

Closest and most direct, mainly domestic and restricted international.

Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE

Larger international airport, 1.5-2 hours by car/train from Rennes.

Paris Airports CDG/ORY

France's major international hubs, TGV link to Rennes.

Direct Flight Options

International Connections

  • Non-stop flights to RNS from outside Europe are limited.
  • The majority of foreign visitors link through Paris (CDG or ORY).
  • Or link through a major European hub (Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt).
  • From this group hubs, a high-speed train has the standard option.

Seasonal Prices

  • Flight prices higher for RNS on account of minimal direct options.
  • Prices generally peak during summer (July-August).
  • Peak prices also occur around major holidays.
  • Making reservations early is a strong suggestion for better fares.

Airport Facilities

Rennes Bretagne Airport RNS

A smaller airport with basic facilities: car rental desks, taxi stands, a few shops, cafes. Free Wi-Fi exists.

Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE

Larger airport with extensive facilities: duty-free shops, wide dining options, airport lounges, various vehicle rental firms.

Paris Airports CDG/ORY

Major international hubs with the broadest range of facilities, including diverse ground transportation choices.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Rennes is an important position on France's TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) high-bullet train network. Frequent direct TGV services are available setting Off from paris Gare Montparnasse to Rennes Gare. The journey lasts roughly 60 minutes 25 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, a quick and pleasant way to travel.

Routes & Booking

  • Direct TGV connections to Lyon, Marseille, Lille, and CDG Airport.
  • Regional trains (TER) link Rennes to Saint-Malo, Dinan, Brest, Nantes.
  • Book using SNCF Connect or at stations. Advance TGV booking suggested for more affordable fares.

Long-Distance Buses

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 urban areas like Paris, Nantes, and other regions across France.

Bus Station & Services

  • Main bus station (Gare Routière) next to Rennes rail depot.
  • Connects to major cities across France.
  • More affordable option compared to trains.

Self-Driving Considerations

A valid driving license from your home country is necessary. Check if an International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary (frequently 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.

Roads & Parking

  • French roads are well-maintained. Motorways (autoroutes) have tolls.
  • City center driving zones are restricted; parking is challenging and expensive.
  • Consider park-and-ride facilities on urban outskirts.

Rental & Safety

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.

Driving Laws

  • Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory.
  • Watch for speed cameras. Drink driving limits are strict.
  • Use hands-free kits for cell phones while driving.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Rennes is an inland city; direct sea/river arrivals are not common.
  • Closest major ferry docks are Saint-Malo (UK/Channel Islands) and Roscoff (Ireland/UK).
  • Vilaine River is mainly for leisure boats, not major transport.
  • From ferry ports, reach Rennes by train or bus.
  • These connections integrate well into regional transport.
  • No boat taxis or common water getting around for city arrival.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

There are no exit fees levy directly on departing travelers from France. These usually form part of the airline ticket price or train fare. You will face no extra charges at the airport or train station for departure.

Departure Timing Recommendations

  • Airport: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.
  • Airport: For international flights, allow 2-2.5 hours.
  • Train (TGV): Arrive 20-30 minutes before departure.

Facilities & Services

Rennes Bretagne Airport features a small selection of retail outlets and cafes for last-minute light bites or souvenirs. Rennes Train Station (Gare de Rennes) features different retail outlets, cafes, ticket offices, and nice waiting rooms. You are able to buy meals and drinks or find last-minute travel necessities.

Traveler Comforts

  • Shops and cafes for convenience.
  • Food and drink options.
  • Comfortable waiting areas.

Airport Check-in

Sufficient time for check-in and security screening.

Avoid Delays

Allowance for unforeseen delays.

Platform Navigation

Time to find your platform and carriage at the train station.

Image Overview

Visuals of Transit

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.