Arriving at Rennes Airport
Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS) may be one of France’s smaller international airports, but that is part of its appeal. Located just 6 kilometres south-west of Rennes city centre, it offers a straightforward arrival experience without the long walks, crowded terminals or complicated transport options found at many larger airports. From landing to leaving the terminal, most passengers can be on their way within a matter of minutes.
The airport serves a mixture of domestic French routes and European destinations, welcoming both business travellers and holidaymakers throughout the year. Thanks to its compact layout, baggage reclaim, car hire desks and onward transport are all close together, making Rennes one of the easiest airports in France to navigate.
For most visitors, reaching the city centre is quick and inexpensive. Regular public buses connect the airport with Rennes, while taxis, private transfers and hire cars provide convenient alternatives depending on your budget, luggage and onward travel plans. Journey times into the city are typically between 15 and 25 minutes, meaning you’ll be exploring Rennes soon after arriving.
Whether you’re beginning a tour of Brittany, visiting Rennes for a city break or collecting a hire car for a wider road trip through western France, this guide compares every transfer option to help you choose the one that best suits your journey.
Rennes Airport at a Glance
Before choosing your transfer, it’s useful to understand how Rennes Bretagne Airport is laid out. Unlike many major international airports, everything here is contained within a single passenger terminal, making arrivals refreshingly simple.
After collecting your luggage, you’ll find the main exit leading directly into the arrivals hall. Taxi ranks are located immediately outside the terminal, while the bus stop is only a short walk from the entrance. If you’ve reserved a private transfer, your driver will usually meet you inside the arrivals area or just outside the terminal, depending on the company you’ve booked with.
Passengers hiring a car will find the major car rental companies located within or immediately beside the terminal building. Vehicle collection is usually quick, with dedicated parking areas only a few minutes’ walk away.
Although the airport is relatively small, it offers useful facilities including cafés, toilets, free Wi-Fi, ATM services, seating areas and accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. Digital flight information screens make it easy to monitor arrivals and departures, while clear bilingual signage helps international visitors find their way around.
Because distances are so short, you’ll rarely need more than a few minutes to reach your chosen transport after leaving baggage reclaim.
| Transfer Option | Journey Time | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAR Bus + Metro | 20 to 25 minutes | € | Budget travellers and light luggage |
| Taxi | 15 to 20 minutes | €€ | Door-to-door convenience and quicker journeys |
| Private Transfer | 15 to 20 minutes | €€€ | Families, groups and fixed-price travel |
| Car Hire | 15 to 20 minutes to Rennes | Varies | Exploring Brittany beyond Rennes |
Bus from Rennes Airport to the City Centre
For many visitors, the bus is the most economical way to travel between Rennes Bretagne Airport and the city centre. Public transport is operated by the STAR network, with Bus Route 57 linking the airport to Gaîté, where passengers can transfer to Metro Line A for quick onward journeys across Rennes.
The overall journey into central Rennes usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes, depending on your final destination and traffic conditions. During the day, buses generally operate every 20 to 30 minutes, although services become less frequent during the evening, on Sundays and public holidays. If you’re arriving late at night, it’s sensible to check the timetable before travelling.
The bus stop is located immediately outside the terminal, making it easy to find after leaving arrivals. Tickets can be purchased through the STAR app, from ticket machines or by using accepted payment methods available on the network. Once you’ve reached Gaîté, the metro provides fast connections to destinations including Rennes railway station, République, Sainte-Anne and many of the city’s hotels.
The bus is particularly well suited to visitors travelling with light luggage who are staying within the city centre. However, if you’re carrying several large suitcases, travelling with young children or arriving outside normal operating hours, you may find a taxi or private transfer to be a more comfortable option despite the higher cost.
Taxi from Rennes Airport
For travellers looking for the quickest and simplest journey, taxis provide a convenient door-to-door service between Rennes Bretagne Airport and the city centre. The official taxi rank is located immediately outside the arrivals terminal, so there’s no need to walk to a separate collection point or book a shuttle bus.
The journey to central Rennes usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, although this can increase slightly during weekday rush hours. Because the airport is located only a few kilometres from the city, journeys are generally straightforward and considerably shorter than those from many larger French airports.
Taxi fares are charged using an official meter, meaning the final price depends on factors such as the time of day, traffic conditions and your exact destination. Evening journeys, Sundays and public holidays normally attract higher tariffs. Most taxis now accept major credit and debit cards, along with contactless payment, although carrying a small amount of cash is still advisable.
One of the biggest advantages of taking a taxi is convenience. Your driver will take you directly to your accommodation without the need to change buses or metro lines, making this an excellent option if you’re travelling with large suitcases, young children or simply want the easiest possible start to your trip. For couples or small groups sharing the fare, the difference in cost compared with public transport is often less significant than many visitors expect.
Private Airport Transfers
If you’d prefer everything arranged before you travel, a private airport transfer offers one of the most comfortable ways to reach Rennes. Unlike a taxi, your journey is pre-booked, your fare is agreed in advance and your driver will already know your destination before your flight lands.
After arriving at Rennes Airport, your driver will usually meet you inside the arrivals hall holding a name board, or they’ll contact you with clear instructions if an alternative meeting point has been arranged. Most companies also monitor incoming flights, meaning they’ll automatically adjust your collection time if your flight arrives earlier or later than scheduled.
Journey times are similar to a taxi at around 15 to 20 minutes, but private transfers often use larger vehicles, making them particularly suitable for families, larger groups and passengers travelling with several suitcases, sports equipment or pushchairs. Many operators can also provide child seats if requested when booking.
Although private transfers are generally more expensive than public transport, many travellers appreciate the reassurance of knowing exactly what they’ll pay before travelling. They also remove any uncertainty after a long flight, allowing you to walk straight from the arrivals hall into a waiting vehicle before being driven directly to your accommodation.
Book Your Airport Transfer with Welcome Pickups
Arriving in a new destination can be stressful, especially after a long flight. Welcome Pickups lets you pre-book a private airport transfer, so your driver is ready and waiting when you land.
It is ideal for first-time visitors, late-night arrivals, and travellers who want a smooth, reliable start to their trip. Instead of searching for taxis or navigating public transport, you can head straight to your accommodation.
Want to compare prices first? You can also check these trusted airport transfer providers before making your booking.
Car Hire at Rennes Airport
If you’re planning to explore more of Brittany, hiring a car at Rennes Airport is often the most practical option. While Rennes itself is easy to explore using public transport and on foot, many of the region’s most beautiful destinations are far easier to reach by car.
Several well-known international and French car hire companies operate directly from the airport, with rental desks conveniently located within or immediately beside the terminal building. After completing the paperwork, you’ll normally collect your vehicle from the nearby airport car park before joining the road network within minutes.
Driving into Rennes city centre takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, while excellent road connections make it easy to continue towards destinations such as Saint-Malo, Mont Saint-Michel, Dinan, Vannes, Brest, Quimper and the spectacular coastline of western Brittany. If your holiday includes several towns, beaches or rural villages, having your own vehicle provides far greater flexibility than relying solely on trains and buses.
Before booking, it’s well worth comparing prices between several providers, as rental rates, insurance cover and mileage policies can vary considerably. On AppSavvyTraveller, we recommend comparing both DiscoverCars and EconomyBookings to help you find the best value and the most suitable vehicle for your trip. Booking in advance is particularly worthwhile during the summer holidays, school breaks and major events, when availability can become limited.
Compare Car Hire Prices
If you’re planning to explore beyond the airport, hiring a car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. Comparing prices before you book can often save money while helping you find the right vehicle for your journey.
Compare prices from two trusted car hire comparison websites to search thousands of vehicles from leading rental companies, compare rental conditions, and find the best deal for your trip.
Travelling from Rennes City Centre to the Airport
Returning to Rennes Airport is just as straightforward as travelling into the city. If you’re using public transport, simply take Metro Line A to Gaîté, where you can transfer to Bus Route 57 for the short journey to the terminal. Remember to allow plenty of time for the connection, particularly if you’re travelling during busy commuter periods or on weekends when services may operate less frequently.
Passengers travelling by taxi can book through their hotel, use a local taxi company or arrange collection via a taxi app where available. As the airport is only around 15 to 20 minutes from the city centre, taxis remain a convenient option for early morning departures or flights that fall outside normal bus operating hours.
If you’ve hired a car, most rental companies require vehicles to be returned to the dedicated car hire area beside the terminal. Allow extra time to refuel if necessary, complete the return inspection and transfer your luggage before heading into departures. During peak holiday periods it’s sensible to arrive a little earlier than usual, particularly if several flights are departing within a short period.
Whichever option you choose, Rennes Airport’s compact size means check-in, security and the departure gates are generally much quicker to reach than at France’s larger international airports, helping to make the end of your journey as smooth as the beginning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Rennes Airport
Because Rennes Bretagne Airport is relatively small and easy to navigate, many travellers assume they can simply turn up and sort everything out after landing. While that’s often true, avoiding a few common mistakes can make your journey considerably smoother.
If you’re planning to use the bus, always check the latest timetable before travelling, particularly if you’re arriving late in the evening, on a Sunday or during a public holiday. Services are less frequent outside the busiest parts of the day, and relying on a bus that has already departed could leave you waiting longer than expected.
Travellers collecting a hire car should reserve well in advance during the summer holiday season, school holidays and major events in Brittany. Rennes Airport has fewer rental vehicles than France’s largest airports, meaning popular vehicle categories can sell out quickly if left until the last minute.
It’s also worth considering how much luggage you’re carrying before choosing your transport. While the bus is an excellent low-cost option, changing to the Rennes Metro with several large suitcases is far less convenient than taking a taxi or private transfer, especially after a long flight.
Finally, if you’re departing from Rennes Airport, don’t underestimate the time needed to return a hire car. Although the airport itself is compact, allowing an extra 20 to 30 minutes to refuel, complete the vehicle inspection and unload your luggage helps avoid unnecessary stress before your flight.
Is Rennes Airport Accessible?
Rennes Bretagne Airport is designed to be accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, with step-free access available throughout the terminal and facilities to assist travellers from check-in through to boarding.
Accessible parking spaces are located close to the terminal entrance, while lifts, accessible toilets and clearly marked routes help passengers move around the airport comfortably. Staff are also available to assist passengers who have requested mobility support through their airline before travelling.
Passengers requiring assistance should normally contact their airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before departure. This allows the airport’s assistance team to arrange help with check-in, security screening, boarding and baggage collection, ensuring support is available when required.
The airport’s bus services and taxis also provide accessible travel options, although it’s advisable to request a wheelchair-accessible taxi in advance if one is specifically required. Private transfer companies can usually provide accessible vehicles as well, provided this is requested when booking.
Thanks to its relatively compact size, Rennes Airport is generally easier to navigate than many larger airports, reducing walking distances and making the overall travel experience less demanding for passengers requiring additional assistance.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Rennes Bretagne Airport is one of France’s easiest airports to use, but a little planning will make your arrival even smoother.
- The airport is compact. You’ll usually be outside the terminal within minutes of collecting your luggage, so don’t expect long walks.
- Check the STAR bus timetable before you fly. Services are less frequent during evenings, Sundays and public holidays.
- Heading beyond Rennes? If you’re planning to visit places such as Saint-Malo, Mont Saint-Michel, Dinan or the Brittany coast, hiring a car from the airport is often the easiest option.
- Travelling with several suitcases? A taxi or private transfer can work out surprisingly good value for couples or families and saves changing onto the metro.
- Book your hire car early. Summer holidays and major events in Brittany can see the most popular vehicle types sell out well in advance.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more on our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Rennes Airport from the city centre?
Rennes Bretagne Airport is located approximately 6 kilometres south-west of Rennes city centre. Depending on your chosen transport, the journey normally takes between 15 and 25 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Rennes Airport to Rennes?
The STAR bus service offers the cheapest transfer option. Bus Route 57 connects the airport with Gaîté, where passengers can transfer to Metro Line A for the city centre.
Are taxis available at Rennes Airport?
Yes. Official taxis wait directly outside the arrivals terminal whenever flights are operating, providing a convenient door-to-door service into Rennes.
Should I book a private transfer before arriving?
If you’re travelling as a family, in a larger group or arriving late in the evening, booking a private transfer before travelling provides added convenience and a fixed price.
Can I hire a car at Rennes Airport?
Yes. Several major car hire companies operate from Rennes Airport, making it easy to collect a vehicle immediately after landing and begin exploring Brittany.
Is Rennes Airport easy to navigate?
Yes. Rennes Bretagne Airport has a single terminal, with short walking distances between baggage reclaim, transport options and passenger facilities.
How early should I arrive before my departing flight?
For most flights, arriving around two hours before departure is recommended. If you’re returning a hire car, allow additional time to complete the return process before checking in.
Is Rennes Airport accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. The airport offers step-free access, accessible facilities and assistance services, which should normally be arranged through your airline before travelling.
Further Reading
If you’re continuing your journey through Brittany, take a look at our guides to Explore Rennes, Visiting Brest, Things to Do in Nantes and Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel, covering more of the region’s finest cities and landmarks.
If you’re planning your onward rail journey, our guides to the Interrail France Pass, the Carte Avantage France and the Eurostar Guide will help you travel around France with confidence.
Last Updated
August 2026
We regularly review and update our airport transfer guides to ensure journey times, transport operators, ticket information and travel advice remain as accurate as possible. Public transport timetables, fares and operating hours can change throughout the year, so always check with the relevant operator before travelling.
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