Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in St.-denis. Roland Garros Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Before You Step Outside RUN
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at RUN:
First, verify that you can enter Reunion — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the CAR SUD Bus takes about 60 minutes into St.-denis, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — EUR is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into St.-denis
From RUN, the CAR SUD Bus gets you to St.-denis in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the CAR SUD Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Luggage Storage at RUN
Luggage storage options at RUN can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in St.-denis for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for St.-denis:
Transport to the city and back runs about $11 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $22 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $43 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into St.-denis, here are two things worth checking out:
St.-Denis City Center Exploration is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Jardin de l’Ãtat (State Garden) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
If you’d rather stay inside RUN — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Salon Corail (Coral Lounge)
- Aelia Duty Free
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Le Carré and La Marmite du Pêcheur are both worth a visit if you’re exploring St.-denis.
- At the airport: Le Paille en Queue and L’Express will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
WiFi at RUN should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Reunion and you’re good to go.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at RUN include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Reunion also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in St.-denis with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. St.-denis may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.