Cruise port Le Port
Port information & tips for Le Port
La Réunion is a fascinating French island jewel in the Indian Ocean, captivating with its dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush tropical vegetation. The port of Le Port is the gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage site and, thanks to its strategic location on the northwest coast, offers the perfect starting point for unforgettable nature experiences. Nearby highlights include the spectacular Le Maïdo viewpoint overlooking the Mafate caldera, the colorful Saint-Paul market, and the crystal-blue lagoons of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Cruise ships dock at Pointe des Galets at the Quai de l'Est of the Grand Port Maritime, from where shuttle connections conveniently transport guests to the center of the capital, Saint-Denis, located about 20 kilometers away.
Le Port on La Réunion is the central hub for cruise ships in the Indian Ocean and is located on the northwest coast of the island in the Port de la Pointe des Galets. Arrival from the DACH region is comfortably designed thanks to the good connection to the international airport and the modern road network.
Airplane
The most important point of arrival for travelers from Europe is Roland Garros International Airport (RUN) near the capital, Saint-Denis. Since there are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, arrival is usually via Paris with airlines such as Air France, Corsair, or Air Austral. The flight time from Paris is around eleven hours, and the airport is located about 25 to 30 kilometers from the cruise terminal in Le Port.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Roland Garros Airport, you can reach the port comfortably in about 30 to 45 minutes by taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service. The route leads via the well-developed National Road N1 and the Boulevard Sud, which enables a quick connection along the coast. In addition, many cruise lines offer organized transfer buses that meet guests directly at the airport and bring them safely to the ship.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and the time difference, arriving at least one day before embarkation is highly recommended. Accommodations in the capital Saint-Denis or in nearby seaside resorts such as Saint-Gilles-les-Bains offer a relaxed start to your vacation and have good connections to the port. From these locations, the terminal in Le Port can be reached in a short time thanks to the modern Route des Tamarins expressway.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Le Port on La Réunion is the central hub for cruise ships in the Indian Ocean and is located on the northwest coast of the island in the Port de la Pointe des Galets. Arrival from the DACH region is comfortably designed thanks to the good connection to the international airport and the modern road network.
Airplane
The most important point of arrival for travelers from Europe is Roland Garros International Airport (RUN) near the capital, Saint-Denis. Since there are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, arrival is usually via Paris with airlines such as Air France, Corsair, or Air Austral. The flight time from Paris is around eleven hours, and the airport is located about 25 to 30 kilometers from the cruise terminal in Le Port.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Roland Garros Airport, you can reach the port comfortably in about 30 to 45 minutes by taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service. The route leads via the well-developed National Road N1 and the Boulevard Sud, which enables a quick connection along the coast. In addition, many cruise lines offer organized transfer buses that meet guests directly at the airport and bring them safely to the ship.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and the time difference, arriving at least one day before embarkation is highly recommended. Accommodations in the capital Saint-Denis or in nearby seaside resorts such as Saint-Gilles-les-Bains offer a relaxed start to your vacation and have good connections to the port. From these locations, the terminal in Le Port can be reached in a short time thanks to the modern Route des Tamarins expressway.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port Pointe des Galets in Le Port is the central arrival point on La Réunion and, thanks to its well-organized infrastructure, offers an ideal starting point for discovery tours across the entire island.
Car Jaune & Kar’Ouest buses
The bright yellow buses of the regional Car Jaune network conveniently connect the port with the capital Saint-Denis and the popular seaside resorts on the west coast. In addition, the local Kar’Ouest lines complement the service, allowing for an affordable and authentic journey into the surrounding area.
Taxi & Car Rental
Numerous taxis wait for passengers directly at the port exit and offer a comfortable way to quickly reach the impressive viewpoints in the island's interior. Additionally, various car rental stations are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal for a completely individual and flexible planning of your shore excursion.
Shuttle Service
Regular shuttle buses operate from the ship, bringing you comfortably to the port exit or directly to the center of Le Port. Thanks to this practical service, you can reach the local markets and shops in a few minutes and start your stay on La Réunion in a relaxed manner.
To make the most of your stay on La Réunion, we recommend exploring the sunny west coast with its charming coastal towns and the island's culturally diverse capital.
Saint-Paul
This picturesque coastal town is located in the immediate vicinity of the harbor and delights visitors with its lively waterfront promenade and the famous weekly market, which is perfect for immersing yourself in the Creole way of life thanks to its exotic scents and colors.
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
This popular seaside resort is quickly accessible thanks to a short travel time and offers ideal conditions for a relaxing day by the Indian Ocean with the light sandy beaches of L’Ermitage and a protected lagoon.
Saint-Denis
In the elegant island capital, you can admire colonial architecture in the historic Rue de Paris, and the Jardin de l’État botanical garden also invites you to take a relaxing stroll amidst a variety of exotic plants.
L'Ermitage-les-Bains
The paradise-like lagoon of L'Ermitage-les-Bains is easily reachable by taxi in about twenty to thirty minutes and, thanks to the protective coral reef, offers ideal conditions for a safe swim in the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. The white sandy beach is lined with shade-giving casuarina trees and also features an excellent infrastructure with inviting beach bistros for cool drinks and Creole specialties. It is best to visit this section of the coast in the morning to fully enjoy the tranquility of the lagoon and find a perfect spot in the shade of the trees. Ideally, plan your return trip to the ship ninety minutes before departure to round off the day in a relaxed manner with a view of the turquoise water.
The return journey to the port of La Réunion is straightforward and safe thanks to well-organized transfer options and a modern infrastructure. This ensures you reach your ship punctually before departure and enjoy a relaxed conclusion to your excursion day.
Cruise Line Shuttle Service
As the port area of Le Port is extensive and industrial, guests can conveniently use the shuttle buses provided by the cruise lines. These run regularly from central meeting points in the city of Le Port or from the capital Saint-Denis directly back to the secured terminal entrance, guaranteeing a timely return.
Taxi and Private Transfers
Taxis are available at the well-known beaches of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains as well as in front of the major hotels and at the central bus station in Saint-Denis. Thanks to the well-developed Route des Tamarins expressway, you can reach the port quickly; the drivers know the direct route to the cruise pier and will drop you off right in front of the ship.
Local Buses (Car Jaune)
The yellow buses of the Car Jaune network reliably connect the island's tourist locations with the Pôle d'échanges bus station in Le Port. From there, the way to the ship is short and can be covered comfortably and safely thanks to supplementary port shuttles or short taxi rides.
