Port information & tips for Pointe des Galets
Pointe des Galets is the spectacular gateway to the French volcanic island of La Réunion and a shining jewel in the Indian Ocean. The surrounding area impresses with dramatic mountain ranges, emerald-green rainforests, and a fascinating cultural diversity, while offering ideal access to untouched nature. Nearby highlights include the colorful market of Saint-Paul, the crystal-clear lagoon of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, and the majestic Le Maïdo viewpoint. Cruise ships dock at the Grand Port Maritime de La Réunion, which provides a first-class arrival thanks to its modern infrastructure. From this central pier, travelers can easily reach the nearby city center of Le Port by shuttle and also explore the charming capital, Saint-Denis.
The port of Pointe des Galets serves as an important gateway to the stunning island of La Réunion in the Indian Ocean. Although the terminal itself is located in an industrial area and offers no pedestrian connection to the surroundings, it is perfectly connected to the attractive coastal towns and the capital thanks to efficient transfers and shuttles. Cruise ships dock here directly at a modern and functional terminal.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily by plane, as La Réunion is a French overseas region. The nearest international airport is Roland Garros Airport (RUN) near Saint-Denis, about 29 kilometers or approximately 30 minutes by car from the port. Air France and Air Austral offer regular connections, often with a layover in Paris. Due to the long flight time, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation to start your cruise experience in a relaxed manner.
Transfer & Shuttle
Taxis are available from Roland Garros Airport (RUN) to take you directly to the port or a pre-booked hotel. In addition, cruise lines often offer organized transfers. Mandatory free buses run from the terminal in Pointe des Galets to the port exit. From there, you can use local buses from the Car Jaune network to reach surrounding cities such as Saint-Denis, with line T connecting the airport and the west coast.
Rental Car
To explore the diverse nature and culture of La Réunion on your own, a rental car is an excellent choice. Rental car companies can be found directly at Roland Garros Airport (RUN) and sometimes also at the cruise terminal. Thanks to the well-developed national roads such as the N1, which connects Saint-Denis with Saint-Pierre and passes through Le Port, you can easily reach the island's spectacular volcanic landscapes, green Cirques, and beautiful beaches. Please note potential traffic on the coastal roads and plan sufficient travel time.
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 your journey to the port 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 following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Pointe des Galets serves as an important gateway to the stunning island of La Réunion in the Indian Ocean. Although the terminal itself is located in an industrial area and offers no pedestrian connection to the surroundings, it is perfectly connected to the attractive coastal towns and the capital thanks to efficient transfers and shuttles. Cruise ships dock here directly at a modern and functional terminal.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily by plane, as La Réunion is a French overseas region. The nearest international airport is Roland Garros Airport (RUN) near Saint-Denis, about 29 kilometers or approximately 30 minutes by car from the port. Air France and Air Austral offer regular connections, often with a layover in Paris. Due to the long flight time, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation to start your cruise experience in a relaxed manner.
Transfer & Shuttle
Taxis are available from Roland Garros Airport (RUN) to take you directly to the port or a pre-booked hotel. In addition, cruise lines often offer organized transfers. Mandatory free buses run from the terminal in Pointe des Galets to the port exit. From there, you can use local buses from the Car Jaune network to reach surrounding cities such as Saint-Denis, with line T connecting the airport and the west coast.
Rental Car
To explore the diverse nature and culture of La Réunion on your own, a rental car is an excellent choice. Rental car companies can be found directly at Roland Garros Airport (RUN) and sometimes also at the cruise terminal. Thanks to the well-developed national roads such as the N1, which connects Saint-Denis with Saint-Pierre and passes through Le Port, you can easily reach the island's spectacular volcanic landscapes, green Cirques, and beautiful beaches. Please note potential traffic on the coastal roads and plan sufficient travel time.
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 your journey to the port 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 following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Pointe des Galets is the ideal starting point for excursions and, thanks to a well-organized infrastructure, offers convenient access to the island's diverse highlights.
Taxi and Car Rental
Licensed taxis are available directly at the port exit to take travelers quickly and safely to the picturesque lagoons of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains or the capital, Saint-Denis. Additionally, car rental stations can be found at the port, allowing for flexible and individual exploration of the impressive mountain landscapes.
Bus Connections (Kar’Ouest and Car Jaune)
The public transport network is excellently developed and offers a direct connection from the port area to the western coastal towns via the local Kar’Ouest buses. At the same time, the yellow long-distance buses called Car Jaune allow for affordable and comfortable travel to more distant sights around the entire island.
Shuttle Service
As the port covers an extensive area, many cruise lines provide practical shuttle buses that conveniently transport passengers to the port exit or the nearby center of the city of Le Port. From the local stop there, local markets and cafes can be reached on foot in just a few minutes.
To make the most of your stay on La Réunion, we recommend exploring the vibrant markets near the port and the paradisiacal lagoons on the sunny west coast.
Saint-Paul
This charming coastal town directly by the sea impresses with its famous market full of exotic scents and, thanks to its immediate proximity to the port, offers the perfect introduction to the authentic Creole way of life.
L’Ermitage-les-Bains
This coastal area is known for its protected, turquoise lagoon and offers the ideal spot for a relaxing dip in the Indian Ocean; additionally, the shady casuarina trees on the fine sandy beach invite you to take a restful break.
Saint-Denis
In the island's capital, visitors can admire magnificent architecture along the historic Rue de Paris while discovering the fascinating plant life of this tropical destination in the botanical gardens of the Jardin de l’État.
L’Ermitage-les-Bains
The paradisiacal beach of L’Ermitage-les-Bains is easily accessible by taxi or rental car in about twenty-five minutes and offers the safest and most beautiful swimming experience on the island thanks to its protected lagoon. The shallow water, calmed by a coral reef, invites you to enjoy relaxed snorkeling, while the characteristic casuarina trees provide natural shade and charming beach clubs offer first-class refreshments. Thanks to the excellent tourist infrastructure, you can enjoy a carefree day under palm trees here, including a view of the turquoise sea. Ideally, start your excursion directly in the morning to make the most of the peaceful atmosphere and the best shaded spots, and plan your return trip to the ship about ninety minutes before departure.
Returning to the Port of Pointe des Galets can be planned wonderfully and safely thanks to the reliable transport links on La Réunion. A timely departure from the sights ensures a relaxed journey back on board.
Taxi
In larger cities like Saint-Denis or the resorts on the west coast, you will find taxi ranks at central locations such as Place Sarda Garriga or directly in front of the entrances of the major beach hotels in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Thanks to the well-developed coastal road, you can get from the beaches or the capital quickly and directly to the port area in Le Port.
Shuttle Bus and Public Transport
The yellow Car Jaune intercity buses connect the most important places on the island and stop at the central Pôle d'Échanges hub in Le Port, from where the port is quickly accessible. In addition, many cruise lines offer a convenient shuttle service from the tourist centers, which takes you directly to the security terminal and guarantees a punctual arrival at the ship.
Orientation and Safety at the Port
Access to the extensive port area is well-guarded and marked by clear signage that will guide you safely to the correct berth. Since this is an industrial port, simply use the provided port buses for travel within the terminal and plan a small time buffer for the final checks at the entrance.
