Getting to Rennes

Rennes is easily reached by air, road and rail, with the fast train from Paris a good option. The city is relatively compact, and with a good public transport network you’ll find the main attractions easily navigated this way. For exploring the surrounding areas, it’s a good idea to hire a car.

By car

Driving in France is straightforward, and generally the roads are of a good standard, as a result Rennes is easily reached by car. Paris is about three and a half hours drive away via the A11 and A81, while Nantes is only an hour and a half and just over 100km away.

If you get the ferry to Calais from the UK, it is about a five hour drive to Rennes, but it can be an idea to take it more leisurely and do it over twi days to enjoy some of the French countryside. The city itself is encircled with a ring road and is easily navigated, there can be some traffic in the city centre, but if you are used to driving in big cities you won’t find this a problem.

By rail

France benefits from a good rail network and the TGV (high speed train) serves Rennes from Paris. There are regular services throughout the day and the journey takes a little over two hours. There are also a number of services to and from other destinations throughout the country.

Rennes has a modern train station with a number of shopping and eating options.

Around the city itself there is one metro line with 15 stops. Although it is a small network, it is useful; connecting the main train station with the town centre, university and hospital among others, running from early morning to just after midnight.

By bus

The main bus station is located next to the train station and the city is on the Eurolines network with buses to Paris and further a field. Rennes has an extensive local bus network with more than 50 different routes. It is easy to get around the city by bus and you will find almost all areas served by a bus route. The hub of the bus network is Republique station. There are a number of passes available if you are going to use public transport during your stay.

By air

Rennes does have an airport with some budget airlines operating routes here. Flybe provides a service to and from Southampton, while Aerlingus has flights to and from Dublin. The airport is located just 5km from the city centre so transport to and from the airport is straight forward, provided by regular buses and also taxis. Another option is to fly to Dinard, about an hour by road away, but with the possibility of taking advantage of some of Ryanair’s special deals on flights to London Stansted.

Taxis

There are plenty of taxis to be found around the city and at the airport to take you on the short route into town. It is easiest to phone for a taxi in advance and your hotel should be able to assist with any arrangements.

Bike

Rennes is a good city for cycling enthusiasts with a number of dedicated cycle lanes and some nice flat routes around the canal and the surrounding areas.