Inaugurated in 1988, the Ile de Ré bridge is the only bridge linking the island to the mainland. Every summer, miles of traffic jams build up. Motorists have to be patient to reach their destination and pay an ecotax.
Why not forget your car? Discover other ways to get to Ile de Ré and enjoy a 100% active vacation!
By bike or on foot
From La Rochelle, you can rent a bike. Unless you’ve taken the Vélodyssée from Roscoff (Brittany) or Hendaye (Basque Country). A cycle path has been laid out for safe crossing of the bridge over the Ile de Ré. The crossing can also be made on foot. The main advantage: no tax to pay.
By coach
From the SNCF train station, Place de Verdun, Belvedère and La Rochelle airport, you can take line 3/3E of the buses provided by Transport de la Nouvelle Aquitaine. The line serves all the communes on the Ile de Ré. This stage takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on your final destination.
On the bike
To cross the bridge on a motorcycle or scooter, you’ll have to pay 3 euros.
By boat
In the port of La Rochelle, you’ll find a number of shipping companies operating between La Rochelle and the Île de Ré. They can drop you off directly at the ports of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Ars-en-Ré, Rivedoux or La Flotte. You can also hire a boat to sail around the Ile de Ré.
By plane
Several French and international airlines serve La Rochelle airport. Flights vary according to season. Visit http://www.larochelle.aeroport.fr to see all the flights on offer.
