Are you planning to take the bus on Île de Ré during your stay at our hotel, Les Grenettes? We’ve prepared a complete guide to help you plan the schedules of connections from the airport and other tourist departure points, such as Ars-en-Ré, the train station, the port, the aquarium in La Rochelle, and even the Phare des Baleines. Find all the information below:
Taking the Bus from La Rochelle to Île de Ré
To ensure service to all the towns on the island year-round and maintain a wide range of stops, two distinct lines have been created:
- Line 3A goes to Les Portes-en-Ré, stopping at Rivedoux-Plage, La Flotte, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, La Couarde, Ars, and Saint-Clément-des-Baleines.
- Line 3B goes to Loix, serving stops at Rivedoux-Plage, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, and La Couarde-sur-Mer.
The Ré Express program covers the same routes as lines 3A and 3B but with departures coordinated with TGV arrivals at La Rochelle station (departures 15 to 20 minutes after the train arrives). You can even purchase your TGV and Ré Express tickets together at SNCF ticket counters. Travel with ease thanks to the La Rochelle - Île de Ré bus services.
Buses Year-Round in the Villages of Île de Ré
To facilitate residents' travel while preserving the environment, several municipalities offer free Île de Ré buses:
Intra-muros: Le Bois Plage en Ré, La Flotte, Rivedoux, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, and Sainte-Marie
Between villages: Ars/Saint-Clément-les-Baleines and La Couarde/Loix
In an ecological and social effort, the Community of Communes offers continental employees working in La Flotte, Rivedoux, and Saint-Martin an Activ’Bus shuttle departing from the Belvédère parking lot in La Rochelle. This service, costing €5 per month, operates Monday to Friday only. Lastly, six minibuses are available for associations and youth groups to explore the island during their activities. Travel easily around Île de Ré with Île de Ré buses.
Île de Ré Buses in High Season
The ecotax collected from toll revenue proves essential on the island during the high season. It notably funds the RespiRé initiative, with electric shuttles connecting La Rochelle and Sablanceaux for €1 per trip from April to September. A circular, fully electric, and free shuttle also serves St-Martin, La Flotte, Sainte-Marie, and Le Bois. Finally, cyclists can take advantage – for €1 per trip – of three Vélo-Mouettes shuttles, linking Rivedoux, Le Bois Plage, Ars, and Les Portes en Ré. Stay updated on the latest news with our Île de Ré updates.
Photo credit: https://www.iledere.com/