How long from the station to your village
From La Rochelle station, the Île de Ré bridge is about fifteen minutes away via the ring road. After that, it all depends on the village, the island being some thirty kilometres long. Outside the high season, allow about 25 minutes for Rivedoux-Plage, 30 to 35 minutes for Sainte-Marie and La Flotte, 35 to 40 minutes for Saint-Martin and Le Bois-Plage, 45 minutes for La Couarde and Loix, and around an hour for Ars-en-Ré, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines and Les Portes-en-Ré.
These are rough figures. In July and August, especially on Saturdays, access to the bridge and the drive across the island are slower: add time, and book early, as arrivals concentrate on the same trains.
The bridge
The Île de Ré bridge is 2.9 km long and links La Pallice to Rivedoux-Plage. Cars pay a toll in the mainland-to-island direction. With MyCourse, you have nothing to handle: the fare given before departure covers the whole journey, and the driver knows the times when the bridge gets busy.
Where to meet the driver at the station
Give your train number when you book. The driver tracks the actual arrival time: a delay does not cost you your transfer, and the waiting caused by the train's delay is not charged to you. He waits for you at the exit, on the forecourt side, next to the bollards, and sends you a text message with the vehicle. For a group or for clients who do not know us, a sign with the requested name is possible.
Luggage and children
A family leaving for a week on the island means one suitcase per person, a pushchair, sometimes a travel cot. The 8-seat Mercedes Vito Tourer with its large boot or the 7-seat V-Class takes all of that along with the passengers. Child seats are requested when booking, stating the age: the seat is fitted when you get in. For bikes, mention it in the quote request and we will tell you what is possible.
Right to the door, in every village
We serve all ten villages on the island and drop you outside the rental, the hotel or the campsite. In Saint-Martin, some lanes in the centre are closed to traffic in season: the driver drops you at the nearest accessible point and helps you with the luggage. During your stay, the driver can also take you from one village to another for dinner or a visit, and for a full day of discovery, see our tours with a private driver.
The return
Book it at the same time as the outbound trip, with your train time: the driver leaves the island with the necessary margin, especially on summer Saturdays. For flights, the same principle applies from La Rochelle, Nantes or Bordeaux airport.
How to book
By phone 24/7 on +33 7 66 48 89 38, through the quote form for a return trip or a group, or in the MyCourse app. In every case, the fare is given to you before the journey. Full details on the page private driver Île de Ré.
Frequently asked questions
How long from La Rochelle station to Saint-Martin-de-Ré?
About 35 to 40 minutes outside the high season, longer in summer and on Saturdays. The driver adjusts the departure time for your return trips.
Is the bridge toll included?
Yes. The fare given before departure covers the whole journey, bridge included.
Can you fit child seats?
Yes, on request when booking, stating the children's ages.
