Overview
The Rennes Metro is a modern, rubber-tyred light metro system serving the city of Rennes in Brittany, France. It features an "X-shaped" network consisting of two distinct lines that intersect at key hubs to provide comprehensive coverage of the metropolitan area. As a visitor, you can navigate the system easily; trains run frequently with short wait times between arrivals. The majority of the tracks are underground, and all stations are equipped with platform screen doors and lifts for accessibility.
The network
The transit network in Rennes is operated by STAR and includes the following components:
- Metro Line A: This line runs northwest to southeast. It connects several key locations, including J.F. Kennedy, Villejean-Université, Sainte-Anne, Gares (the main rail hub), and La Poterie.
- Metro Line B: Opened in 2022, this line runs northeast to southwest between Cesson-Viasilva and Saint-Jacques-Gaîté. It intersects with Line A at the Sainte-Anne and Gares stations.
- Bus Network: There are approximately 50 bus lines serving the region.
- STAR, le vélo: A public bike-sharing system with over 50 docking stations.
Tickets & fares
You can choose from several ticket types depending on your travel needs. Please note that prices are approximate and subject to change.
- Single Ticket: Approximately €1.50. This ticket is valid for one hour and allows for unlimited transfers within that timeframe.
- Day Pass: Approximately €4.20.
- Three-Day Pass: Approximately €11.70.
- Seven-Day Pass: Approximately €18.35.
- Korrigo Cards: These are longer-term passes available at the Gares travel center; you will need to provide a photo ID to have it scanned onto the card.
From the airport
To reach the city center from Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS), you have several options:
- Bus: The C6 bus runs daily every 30 minutes between 05:00 and 00:00. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the Cesson shopping center, with a stop near the art museum on Quai Emil Zola.
- Train: A regional train (TER Breizh) runs every few hours from the Saint-Jacques de la Lande station, located just 1 km east of the airport. The trip to Rennes takes about 5 minutes.
- Taxi: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area, with a ride downtown typically costing around €20.
Etiquette & customs
While specific behavioral rules like "standing on one side of the escalator" are not detailed in the provided materials, it is standard practice to remain mindful of others in high-traffic areas. The system experiences heavy usage during rush hours, and ridership at transfer stations like Sainte-Anne and Gares can be significant.
Official links
If you are driving to the city, utilize the Parc relais (Park & Ride) system at designated stations like J.F. Kennedy or La Poterie to enjoy free exit from the parking area when using your transport ticket.