Complete Budget: Renting a Fitted Van in Réunion Island in 2026
Summary: For a 7-day fitted van rental in Réunion Island, expect to pay between €850 and €1,400 depending on the model chosen, insurance, and options. This budget includes rental, insurance, fuel, parking, and small everyday expenses.
1. Van Rental Prices: Detailed 2026 Rates
The cost of renting a fitted van in Réunion Island varies according to several factors: model, season, rental duration, and chosen options.
Rates by model and duration
| Model | Capacity | 2-4 days | 5-6 days | 7-13 days | 14+ days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW T6 (2-3 seats) | 2-3 people | €105/day | €100/day | €95/day | €90/day |
| VW T6 (2-5 seats) | 2-5 people | €130/day | €125/day | €120/day | €115/day |
| Ford Nugget (2-5 seats) | 2-5 people | €145/day | €140/day | €135/day | €130/day |
| VW California (2-4 seats) | 2-4 people | €140/day | €135/day | €125/day | €120/day |
💡 Tip: The longer you rent, the lower the daily rate. A 14-day rental can save you up to €20/day compared to a short-term rental.
Seasonal variations
Rates vary by season in Réunion Island:
- High season (May, July-August, September-January): full rates
- Mid season (June): -10% to -15% with promo code
- Low season (February-April): -15% to -20% with promo codes
2. Insurance: Plans and Prices
Insurance is a crucial part of the budget. Three plans are generally offered:
| Plan | Deposit | Damage excess | Glass breakage | Drivers | Additional cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (included) | €2,000 | €2,000 | €100 | 1 | €0 |
| Comfort | €1,500 | €700 | €0 | 2 | +€15/day |
| Premium | €1,000 | €0 | €0 | Unlimited | +€25/day |
⚠️ Important: The deposit is not charged to your credit card; it's a zero-authorization hold. It will only be debited in case of damage.
Which plan to choose?
- Basic Plan: If you're the sole driver and accept the financial risk in case of damage
- Comfort Plan: Recommended for most travelers (2 drivers + reduced excess)
- Premium Plan: For complete peace of mind, especially for long stays
3. Options and Equipment: What's Included or Extra
Included in the basic rental
- Sleeping arrangements with mattresses and pillows
- Equipped kitchen (stove, dishes, utensils)
- Fridge or cooler depending on model
- Outdoor table and chairs
- Coffee maker
- Auxiliary battery
- Unlimited mileage
- 24/7 assistance
Paid options
| Option | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Sheets, duvet and pillows | €25/stay | Convenient if traveling light |
| Diving mask | €5/stay | To explore underwater |
| Baby equipment | €3/day | Car seat |
| Hammock | €10/stay | To relax between hikes |
| Solar shower | Included | Handy after beach/hiking |
| Airport shuttle | Free (7+ days) | Otherwise €20 |
4. Fuel: Gas Budget for Réunion Island
Average fuel consumption for fitted vans is around 7 to 8 liters per 100 km.
Fuel budget calculation
| Distance traveled | Consumption (7L/100km) | Gas price (€1.65/L) | Total budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 km (3 days) | 14 liters | €1.65/L | ~€23 |
| 400 km (7 days) | 28 liters | €1.65/L | ~€46 |
| 600 km (10 days) | 42 liters | €1.65/L | ~€69 |
| 800 km (14 days, complete tour) | 56 liters | €1.65/L | ~€92 |
💡 Good to know: The complete island tour is about 220 km on the coastal road. For 2 weeks with daily travel, expect 600-800 km total.
5. Parking and Camping
Van parking in Réunion Island is generally free, except in a few specific areas.
Parking budget
- Wild camping: Free (numerous spots on the island)
- Motorhome service areas: €5-10/night (with services: water, electricity, waste disposal)
- Campsites: €15-25/night (if you want full facilities)
- Paid parking (city centers): €2-5/day occasionally
Average budget for 7 days: €0-50 depending on your travel style
6. Total Budget: Concrete Examples
Example 1: Couple - 7 days - Tight budget
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| VW T6 2-3 seats rental (7 days) | €525 |
| Basic insurance | Included |
| Fuel (400 km) | €46 |
| Parking (wild camping) | €0 |
| Options | €0 |
| TOTAL | €571 |
Example 2: Family of 4 - 10 days - Comfort
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| VW T6 2-5 seats rental (10 days) | €950 |
| Comfort insurance (+€15/day) | €150 |
| Fuel (600 km) | €69 |
| Parking (mix camping + service areas) | €30 |
| Options (diving mask) | €10 |
| TOTAL | €1,209 |
Example 3: Group of 5 - 14 days - Premium
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ford Nugget rental (14 days) | €1,666 |
| Premium insurance (+€25/day) | €350 |
| Fuel (800 km) | €92 |
| Parking | €50 |
| Various options | €50 |
| Airport shuttle | Free |
| TOTAL | €2,208 |
Average Budget per Person
€120 to €180
For a week-long van road trip in Réunion Island (excluding food and activities)
7. Tips to Save on Your Rental
Promo codes and advantageous periods
- Book in low season: -15% to -20% in February-April
- Long rentals: decreasing rates from 7 days onwards
- Seasonal promo codes: check the website before booking
- Early booking: best rates 2-3 months in advance
Optimize ancillary costs
- Favor wild camping rather than paid campsites
- Cook in the van: save €30-50/day compared to restaurants
- Drive less, enjoy more: reduce km to save on fuel
- Share costs: in groups, cost per person decreases significantly
- Skip paid GPS: use your smartphone with Maps.me (offline maps)
Included benefits not to forget
- Free airport shuttle for rentals of 7+ days
- Free sheets for rentals of 7+ days
- Unlimited mileage on all models
- 24/7 assistance included
8. Comparison: Van vs Other Accommodation Types
| Accommodation type | Cost 7 nights (2 people) | Mobility | Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitted van | €570-850 | ✅ Total | ✅ Included |
| Mid-range hotel | €600-900 | ❌ + car rental needed | ❌ No |
| Vacation rental | €500-700 | ❌ + car rental | ✅ Yes |
| Traditional motorhome | €800-1,200 | ✅ Yes (less maneuverable) | ✅ Included |
💡 Verdict: The fitted van offers the best value-freedom ratio for discovering Réunion Island, especially when you add savings on restaurants and fuel (no daily round trips).
9. Complete Budget: With Food and Activities
For a complete view of your travel budget, here are the additional expenses:
Food (per person, 7 days)
- Van cooking: €80-120 (supermarket shopping)
- Van mix + some restaurants: €150-200
- Daily restaurants: €250-350
Popular activities
- Hiking: Free (Piton de la Fournaise, Mafate, Cilaos...)
- Beaches: Free
- Canyoning: €40-60/person
- Helicopter tour: €200-350/person
- Paragliding: €100-120/person
- Saint-Gilles Aquarium: €10/adult
Estimated Total Budget (2 people, 7 days)
Van + Fuel + Insurance: €600-900
Food (van cooking): €160-240
Activities (selection): €100-300
TOTAL: €860 - €1,440
Or €430 - €720 per person for a week in Réunion Island
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
For a budget of €850 to €1,400 for a week (2 people), fitted van rental in Réunion Island offers:
- ✅ Total freedom to explore the island at your own pace
- ✅ Substantial savings on accommodation and food
- ✅ Privileged access to sunrise/sunset spots
- ✅ A unique experience connecting with nature
- ✅ Excellent value for money compared to hotels + car rental
🎯 Our recommendation: For a first road trip in Réunion Island, opt for a VW T6 2-5 seats with Comfort insurance for 10 days in mid-season. Total budget (2 people): about €1,100 rental + €300 food = €1,400 or €700/person for an unforgettable vacation.
Article written by Location Van La Réunion
Fitted van rental experts since 2023 — Saint-Pierre, Réunion Island
📍 29 rue des Îles Éparses, 97410 Saint-Pierre | 📞 +262 693 03 45 10