Rennes, France: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Rennes, France, is served by Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport (IATA: RNS, ICAO: LFRN), a minor international airport located about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) southwest of the city in the region of Brittany. The airport is also known as Rennes Bretagne Airport and was inaugurated in 1933. It has a rich history, having been used as a Luftwaffe military airfield during World War II and later as a USAAF Ninth Air Force combat airfield. Today, Rennes Airport offers flights to destinations across Europe, including Amsterdam, London, Manchester, Barcelona, and Casablanca. It is also a major cargo hub, suitable for planes such as the Boeing 757 and 767, and has been recognised for its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact.

Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport is 6km southwest of Rennes

Rennes does have an airport, the Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport, located about 6km southwest of the city. It is a minor international airport in the region of Brittany, France. The airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1930s.

Before the construction of the Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport, Rennes had a small hippodrome that served as a landing strip in Gayeulles, northeast of the city. In 1931, plans were initiated to build a proper airport to serve Rennes, and construction began on a plot of 380,000 square meters in Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande. The airport was officially opened on July 28, 1933, by Pierre Cot.

During World War II, the airport was seized by the Germans in June 1940 and used as a Luftwaffe military airfield. After the liberation of Rennes in August 1944, the United States Army Air Forces cleared the airport of mines and prepared it for Allied use. The airport then became a combat airfield for the USAAF Ninth Air Force, designated as "A-27." It played a crucial role in supporting the Allied campaign in Central and Eastern France.

Today, the Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport continues to serve the region. The main runway can accommodate aircraft with up to 180 passengers and is suitable for middle-range flights. The airport has also received recognition for its environmental initiatives, achieving Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) in 2022.

The airport has seen growth in passenger traffic, with destinations such as Amsterdam, London, Manchester, Barcelona, and Casablanca now accessible from Rennes. Various transportation options are available to and from the airport, including bus line C6 and taxi services.

It's a minor international airport

Rennes does have an airport—the Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport (IATA: RNS, ICAO: LFRN)—which is a minor international airport located about 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) southwest of the city of Rennes in the region of Brittany, France.

The airport has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the early 20th century. In 1931, construction began on a plot of 380,000 square metres in Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande, and the airport was officially opened on 28 July 1933. During World War II, the airport was seized by the Germans and used as a Luftwaffe military airfield. After the war, it became a USAAF Ninth Air Force combat airfield under American control.

Today, the airport caters to both passenger and cargo flights. The main runway can accommodate aircraft with up to 180 passengers and is suitable for middle-range flights. For cargo transportation, larger aircraft such as the Boeing 757, 767, Airbus A310, or Ilyushin IL-76 can utilise the runway. The airport has also received recognition for its environmental initiatives, having been awarded Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 3 certification in 2022.

Rennes Airport offers convenient transportation options to the city centre. Bus line C6 provides a daily service, with a travel time of about 35 minutes at a cost of €1.70 per traveller. Taxis are also available 24/7 and offer a faster alternative, with an average travel time of 20 minutes for a fare of around €18 during the day and €20 at night. Private transfer services provide additional convenience and flexibility, ensuring a stress-free journey to or from the airport.

It was used as a Luftwaffe military airfield during WWII

Rennes does have an airport, known as Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport or Aéroport de Rennes–Saint-Jacques (IATA: RNS, ICAO: LFRN). It is a minor international airport located about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) southwest of Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine, in the region of Brittany, France.

Rennes Airport was seized by the Germans in June 1940 during the Battle of France and was used as a Luftwaffe military airfield during World War II. Several known units were assigned to the airport during the occupation, including Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53), which operated Messerschmitt Bf 109E aircraft from July to August 23, 1940. Other units included Kampfgeschwader 27 (KG 27), which used Heinkel He 111P/H aircraft, and Kampfgeschwader 26 (KG 26), which utilised Heinkel He 111H planes. These units participated in operations over England during the Battle of Britain in 1940, engaging in aerial combat and night attacks.

Rennes played a significant role in the Luftwaffe's operations during the war. It served as a base for controlling numerous Luftwaffe Anti-Aircraft FLAK batteries. The airport was attacked by Allied forces on multiple occasions, including the Eighth Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress bombers on January 9, 1944 (Mission 180) and during the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944. The attacks aimed to incapacitate the Luftwaffe interceptors and prevent them from engaging the heavy bombers.

Following the liberation of Rennes by Allied ground forces in August 1944, the United States Army Air Forces took control of the airport. They cleared the area of mines, destroyed remaining Luftwaffe aircraft, and utilised Rennes Airport as a combat airfield and supply depot before returning it to French civil control on November 30, 1944.

Today, the main runway at Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport can accommodate aircraft with up to 180 passengers and is suitable for middle-range flights. There are also plans for the development of a larger airport near Nantes, the Aéroport du Grand Ouest, which would serve both Rennes and Nantes. However, this project has faced uncertainties and controversies.

VINCI Airports is working to reduce the airport's environmental impact

Rennes does indeed have an airport: the Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport, around 6 kilometres southwest of the city. VINCI Airports, the world's leading private airport operator, has implemented an environmental action plan to reduce the environmental impact of its airports, including Rennes.

VINCI Airports was the first airport operator to adopt an international environmental strategy, doing so in 2016. The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions for its entire network by 2050. With environmental preservation and decarbonization as key priorities, VINCI Airports is taking concrete steps to minimize its carbon footprint and protect natural ecosystems.

Rennes Airport, operated by SEARD, actively pursues an ambitious environmental management policy. This initiative is driven by the commitment of its shareholders, particularly the Vinci group, which has signed the UN's Global Compact. The airport has obtained ISO 14001 certification and is accredited Level 2 by the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, recognizing its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

VINCI Airports' environmental plan focuses on three key priorities: reducing emissions, preserving biodiversity, and managing water consumption. At Rennes Airport, this translates into several actions. Firstly, the airport is committed to complying with environmental protection regulations and promoting feedback and analysis of significant events. Additionally, it emphasizes the communication of its environmental policy to employees and subcontractors.

Furthermore, Rennes Airport aims to preserve biodiversity and aquatic environments. To achieve this, they have implemented a mowing plan for grassy areas, favoring late mowing to encourage biodiversity development. The airport is also working with scientific experts, such as the French Beekeepers' Union, to conduct biodiversity inventories. Another important aspect is the reduction of natural resource consumption, particularly water and energy. By managing water consumption and increasing energy efficiency, Rennes Airport contributes to VINCI Airports' goal of minimizing its carbon footprint and supporting the decarbonization of the airport sector.

There are various transport options to get from the airport to Rennes city centre

Rennes does have an airport—the Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport (RNS)—located about 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) southwest of the city. There are indeed various transport options to get from the airport to the city centre, including by bus, taxi, train, or car.

The bus is the most budget-friendly option, with a single ticket costing €1.70-1.80. Bus line C6 runs daily and will take you directly from Rennes Airport to the city centre in about 34-35 minutes, not including wait time. The nearest bus stop for bus line C6 is located at the junction between Joseph Le Brix Avenue and Jules Vallès Avenue, which is about 300 metres and a 5-minute walk from the terminal building. The average waiting time for bus line C6 is 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the time of day.

Taking a taxi is the fastest way to get to the city centre, especially if you're arriving early in the morning or late at night when public transport isn't available. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes in average traffic and costs around €16-20 during the day and €18-20 at night. Rennes taxis are metered, so the fare is impacted by the distance travelled, traffic conditions, and time of day. You can also use Uber in Rennes, which may offer a lower price than a regular taxi, starting from €16.

You can also take a train from the airport to the city centre. However, there is no direct train connection, so you will need to walk about 15 minutes to the Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande station. The total trip duration is about 20 minutes and costs €5 per traveller.

Finally, you can choose to rent a car at the airport and drive to the city centre. There are several car rental agencies right in the arrivals hall, with prices for weekly rentals starting at €250.

Frequently asked questions