How Long Does It Take to Fly to Réunion Island?
Quick Answer
16–26 hours from the US, 11 hours from Paris. Réunion Island has no direct flights from North America, so all routes connect through Paris, which has the most frequent nonstop service.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Flying to Réunion Island takes 16–26 hours from the United States, depending on your departure city and connection. From Paris, the only major hub with nonstop service, the flight is approximately 11 hours.
Flight Times by Origin
| Departure City | Total Travel Time | Typical Route |
|---|---|---|
| Paris (CDG/ORY) | 11 hours (nonstop) | Direct to RUN |
| New York (JFK) | 18–22 hours | Via Paris |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | 22–26 hours | Via Paris |
| London (LHR) | 14–18 hours | Via Paris or Mauritius |
| Johannesburg (JNB) | 6–8 hours | Via Mauritius |
| Mumbai (BOM) | 8–10 hours | Via Mauritius |
About Réunion Island
Réunion is a French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and southwest of Mauritius. Its airport, Roland Garros Airport (RUN), is located near the capital, Saint-Denis. Because it is a French territory, the strongest air connections are with mainland France.
Routing Options from the US
Via Paris (Most Common)
The standard route for American travelers is to fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Paris Orly (ORY), then take a nonstop flight to Réunion. Air France and French bee operate daily nonstop flights from Paris to RUN, with a flight time of approximately 11 hours. Including the transatlantic leg (7–8 hours from the East Coast, 10–11 from the West Coast) and a layover, total travel time is:
- From New York: 18–22 hours
- From Los Angeles: 22–26 hours
Via Mauritius
Mauritius (MRU) is only a 45-minute flight from Réunion, and Air Mauritius operates multiple daily flights between the islands. If you can find a good connection to Mauritius (via Dubai, Johannesburg, or Singapore), this can be an alternative route, though it is rarely faster from the US.
Via Dubai or Abu Dhabi
Some travelers route through the Middle East, connecting in Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Mauritius, then taking the short hop to Réunion. This adds complexity but can offer competitive pricing.
Airlines Serving Réunion
| Airline | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Air France | Paris CDG – RUN | Daily |
| French bee | Paris ORY – RUN | Several times weekly |
| Air Austral | Paris ORY – RUN | Daily |
| Air Mauritius | Mauritius – RUN | Multiple daily |
| Corsair | Paris ORY – RUN | Several times weekly |
Tips for a Smoother Journey
- Book the Paris connection on a single ticket so layover logistics and baggage are handled automatically.
- Consider an overnight in Paris to break up the trip, especially if coming from the West Coast.
- Air Austral is Réunion's home carrier and often has the most convenient schedules.
- French bee is a low-cost option from Paris with competitive fares.
- No visa required for US citizens staying under 90 days, as Réunion follows standard Schengen/French overseas territory entry rules.
Best Time to Visit
Réunion's dry season runs from May to November, which is also when airfares tend to be lower outside of French school holiday periods. December through March is cyclone season with higher humidity and occasional flight disruptions.
Bottom Line
From the US, plan for 18–26 hours of total travel time to Réunion Island, with Paris as your primary connection point. The 11-hour nonstop from Paris to RUN is the core leg of the journey.