Planning Your Trip to Marie-Galante: Ferries, Car Rental and Getting Around

Marie-Galante takes a little effort to reach — and that is exactly what keeps it unspoiled. No bridge, no international airport: you come by sea or on a small air shuttle, then get around at the island's own pace. Here is the complete practical guide, updated in July 2026 by our team based on the island: ferry, plane, car or scooter rental, distances, groceries — everything you need to know to plan your stay without stress.

Coming by ferry: the classic route

This is the most popular and most affordable option. Two companies serve the island in 2026:

• FRS Express des Îles connects Pointe-à-Pitre (Bergevin ferry terminal) to Grand-Bourg in about 1 hour, with daily crossings (frequency varies by day of the week). Expect around €49 for an adult round trip (about €39 for children), with one-way fares sometimes from €28 depending on the season.
• COMADILE connects Saint-François (Grande-Terre) to Saint-Louis in about 45 minutes, four days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday — departure around 7:15 am, return around 4:20 pm), at €41 for a same-day round trip.

Good to know: Val'Ferry no longer serves Marie-Galante — if you still come across that information in older guides, it is out of date. The COMATRILE route (the Iguana Beach vessel) is suspended for the 2025-2026 season. Always check up-to-date timetables on the companies' websites, and book ahead in high season (school holidays, holiday weekends): the boats fill up fast.

Docking at Grand-Bourg is a pleasure in itself: the island's main town welcomes you with its market, its cafés and — conveniently — several vehicle rental agencies right at the pier.

Coming by plane: the 20-minute shuttle

Since February 2025, after a twenty-two-year interruption, the Marie-Galante airfield (Grand-Bourg) once again has scheduled flights: the Air Inter Îles shuttle links Pointe-à-Pitre to the island in about twenty minutes, four days a week (Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday), on small aircraft. Expect around €200 round trip: pricier than the boat, but unbeatable for avoiding the swell and saving time — and the view over the archipelago is magnificent.

Renting a car or a scooter: freedom

It is the best way to make the most of the island: beaches, distilleries and viewpoints are scattered across the whole territory. Several local agencies offer cars, scooters, quads and bikes — among them Marie-Galante Location, Cubix, Bleu Location, 3LAPS and Dingo Location — often with the vehicle handed over right at the pier or the airfield. Book early in high season: the fleet is limited.

As for fuel, the island has four gas stations (the ViTO network), including one in Grand-Bourg and one in Capesterre — no trouble filling up, but avoid setting off on an empty tank on a Sunday. Driving is easy: quiet roads, superb scenery, and you are more likely to come across an ox-drawn cabrouet (traditional ox cart) than a traffic jam.

Getting around without a car

It can be done, with a little planning. Private minibuses run between Grand-Bourg and Saint-Louis (stop opposite the secondary school) and between Capesterre and Grand-Bourg (stop opposite the Capesterre town hall) — a useful service, but with limited schedules. Taxis exist, but the offer remains limited: the most reliable approach is to ask your host to put you in touch with a local driver, especially for transfers from the port. Finally, a scooter or a bike (electric preferably — the island is hilly) is perfect for exploring around your rental — many of our seafront rentals put the beach just a few minutes' walk away.

Distances: everything is close

The island measures about fifteen kilometers at its widest. Useful reference points: Grand-Bourg ↔ Saint-Louis ≈ 9 km, Grand-Bourg ↔ Capesterre ≈ 11-12 km, Saint-Louis ↔ Capesterre ≈ 20 km along the coast. In other words: wherever you stay — Saint-Louis, Grand-Bourg or Capesterre — you are never more than about twenty minutes from anything.

From mainland France: the full journey

There is no direct flight between Europe and Marie-Galante: you first reach "mainland" Guadeloupe on a flight to Pointe-à-Pitre (Pôle Caraïbes airport), then switch to the ferry or the air shuttle. Two planning tips: if your flight lands late in the day, plan a night in or around Pointe-à-Pitre rather than racing for the last crossing — ferry schedules don't always line up with long-haul arrivals; and conversely, on the way back, leave a comfortable buffer between the morning boat and your flight. The Bergevin ferry terminal is about fifteen minutes by taxi from the airport.

On arrival: first things first

The boat docks, the island is yours — in this order: pick up the vehicle you booked at the pier, stop by the market or the supermarket for your first groceries (especially if you arrive on a Saturday: on Sunday afternoon, everything is closed), withdraw some cash, then head to your rental. Most of our rentals include an in-person welcome: your host or our team will be waiting with the keys and the best local addresses — it is also the perfect moment to ask all your practical questions.

Groceries, the market and cash

The Grand-Bourg market is held every morning (roughly 6 am - 1 pm) near the church — fruit, vegetables, spices, with fish on the seafront side — and the widest choice on Saturday morning. For everything else, the island is well equipped: Carrefour Express in Grand-Bourg (open until 7 pm on weekdays and on Sunday morning) and in Capesterre, U Express in Saint-Louis, plus mini-markets in all three towns. Two island habits to adopt: do your big grocery run as soon as you arrive, and carry some cash — ATMs exist but are few, and some small shops and market vendors don't take cards.

Where to put your bags down?

For a first stay, Grand-Bourg is the most convenient (ferry, market, shops) — Villa Mayelle makes a lovely base there. Sunset lovers and fans of calm waters will choose Saint-Louis, for instance at the Bungal'O; those after postcard-perfect beaches will pick Capesterre and La Feuillère, for example from Ti'Kaz Vanille. And to find the rental available on your dates, our date search queries the real availability calendars of all our properties.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the ferry to Marie-Galante cost?

Around €49 round trip for adults with Express des Îles from Pointe-à-Pitre (to Grand-Bourg), and €41 for a same-day round trip with COMADILE from Saint-François (to Saint-Louis). Fares change: check when you book.

How long is the crossing to Marie-Galante?

About 1 hour from Pointe-à-Pitre to Grand-Bourg, and about 45 minutes from Saint-François to Saint-Louis.

Can you get to Marie-Galante by plane?

Yes: Air Inter Îles connects Pointe-à-Pitre to the Grand-Bourg airfield in about twenty minutes, four days a week, for around €200 round trip.

Do you need to rent a car in Marie-Galante?

It is strongly recommended if you want to enjoy the whole island. Several local agencies deliver the vehicle to the pier; book early in high season. A scooter is a good alternative for short trips.

Can you pay by card everywhere on the island?

No: supermarkets and gas stations take cards, but bring cash for the market and some small shops — ATMs are few and far between.