Car rental is the most practical option for exploring the whole island. Rental agencies operate from Grand-Bourg, and some meet ferries at the dock. The island circuit road (about 60 km) is well-paved; the interior roads are narrower but passable. Expect to pay around €40–50 per day. Driving is on the right, as in metropolitan France.
Scooter and bicycle rental are available in Grand-Bourg and near the ferry terminal. The island is flat enough for cycling — no serious climbs — though the heat makes a scooter more comfortable for longer distances. Scooters rent for about €30 per day.
Taxis operate on the island but are not metered; agree a price before getting in. Most taxi drivers offer informal island tours for a fixed rate — useful if you only have a day and want to hit the distilleries and main beaches without driving yourself.
There is no public bus service worth relying on for tourists. The occasional minibus (taxi collectif) runs between the three towns but on no fixed schedule.