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How to Get to Strasbourg

How to Get to Strasbourg

Strasbourg Alsace And Lorraine, France Travel Guide

Major Airports Serving Strasbourg

Strasbourg Airport SXB

Located just 10 km (6 miles) southwest of the city center. This airport mainly serves domestic French flights and a limited number of European destinations. It is convenient for short regional hops.

Airlines and Routes

  • Air France (mainly Paris).
  • Volotea (various European cities).
  • Ryanair (selected European destinations).

EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg BSL

Situated about 120 km (75 miles) south of Strasbourg, this tri-national airport offers a wider range of international and European flights. Many budget airlines use BSL, often for competitive prices.

Airlines and Routes

  • EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air.
  • Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and others.
  • Serve numerous European cities, offering broad connections.

Frankfurt Airport FRA

Approx. 200 km (125 miles) north. Major international hub with extensive global connections. Good for intercontinental travelers. Direct high-speed train (ICE) connections link to Strasbourg.

Paris Charles de Gaulle CDG

About 450 km (280 miles) west. France's largest international airport and a major global hub. Excellent high-speed train (TGV) connections run directly from CDG to Strasbourg.

Seasonal Flight & Prices

Flight prices are higher during Strasbourg's high seasons (summer, Christmas market). Prices increase during major European Parliament sessions. Consider shoulder seasons for better costs. Discover deals with Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Transfer Options from Airports

From Strasbourg Airport SXB

  • Train: Direct shuttle train to Strasbourg's Gare Centrale (9 min, ~€2.90, can include tram/bus connection).
  • Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis available (~€25-€35). Uber operates.
  • Airport facilities include car rental agencies, shops, cafes, currency exchange, Wi-Fi.
  • For car rentals, check DiscoverCars.com.

From Larger Hubs BSL, FRA, CDG

  • BSL: Bus to Saint-Louis train station (~10 min, €2.50), then TER train to Strasbourg (50-60 min, €15-€20). FlixBus/BlaBlaCar Bus also connect directly.
  • FRA: Direct ICE high-speed trains from Fernbahnhof to Strasbourg (~2 hours). Book via Deutsche Bahn.
  • CDG: Direct TGV high-speed trains from CDG TGV station to Strasbourg (~2 hours). Book via SNCF Connect.
  • Larger hubs provide more extensive dining, shopping, and lounge facilities.

Airport Facilities & Services

Car Rental Agencies

Present at all major airports, offering various vehicle options.

Shopping & Dining

Duty-free shops, a variety of restaurants and cafes available for travelers.

Connectivity

Currency exchange services and Wi-Fi access are standard amenities.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Strasbourg's Gare Centrale is a major rail hub with extensive connections.

Train Services

  • TGV (High-Speed): Direct services to Paris (~1h 40m), Lyon, Marseille, Lille.
  • ICE (High-Speed): Direct services to German cities like Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich.
  • TER (Regional): Extensive network to towns throughout Alsace (Colmar, Mulhouse), Nancy, Metz, Basel (Switzerland).

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance buses are a budget-friendly alternative to trains.

Bus Companies

  • FlixBus: Numerous connections from Strasbourg's bus station (near Gare Centrale) to French and European cities.
  • BlaBlaCar Bus: Another popular option, often with competitive fares for intercity travel.
  • Book train tickets in advance for high-speed services (TGV, ICE) for better prices. Use SNCF Connect for French routes and Deutsche Bahn for German routes.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Flexibility comes with driving, but know the rules.

Driving Necessities

  • Valid driving license. IDP recommended if license not from EU/EEA or in French.
  • Major credit card in driver's name for deposit.
  • Vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

Driving Laws & Parking

Understand local regulations for a smooth journey.

Regulations & Tips

  • Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts mandatory for all.
  • Speed limits: 130 km/h (motorways), 80 km/h (national roads), 50 km/h (urban).
  • Parking in city center challenging/expensive. Use Park-and-Ride (P+R) facilities on outskirts.

Road Conditions & Safety

  • Roads in France are generally safe and well-maintained.
  • Motorways (autoroutes) in France are generally toll roads. Payment is by cash or credit card at toll booths.
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
  • In urban areas, be aware of cyclists and pedestrians.
  • City has many dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian zones.
  • Exercise caution, specifically in heavy traffic or during peak hours.

Sea/River Arrivals

River Transportation Options

Strasbourg is a frequent stop for river cruises, navigating the Rhine and Main rivers, connecting to Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond.

Cruise Information

  • Large river cruise ships dock at various points along the Ill and Rhine.
  • Docks are often within walking distance or a short public transport ride from the city center.
  • Cruises offer connections to cities across Europe via waterways.

Connections to Land Transportation

River cruise ports usually offer good access to local public transport networks or taxi services.

Transfer Facilitation

  • Most cruise lines arrange transfers for their passengers.
  • Independent travelers can use trams or buses to reach accommodation from docking areas.
  • Check local transport options upon arrival at the port.

Tour Buses

Traditional hop-on-hop-off tour buses are not a prominent feature in Strasbourg. The city's compact and walkable center, with excellent public transport and boat tours, makes them less necessary.

Boat Tours Batorama

Batorama offers panoramic boat tours on the Ill River. These tours provide an unique perspective of the city, gliding through Petite France and past European institutions. This is a popular sightseeing tour, not a daily commuting service. Audio guides are available.

Unique Local Transport

Strasbourg does not have cable cars, funiculars, or other highly specialized forms of unique local transport beyond its extensive tram network and popular boat tours. Its flat terrain makes such systems unnecessary.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

No specific exit fees apply for departing passengers from French airports beyond what is already included in your airline ticket price.

Fees & Tickets

  • All necessary fees for air travel are part of your ticket.
  • Train tickets also include all necessary fees.
  • No additional charges upon departure.

Departure Procedures & Timing

Plan your airport or station arrival for a smooth departure.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • Strasbourg Airport (SXB): 1.5-2 hours before Schengen flight.
  • Larger Hubs (CDG, FRA): 2-3 hours before departure, especially for checked luggage or VAT refunds.
  • Gare Centrale (TGV, ICE): 20-30 minutes before departure. Regional trains (TER): 10-15 minutes.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

SXB & Gare Centrale

Offer basic shops, cafes, and waiting areas for departing travelers.

Larger International Hubs

CDG, FRA, BSL provide a wider array of dining, shopping, and lounge facilities.

General Amenities

Expect duty-free, various food options, and comfortable waiting zones.

Smooth Departure

Allow ample time for airport or station procedures to avoid stress and ensure a relaxed departure from Strasbourg.