I moved to Strasbourg in 2019 and have since become an expert in navigating this beautiful city. I’ve walked around La Petite France, rode my bike to Parc de l’Orangerie, taken the tram, and even rented a car.
So, if you’re wondering how to get around Strasbourg, this guide has you covered.
I’ll share with you the best ways to get around the city. Whether you want to visit the Strasbourg Cathedral or the Alsatian Museum, I’ll help you find the most convenient and enjoyable way to get there.
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How to Get Around Strasbourg Overview
If you’re short on time, I’ve compiled an overview of my helpful guide.
Here are the best ways to get around Strasbourg:
- Walk
- Tram
- Bus
- Bike
- Taxi or Uber
- Boat
- Car
- Train
8 Ways to Get Around Strasbourg
In general, getting around Strasbourg is very easy. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other and the city is well connected by public transportation.
Below I’ll cover the best ways to travel around Strasbourg so you can choose the option that works best for your trip.
1. Walk
My favorite way to get around Strasbourg is by walking. The city is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot.
Most of the must-see sights are within a 10-minute walk from each other. And you’ll find plenty of pedestrian-only zones in Grand Île, Strasbourg’s historic center.
This means you can stroll around the charming streets without worrying about cars or traffic.
I’ve visited the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg, Strasbourg Cathedral, and the Palais Rohan without ever having to cross a street.
And almost every Sunday morning I go walking in La Petite France.
This neighborhood is known for its beautiful Medieval-style half-timbered houses, and I love being able to take pictures without cars zooming by.
2. Take the Tram
My second favorite way to get around is to take the tram.
Strasbourg’s tramway is operated by CTS and consists of six tram lines, labeled A through F.
It runs every five to seven minutes during peak hours from early morning till late at night.
You can buy tickets at any kiosk or on the app.
There are usually two kiosks at every station, but smaller stations often have only one. So, if you’re pressed for time, get there early in case there’s a line.
Helpful Tip: You can’t buy tickets on the tram.
I, personally, buy my tickets on the CTS app. They are cheaper (€1.90 vs €2.10), and I don’t have to worry about scanning my ticket before getting on the tram. Plus, the app has live updates on tram schedules and delays.
There are several types of tickets, including a single-ride pass, a 10-ride pass, a 24-hour pass, a 3-day pass, etc.
The 10-ride pass is the best option, but only if you use all 10; otherwise, I recommend the single-ride ticket.
Helpful Tip: The 10-ride pass is the only pass not sold on the CTS app.
Tickets are valid for one hour, from the time of purchase, with or without a connection.
Helpful Tips:
- Tickets for the tram can also be used on the local bus network.
- If you buy a 10-ride pass, you have to scan it at the kiosk before getting on the tram.
- The hours of operation depend on the line, but most trams operate from 4:30 am to 12:30 am.
3. Ride the Bus
Strasbourg has an extensive bus network that complements its tram lines.
There are 46 bus lines and four types of buses:
✓ Core Network Buses (Lines G and H) – These are extensions of the tram lines.
✓ Urban Buses – These serve the entire city, even the suburbs.
✓ InterCity Buses – These buses travel from Strasbourg to other cities in Alsace.
✓ Chron’Hop Buses – These are a set of high-frequency buses. There are six lines in total.
✓ Night Buses (HiBus) – These buses operate from 12:00 am to 5:00 am. There are three lines, and they all terminate at the same place, Place du Corbeau.
Tickets for the above buses can be bought from the bus drivers, at a kiosk, or on the CTS app.
Finally, there are long-distance bus services (Flixbus and BlaBlaCar) that leave from Strasbourg’s Central Bus Station. These buses travel to other cities in France, like Paris and Colmar.
4. Rent a Bike
Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around Strasbourg. The city has the largest bike path network in France, covering a whopping 600 kilometers (372 miles).
There are also several bike rental services. Most locals use Vélhop, which rents bikes for as low as €7 per day.
It’s a great budget friendly option if you want to bike a section of the Alsace Wine Route or the Rhine Cycle Route.
But I rarely use my bike to get around Strasbourg. It’s the unsafest mode of transport in my opinion. Most cyclists don’t respect the traffic rules and bike theft is very common.
On one occasion, I was hit by a cyclist who was on his phone. He swerved out of his bike lane and into my path.
Luckily, I was paying attention and wearing a helmet; otherwise, it could have been a serious accident.
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5. Book a Taxi or an Uber
If you prefer a more direct and personalized mode of transportation, taxis and Ubers are also available in Strasbourg.
But I only recommend this option if you need to travel a longer distance or are in a hurry.
Unlike Paris, taxis are not cruising around looking for passengers. Most taxis hang out in front of Strasbourg’s train station, so that’s the best place to go if you need one. Otherwise, I recommend booking a taxi with your hotel.
Helpful Tip: The taxi station is located in front of the car rental agency building, as in the photo above.
I, personally, use Uber. It is a quick and convenient way to get around the city, with drivers usually arriving within minutes of requesting a ride.
The only thing I don’t like about using Uber in Strasbourg is the fare. The app gives a range rather than an exact price, and most Uber drivers charge the maximum.
6. Take a Boat
One of the most unique ways to get around Strasbourg is by taking a boat tour on the River Ill.
And Batorama has the best tours.
My favorite is the Strasbourg, 20 Centuries of History tour.
This 70-minute ride passes by sites like the Vauban Dam, La Petite France, and the European Parliament.
It comes with an audio guide, so you’ll get a fantastic overview of Strasbourg’s history and architecture.
You can also take a Batorama boat to travel from the European Parliament to the Strasbourg Cathedral.
This tour is called The Round Trip: Parliament-Cathedral and takes 17 minutes. It’s a fun alternative to the above transportation options.
7. Rent a Car
Driving around Strasbourg is one of the least efficient ways to explore the city.
Most tourist attractions are in pedestrian-only zones, so you’ll have to first park your car and then walk or take a tram. Not only that but Strasbourg is in a low-emission zone to reduce pollution, traffic, and congestion.
I only rent a car when I want to explore other parts of Alsace or travel to villages that don’t have a train station like Kaysersberg or Riquewihr.
If you do decide to rent a car, there are several car rental agencies in Strasbourg, including Sixt, Enterprise, Hertz, and Alamo.
Helpful Tip: Most car rental companies are located at Strasbourg’s main train station.
Of these, I, personally, prefer Enterprise. Their customer service is unparalleled, and they won’t try to scam you.
I’ve rented with Sixt in Strasbourg and they tried to scam me twice, so I don’t recommend using them.
Get the Best Car Rental Rates here ➔
8. Take the Train
While Strasbourg has a train station, you can’t travel within the city by train. But you can easily take a train to visit other cities and towns in France or even neighboring countries.
The main train station in Strasbourg is called Gare de Strasbourg and you can buy tickets at the station or online.
Helpful Tip: There are several options to buy tickets online. The most reliable (and least buggy) is Trainline.
In general, three types of trains pass through Strasbourg – regional TER trains, high-speed TGV trains, and OUIGO trains.
If my destination is less than two hours away, like Colmar, I’ll take a TER train. But I opt for a high-speed TGV train if I’m traveling to or from Paris.
OUIGO trains are a slower, cheaper version of TGV trains. Unless there is a huge price difference, I always try to take a TGV train.
Book and Purchase your Train Tickets here ➔
FAQs Getting Around Strasbourg
Is public transport free in Strasbourg?
Public transport in Strasbourg is free for residents under the age of 18, but it’s not free for visitors.
How much does tram cost in Strasbourg?
A single tram ticket in Strasbourg costs €1.90 on the CTS app and can be used for unlimited rides within an hour of validation. If you are planning to use the tram frequently, you should consider a day pass or a 10-ride pass.
Does Uber work in Strasbourg?
No, you do not need a car in Strasbourg. Finding parking is a hassle more than anything, and most attractions are in pedestrian-only zones.
Conclusion: How to Get Around Strasbourg
From walking to biking, Strasbourg offers a variety of efficient and affordable transport options.
My two favorite ways are on foot or with public transportation. The city is very walkable, and the tram system is clean, reliable, and easy to use.
Now that you know how to get around Strasbourg, it’s time to start planning your trip. And why not check out the best time of year to visit?
Read More Articles About France
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it useful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- 2 Days in Strasbourg: The Perfect Itinerary (from a Local)
- Colmar or Strasbourg: Which One is Better? (from a Local)
- 21 Amazing Photos of Strasbourg to Ignite Your Wanderlust
