Dabbling in Jet Lag
Curious about the best way to get from Paris to Strasbourg?
If so, then you’ve come to the right place!
Not only do I live in France, but I’ve done this trip dozens of times. I know every route from the most convenient to the fastest.
So, to help you plan your trip, I’ve put together the best (and worst) ways to get there. I’ve included options for every budget and itinerary so you’re sure to find something that works with your travel plans.
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8 Ways to Get to Strasbourg from Paris
The distance between Strasbourg and Paris is approximately 492 kilometers (305 miles). And, while that might seem long, traveling between these two cities is easy.
Some of these are better than others. So, let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
1. By Car – Fastest Route
Driving is one of the best travel options on this list. Not only is it convenient but it also gives you a ton of flexibility and freedom.
The fastest route follows the A4, which is often called the motorway of the east (autoroute de l’Est). Basically, it’s the highway that connects Paris to the east of France.
I’ve driven this route several times (in both directions) so I know that it can be done in a day.
Distance: 492 kilometers (305 miles)
Driving Time: 5 hours
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Map of the Fastest Route
Below is a map of the fastest route. Click on the map to open Google Maps.
2. By Car – Scenic Route
The most scenic route also follows the A4, but there are several stops along the way. I recommend spending time in Reims, Verdun, Metz, and Saverne. And I’ve detailed an example itinerary below.
Each city offers a wealth of interesting activities to do. Stop at every city or pick the ones that you prefer. Either way, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing experience.
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Map of the Scenic Route
Below is a map of the most scenic route. Click on the map to open Google Maps.
Useful Tip: You’ll need four days to do everything, without feeling overwhelmed.
Stop 1: Reims
If there’s one place you have to stop, it’s Reims.
Less than two hours from Paris, this little town is the capital of Champagne. Not only that but it’s where the kings of France were coronated! So, spending a day in Reims is an absolute must.
Some highlights include the Reims Cathedral and the Musée de la Reddition. Of course, no trip to Reims is complete without going on a champagne tour.
But my favorite was the Palais du Tau. It’s next to the Reims Cathedral, so I visited after I toured the church. And I really enjoyed the exhibits of the ceremonial artifacts from the coronations. It showed how grandiose these ceremonies were.
Paris to Reims:
- Distance: 145 kilometers (90 miles)
- Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Stop 2: Verdun
Verdun is a city steeped in history and culture. This is where the longest battle of World War I took place. For nine long months, the French stood strong against German forces. And, by the end, there were more than 700,000 casualties.
Today, Verdun offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore this fascinating past through its museums, monuments, and memorials. In fact, there are tons of attractions in Verdun, but my favorites were the Monument à la Victoire et aux Soldats de Verdun, the Verdun Memorial, and the Châtel Gate.
Reims to Verdun:
- Distance: 121 kilometers (75 miles)
- Driving Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Stop 3: Metz
With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural surroundings, it’s easy to see why Metz is worth visiting. This charming city offers something for everyone.
For history buffs, the Porte des Allemands and the Musée de La Cour d’Or – Metz Métropole are an absolute must. There’s also the Metz Cathedral, which is nothing short of spectacular. Then, if you’re looking for some cultural activities, head to the Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole for a show. It’s the oldest theatre in France that is still in operation!
Verdun to Metz:
- Distance: 79 kilometers (49 miles)
- Driving Time: 1 hour
Stop 4: Saverne
At the foot of the northern Vosges mountains, this quaint Alsatian town might be small, but it packs a punch. And it’s perfect for anyone who loves to visit castles.
The most impressive is Château des Rohan. It once housed the Archbishops of Strasbourg, and, today, serves as a historical monument. Then, there’s the Château du Haut-Barr. From its terrace, you’ll have one of the best panoramic views over Alsace. In fact, some of the viewing platforms were so high that my vertigo kicked in!
Metz to Saverne:
- Distance: 124 kilometers (77 miles)
- Driving Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Stop 5: Strasbourg
This is your final stop on this little road trip. And whether you’re spending three days or just a day, you’ll find there are lots of things to do in Strasbourg.
Head to Strasbourg’s Notre Dame Cathedral for one of the most magnificent pieces of Gothic architecture. Then, spend a few hours wandering the streets of La Petite France. Here you’ll find narrow cobbled streets lined with rows of brightly painted half-timbered houses. It looks like a scene out of a storybook.
Of course, no trip to Strasbourg is complete without trying some traditional Alsatian food. And while there are tons of restaurants to choose from, Restaurant de la Victoire was one of my favorites.
Saverne to Strasbourg:
- Distance: 53 kilometers (32 miles)
- Driving Time: 45 minutes
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Parking in Strasbourg
If you’re planning on driving to Strasbourg, you’ll need to park your rental car. There’s very limited free parking, so you’ll have to pay to park in a garage.
Useful Tip: Some hotels offer free parking. Be sure to check with your hotel beforehand if this is an amenity you would like.
Here are the best places to park your car in Strasbourg:
- Parking Gutenburg – Next to Place Gutenburg. It’s central but cumbersome to access.
- Parking Sainte Aurélie – Next to Strasbourg’s central train station. This is by far the most convenient option.
- Parking Centre-Historique-Petite-France – In the heart of La Petite France, which is perfect if your hotel is nearby and doesn’t offer parking.
- Parcus Parking Austerlitz – Well-located and with lots of spots available.
- Parking Etoile P1 Rivetoile – A massive parking garage that is mostly used by people who are shopping at the Rivetoile Mall. Only park your car here if you can’t find a spot at any of the other places above.
3. By Train
If you’re looking for a fast and affordable way to get to Strasbourg from Paris, then the train is for you.
Trains depart from Paris’ Gare de l’Est train station and arrive at Strasbourg’s Central Train Station.
Useful Tip: There are also trains that leave from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport, but these are less frequent and more expensive.
There are two types of trains that run this route. And I’ll cover each one in more detail below.
TGV Trains
The fastest and most expensive are operated by TGV. These are high-speed trains that will get you to Strasbourg in under two hours. Prices can range anywhere from €38 to €100, depending on the time of year. I recommend buying your tickets in advance if you want to get the best price.
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OUIGO Trains
Then, there’s OUIGO. It’s run by SNCF, the same company that operates TGV trains, so you would think the quality would be the same but it’s not.
OUIGO trains are slower and much less comfortable than TGV trains. The only benefit is the cost of a one-way ticket, which is never more than €30.
On average this trip takes four hours with OUGIO. Sometimes they have trains that take less than three hours, but they are few and far between.
I only take these trains when the cost of a TGV train is too high. They are prone to delays, route changes, and strikes. And the added stress is not worth the cost difference for me.
Book and Purchase your Train Tickets here ➔
Useful Tip: July and August are the busiest months in Paris, which means higher ticket prices are higher. I recommend booking in advance to avoid any markups.
4. Tour
The most hassle-free way is to take a tour. You’ll get to sit in a comfortable car and have an experienced guide take care of the planning, transportation, and logistics.
You won’t have to bother with renting a car, finding a hotel, parking, or planning your itinerary. It’s all done for you!
This is a two-day tour that starts in Paris and travels through some truly spectacular landscapes. You’ll stop at ancient sites, visit towering castles, and sample local cuisine along the way. And, best of all, you’ll get to visit several cities including, Strasbourg, Colmar, Reims, Chablis, and Beaune.
My favorite was Colmar. I could not get enough of the colorful timber-framed houses. They are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in France!
It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
Book this 2-Day Burgundy-Alsace Tour here ➔
5. By Bus
Taking the bus is a great way to travel between these two cities. In fact, it’s the most budget-friendly option on this list. Not only that but, if there’s a train strike, you might not have a choice.
Flixbus is the only company that does this route. They have tons of departures every day, so you don’t have to worry about booking far in advance.
Buses leave from the Paris Bercy Seine bus station and arrive at Strasbourg – Place de l’Étoile.
On average, the journey takes about six hours. And a one-way ticket costs anywhere from €15 to €55.
When I did this trip by bus, I took the bus at 10 pm. It was not the most comfortable journey, but I was able to sleep for a few hours. So, if you need to save time, it’s an option I recommend.
Useful Tip: There are also buses that leave from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport. They take about ten hours and are slightly more expensive.
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Ridesharing is another cost-effective option to get from Paris to Strasbourg. It also offers more flexibility than a standard coach bus. You can choose your pick-up and drop-off locations, so you don’t have to worry about getting from the bus or train station to your hotel.
The most common platform for ridesharing in France is BlaBlaCar. They offer both rides with individuals and buses.
Of course, choosing to ride with a stranger has its pros and cons. If you do decide to do this, be sure to carefully vet the driver beforehand.
7. By Plane
Taking a flight is the most impractical way to make this journey. First, there are no direct flights. You’ll have at least one layover, which means your travel time could be over ten hours.
Then, there’s the cost. A one-way ticket costs anywhere from €200-500!
If, for example, you wanted to visit both Lyon and Strasbourg. You could fly to Lyon and spend a few days exploring the city. Then, take your second flight to Strasbourg. But keep in mind you’ll have to make the same journey on the way back.
8. Private Transfer
Private transfer is last on the list for a reason. You might think it’s a hassle-free way to make this trip, but it’s not.
Only GetTransfer offers this service, which is the most unreliable platform ever created. You have to pay upfront without knowing who your driver is. So, if something goes wrong, you’re screwed. And you’ll never see your money again.
I, personally, refuse to use this method.
FAQs About the Journey
Is it better to drive or fly from Paris to Strasbourg?
It’s far better to drive. You’ll get to see the French countryside and explore some small towns along the way. Flying is impractical and expensive.
Which train station in Paris goes to Strasbourg?
Paris has two train stations that go to Strasbourg – Gare de l’Est and Paris-CDG Airport.
Is the train from Paris to Strasbourg scenic?
No, the train is not scenic. It goes so fast that you can’t really make out the view from your window.
Conclusion and Verdict
This journey is, for the most part, straightforward and easy.
Taking the train is the easiest way to get there while driving offers the most flexibility. But each mode of transportation has its own advantages so it’s important to choose what works best for your needs.
Now that you know how to get to Strasbourg, it’s time to start planning your stay in Strasbourg!
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.
- Is France Worth Visiting? 13 Reasons Why You Should!
- I Hate France – Why Do a lot of People Dislike France?
- I Love France – Why Do You Love France or French?
