Arriving — The Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport (Aéroport International Strasbourg; www.strasbourg.aeroport.fr; tel. 03-88-64-67-67), 15km (9 1/4 miles) southwest of the city center, receives daily flights from many European cities, including Paris, London, Rome, Amsterdam, and Moscow. The shuttle train (look for the signs to pedestrian footbridge connecting the airport to the station platform) whisks you to Strasbourg main station in 9 minutes. The shuttles run every 15 minutes from 5:30am until 10pm Monday through Friday, once or twice an hour on Saturday between 6:30am and 10pm, and Sundays between 7am and 10:30pm. The one-way cost is 4.70€ and includes connection to the municipal tram system. For information, see the “Access” tab on the airport website or call tel. 08-05 41-54-15.

The superfast TGV train makes round-trips from Paris to Strasbourg, cutting travel time nearly in half to 1 hr., 45 min.. At least 15 trains a day arrive from Paris’s Gare de l’Est; the one-way fare is 45€ to 110€. For information and schedules, visit www.sncf-connect.com or call tel. 36-35.

By car, the giant A35 crosses the plain of Alsace, with occasional references to its original name, the N83. It links Strasbourg with Colmar and Mulhouse.

Getting Around

On Foot — Most of the main sites are accessible on foot and the city center is highly pedestrianized.

By Bicycle — Like a growing number of French cities, Strasbourg has a bike-sharing program called Vélhop (www.velhop.strasbourg.eu; tel. 03-67-70-70-70). You can register in their boutiques at 3 rue d’Or or in the Strasbourg station; fees are 1€ per hour or 5€ per day. A deposit is required.

By Car — If you have a car for exploring Alsace, there are convenient underground parking lots in place Gutenberg, place Kléber, and near the train station. You can rent a car at Avis (www.avis.fr; tel. 08-20-61-16-98), located at the train station or in the Kléber parking garage, or Europcar, at the station (www.europcar.fr; tel. 09-77-40-32-42).

By Taxi — A good number of taxis circulate around the city to serve the many business travelers. You can either hail one on the street or order one from Strasbourg Taxi (www.strasbourg-taxi.fr; tel. 03-88-12-21-22).

By Public Transport — Strasbourg has an extensive transit network of trams and buses run by the CTS (www.cts-strasbourg.eu; tel. 02-47-66-70-70). A one-way ticket costs 2.10€ or an unlimited day pass is 4.60€. Tickets can be purchased from automatic kiosks at a tram station or single tickets from a bus driver for 2.50€.

Visitor Information — The Office de Tourisme is on 17 place de la Cathédrale (www.visitstrasbourg.fr; tel. 03-88-52-28-28). There is a second branch inside the main train station (same telephone number as above).

Strasbourg City Card —  If you plan to do several tourist activities or museums, you can save with the Strasbourg City Card. Valid for 7 days, it grants discounted entrance to the cathedral towers, museums, guided tours, Batorama boat cruise, bike rentals and more; 5€ for adults and 3.50€ for children 17 and under. It’s available at the tourist office.

Special Events —  Jazz fans descend on the city every June for Wolfi Jazz (https://wolfijazz.com) and every November for Jazzdor (https://jazzdor.com), both of which feature top international musicians. Ticket prices range from 25€  to 75€. Musica (www.festivalmusica.fr), a festival held the last two weeks of September, combines contemporary concerts with movies and modern opera performances. Tickets (11€ –24€) go on sale late June.

In late November and December, the place de Cathédrale erupts with the city’s world-famous Marché de Noël (Christmas Market), where you can purchase handmade ornaments and gifts and warm up with hot vin chaud (mulled wine).

City Layout — The center of Strasbourg is mainly located on Grand Ile, a large island hugged by two branches of the Ill River. Petit France is the area between these two branches; with its crooked streets and half-timbered houses, it’s a major visitor destination.

Fast Facts

ATMs/Banks — The city center has plenty of banks; you’ll definitely find one around place Kléber.

Doctors & Hospitals — Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l’Hopital (www.chru-strasbourg.fr; tel. 03-88-11-67-68).

Internet Access — Look out for Wi-Fi signs in many central cafes or enjoy some of seriously good coffee while you surf at Oh My Goodness Café, 13 rue de la Première Armée (www.ohmygoodnesscafe.fr; tel. 09-50-52-08-61).

Mail & Postage — La Poste, 3A rue du 22 Novembre (tel. 36-31).

Pharmacies — Pharmacie de l’Homme de Fer, 2 pl. de l’Homme de Fer (tel. 03-88-32-55-55).

 

 

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.