Strasbourg Travel Essentials

Despite its location far from the sea, Strasbourg has an Oceanic climate, with cool winters and warm summers.

• Average temperatures range from 1ºC in winter to 20ºC in summer.
• Rain can occur anytime, the wettest months are May to July, with an average of 10-11 rainy day per month. You can also expect a few snowy days from November to April.
• The best times to visit are from May to October. You’ll avoid the crowds of December (the busiest time of the year) and enjoy more affordable hotel and flight prices.

• Primary languages: French
• Plug types: C, and E
• Electricity: 220-240 V
• Currency: Euro (€)
• International dialing code: +33 3
• Emergency telephone number: 112

Strasbourg Airport

Strasbourg hosts a small international airport 10 km southwest of the city center. The airport features a single 2-storey terminal home to a few dining and shopping options as well as facilities such as banking services. There are several transfer options to reach central Strasbourg:

• A taxi to the city center takes around 20 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found outside the arrivals hall.
• The shuttle train takes around 15 minutes. Get to the Entzheim Airport Train Station by crossing the covered pedestrian footbridge departing from the terminal and take your ticket at one of the vending machines. The shuttle train takes you to Strasbourg-Ville Railway Station from where you can catch a tram or bus to your hotel with the same ticket.
• Car rental agencies can be found in the main terminal.

Strasbourg-Ville Railway Station

Strasbourg-Ville Railway Station sits in the heart of Strasbourg, a stroll away of the Old Town. It’s established in a splendid 19th-century building covered with a glass roof in 2007. One of the busiest train stations in the country, Strasbourg-Ville is connected by TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse – High-Speed Train) to major cities in France and Germany including Paris, Marseille, Munich and Frankfurt. From the train station, transfer options to your hotel include bus, tram, taxi and cars for rental.

The best way to explore Strasbourg Old Town is on foot. It’s home to many attractions such as the cathedral, the Vauban Dam, the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg and many more which can be found within a 1-km circumference circle around the city center. It also hosts a great choice of dining and shopping options.

For longer journeys, Strasbourg public transportation provides with an affordable and efficient way to move around the city. Run by the CTS (Compagnie des Transports Strabourgeois), 29 bus routes and 7 tram lines permit you to comfortably explore Strasbourg, with a single ticketing system.

• Single and 24-hour Solo tickets are available.
• You can also purchase a 3-day Strasbourg Pass. It doesn’t include the use of public transportation but free admission or discount to many museums and attractions.

• Taxi rates are fixed by the prefecture. 
• Rates are slightly higher at night and on weekends.
• Most taxis accept the payment of the fare by credit card.
• If you do not speak French, a good way to tell the taxi driver where you want to go is by showing him a piece of paper, or your smartphone, with the address of your destination written on it.
• As usual when traveling abroad, beware of taxi scam and double-check that the meter is on.
• Taxi ranks can be found at Strasbourg-Ville Railway Station and near the main attractions in the city center. It’s also possible to hail a cab on the street if there’s no rank within 50 meters.
• You can book a taxi on the phone with companies such as Strasbourg Taxi (03 88 122 122) or Taxi 13 (03 88 36 13 13). These 2 companies have a downloadable app.
• Uber can also be used to get around the city.

Vélhop is a bike-sharing scheme run by the city of Strasbourg. Available 24/7, it features standard, electric, tandem, child and trailer bikes that offer an affordable and healthy way to get around the city. 

Carnaval de Strasbourg (Strasbourg Carnival)

• What: Strasbourg Carnival marks the arrival of spring. It’s a festive moment with floats, dancers, musicians and costumed characters in the streets.
• When: March
• Where: Downtown Strasbourg

Fête de la Musique (Music Day)

• What: This popular festival marks the summer solstice and features street concerts as well as bars that encourage partying. Amateurs and professional musicians perform all around the city.
• When: 21 June
• Where: Downtown Strasbourg

Christkindelsmärik (Christmas Market)

• What: Founded in the 16th century, Strasbourg Christmas Market features over 300 exhibitors selling Christmas decorations and traditional delicacies such as bredele (small Christmas cookies) and mulled wine.
• When: Late November–December
• Where: Place Broglie