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How to get from Heidelberg to Strasbourg
Heidelberg to Strasbourg takes about 1 h 30–2 h by train with one change, typically in Karlsruhe or Mannheim, or about 1 h 30 by car on the toll-free A5. Both arrive within easy reach of Strasbourg's old town.
Best option: Train. Frequent trains with one change are as quick as driving and avoid parking and low-emission rules in Strasbourg.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train From Heidelberg Hbf to Karlsruhe or Mannheim, then a TGV, ICE or regional train to Strasbourg (some regional routes change at Offenburg) | about 1 h 30–2 h | connections at least hourly | about €25–50 | Strasbourg station is about 15 minutes on foot from the cathedral. Check for advance fares on Deutsche Bahn or SNCF. |
| car A5 motorway south past Karlsruhe, then across the Rhine at Kehl into Strasbourg | about 1 h 30 | fuel only; German motorways and this crossing are toll-free | Strasbourg has a low-emission zone; a Crit'Air sticker may be required. Use park-and-ride tram car parks. | |
| bus Long-distance coaches Heidelberg–Strasbourg | about 1 h 45–2 h 30 | a few a day | about €10–25 | Check current timetables; cheapest but less frequent than trains. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Order a Crit'Air sticker well before driving into Strasbourg; it is posted from France.
- Strasbourg's park-and-ride car parks include a tram ticket for everyone in the car.
- Kehl, just across the Rhine, has cheaper parking and a tram into Strasbourg.
- The Christmas market season (late November–December) is very busy; book trains early.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Heidelberg to Strasbourg?
Usually not; most journeys have one change, in Karlsruhe, Mannheim or Offenburg. With a good connection the trip takes about 1 h 30, otherwise up to 2 hours. TGV and ICE trains between Karlsruhe and Strasbourg are fastest. Check the current Deutsche Bahn or SNCF timetable.
Can I do Strasbourg as a day trip from Heidelberg?
Yes. With trains at least every hour and a journey of under two hours, you can spend a full day seeing the cathedral, Petite France and the old town and return in the evening. Driving is similar in time; use a park-and-ride to avoid city-centre traffic.
What is the cheapest way from Heidelberg to Strasbourg?
Long-distance coaches are often cheapest at about €10–25, but there are only a few a day. Regional trains with a Baden-Württemberg ticket or advance long-distance fares can be good value. For two or more people, driving costs just fuel, plus parking in Strasbourg.
Do I need a Crit'Air sticker to drive into Strasbourg?
Strasbourg operates a low-emission zone, and vehicles may need a Crit'Air sticker, including foreign-registered cars. Rules and enforcement are tightened in stages, so check the current requirements before you travel. Order the sticker online from the official French site in good time, as it is sent by post.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.