18 Best Day Trips From Strasbourg by Train or Bus

Best Day Trips From Strasbourg by Train

1. Day Trip To Colmar

A visit to Colmar is the most popular day trip from Strasbourg. The historic center of Colmar is one of those places that feel like they’ve been untouched by modernization. 

Once you reach Colmar, head straight to the Petite Venice quarter.

As you stroll the cobblestone streets and cross the bridges, you will feel like you are in a different era.

How to get from Strasbourg to Colmar?

By train: Take a train from Strasbourg train station. It takes approximately 30 minutes.
By bus: Take a Flixbus from the Strasbourg bus station.

Day trip from Strasbourg to Alsace villages

• Eguisheim
• Riquewihr
• Hunawihr
• Ribeauvillé

If you visit Strasbourg, a day trip to Alsatian villages is essential, especially if you visit in time for the Christmas Market. You might think that Strasbourg is already a real-life fairytale city, but wait until you see the villages on this list!

It should come as no surprise that Alsace villages are on the prestigious list of The most beautiful villages in France.

Alsace villages might look familiar if you’ve seen Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. 

There are a few versions of the story in which one of the villages inspired Disney. Some say it was Riquewihr, and some say it was Eguisheim. The best way to find out is to visit both and compare!

You can also visit Alsace villages on an organized tour if you don’t feel like dealing with buses and trains yourself! 🚂

2. Day Trip To Eguisheim

Eguisheim is probably the best-known Alsace village, as it won the title of “France’s Favourite Village” in 2013.

You don’t need a specific itinerary to visit Eguisheim. Stroll the cobblestone street and admire the authenticity of the village.

This medieval city was built in a circular form around its castle, and it is well preserved to this day!

How to get to Eguisheim from Strasbourg?

Take a bus or a train to Colmar. Once in Colmar, take Fluo bus 208 from the Colmar Train station. Check the schedule on the Fluo Grand Est website.

This bus only passes a couple of times a day and not on the weekend, so another great way to visit is to cycle there!

Take your bike on a train to Colmar for free, and cycle for 30 minutes from Colmar to Eguisheim.

3. Day Trip To Riquewihr

Riquewihr is one of the most charming places I’ve ever visited. It is rightfully on the list of the most beautiful villages in France. 

This village on top of the hill is surrounded by vineyards. Stroll the cobblestone streets and admire colorful half-timbered houses. 

How to get to Riquewihr from Strasbourg?

Take a bus or a train to Colmar. Once in Colmar, take Fluo bus 106 from the Colmar Train station. Check the schedule on the Fluo Grand Est website.

Alternatively, you can take your bike on a train to Colmar for free and cycle from Colmar to Riquewihr. But keep in mind that Riquewihr is on top of a hill!

4. Day Trip To Hunawihr

Hunawihr is another charming village you can visit on the same trip as Riquewihr, as you enjoy the Alsace vineyards between the two towns.

How to get to Hunawihr from Strasbourg?

Take a bus or a train to Colmar. Once in Colmar, take Fluo bus 106 from the Colmar Train station. Check the schedule on the Fluo Grand Est website.

You can visit Hunawihr on the same trip as Riquewihr, it is just 2.5km away, and you can walk from one village to the other!

Alternatively, you can take your bike on a train to Colmar for free and cycle from Colmar to Hunawihr.

5. Day Trip To Ribeauvillé

Ribeauvillé is a charming village guarded by three old castles overlooking the city. As it is a small village, the most popular way to visit is combined with a three-castle hike. 

It is a short hike uphill if you’re visiting from the city, and you can see all three castles and be back in under 2 hours. 

How to get to Ribeauvillé from Strasbourg?

First, you will take a train to Selestat. Then, you will take a 25-minute TER Fluo bus from Selestat train station to Ribeauvillé. 

Check the bus schedule on the Fluo website.

Do you want to visit all the Alsace villages but can’t organize it yourself in one day? You can also visit all these villages without a car on an organized Alsace tour!

Best Hikes And Castles From Strasbourg

• Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg to Ribeauvillé
• Mont Sainte-Odile and Obernai
• Château du Haut-Barr and Saverne

In this section, I will focus on some of the best nature escapes from Strasbourg. Nature in Alsace is incredible.

While you need a car for most of the best hikes in the area, you can still reach some fantastic hiking trails and castles by public transport!

6. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg to Ribeauvillé hike

This hike idea is the extended version of a popular hike known as the three-castle of Ribeauvillé hike.

You can just visit the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg without hiking to Ribeauvillé, as it is the most impressive and well-preserved castle in the region.

You can walk around the outdoors of the castle for free, but you will have to get a ticket to see the inside. 

Once you’ve explored the chateau, start walking back down the road you came from, towards Thannenkirch. 

You’ll have to pass through the village on the way to the Three Castle Trail. You will walk a bit on the side of the road, so don’t think you did something wrong.

This hike will take you around 4 hours to complete if you take your time to enjoy the scenery and climb the castles.

How to get to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg from Strasbourg?

You’re going to take a train to Selestat. From Selestat train station you will take a bus 500 to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg.

Check the bus 500 schedule here. 

From Ribeauvillé, you can take a TER Fluo bus back to Selestat train station.

7. Mont Sainte-Odile and Obernai

Combine a hike to the Mont Sainte-Odile with a visit to the charming village of Obernai. 

Start your hike from the village of Ottrrot. Follow the signs leading you to the start of the trail. 

The hike is moderately challenging, and it will take about an hour to two hours to reach the Monastery, depending on your fitness level. 

The peak altitude of the hike is 760m, and it is free to visit the Monastery. 

If you are backpacking Europe in winter, this trail is also stunning when covered in snow!

How to get to Mont Sainte-Odile from Strasbourg?

There are two ways to reach Mont Sainte-Odile. 

First, you can take a train to Obernai and then take a bus 257 or 262 or walk for about half an hour to Ottrrot.

Alternatively, you can do as I did. You take bus 257 from Strasbourg to Ottrrot, it takes about an hour and costs 2,50€.

This bus goes all the way to Mont Sainte-Odile if you are not into hiking and just want to visit the Monastery!

After finishing the hike, you can walk to Obernai. You will walk on the car road, but it is not very busy, so it is not dangerous. 

Finally, take a train or a bus back to Strasbourg from Obernai. 

8. Château du Haut-Barr and Saverne

While not as famous as the Alsace villages around Colmar, Saverne is another one of the popular cities near Strasbourg to visit.

However, a visit to Saverne is the best combined with a hike to the Château du Haut-Barr.

It is an enjoyable hike to the castle, and it will take you less than an hour to reach it. The chateau is free to visit! Walk around and climb the watch tower for the best view of the whole region.

You can finish the hike after reaching the castle or continue to Tour du Télégraphe Chappe and Château du Grand-Geroldseck.

How to get to Château du Haut-Barr from Strasbourg?

Take a train from Strasbourg to Saverne, it takes approximately 40 minutes.

Once you’re in Saverne, you’ll have to walk to the beginning of the trail, next to the Hôtel La Garenne. 

Once you’re on a trail, it’s pretty straightforward just follow the sign upwards.

Best Cycling Trips From Strasbourg

• Alsace wine route
• Strasbourg to Saverne
• Kehl and Baggersee Kork lake

Alsace is a region perfect for cycling. It is the most bike-friendly region I’ve ever visited, as you can bike everywhere!

As long as you stay away from highways, you will see a bike lane on the road!

9. Cycling the Alsace Wine Route

You might wonder if it is possible to bike the Alsace wine route. Yes!

If you are sporty and love cycling, biking along the Alsace wine route is an excellent day trip from Strasbourg. 

The Alsace wine route is over 170km long, way too long for a cycling day trip. However, you can check the map and select the part of the route you’d like to cycle. 

The most picturesque part of the Route might be between Selestat and Colmar, the part of the route that passes through the fairytale villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé.

To reach the Alsace wine route, take your bike on a TER train to Selestat and return from Colmar. If you book your train in advance, it can be 5€ per direction!

If cycling and drinking wine sound too challenging, how about joining a tour? That way you don’t have to worry about transportation, and you can just enjoy wine tastings. This Half-Day Wine Tour from Strasbourg is one of the best day tours from Strasbourg!

10. From Strasbourg to Saverne by bike

Yes, you can bike to Savern from Strasbourg, along the river canal. The cycling path starts north of Strasbourg, close to the European Court of Human Rights.

Once you’re on the route, you can’t go wrong, as road signs will make sure you’re on the right way!

You don’t have to worry about cars because 95% of the cycling route is away from the road. It is around 40 km and mostly flat, so it is not as hard as it might sound! 

That being said, when I did it, it took me about 5-6 hours with multiple stops to admire the surroundings. And by surroundings, I mean those bales of hay pictured above.

11. Cycling to Kehl and Baggersee Kork lake

Cycling from France to Germany is a fantastic thing to tick off your bucket list! It is easier than ever if you are already in Strasbourg. 

Cross the Europe Bridge and bike straight into the German city of Kehl. You will see many French people in Kehl grocery shopping as Germany tends to be cheaper than France for particular items. 

If you visit Strasbourg in summer, cycle to Baggersee Kork swimming lake!

It is under 15km from the city center of Strasbourg to the lake. Once you leave Kehl, you will cycle along the fields, away from the road. Bike lanes are everywhere, so don’t worry about safety!

• If you need more cycling day trip ideas, check out Cycling in Alsace for all the cycling routes in the region. 

Best Day Trips From Strasbourg To Germany

12. Fun Day trip to Europa Park

Are you looking for a fun weekend day trip out of Strasbourg?

The largest German theme park Europa Park is just an hour away from Strasbourg and you can visit it on a fun Strasbourg to Germany day trip!

A visit to the theme park is a great way to spend a weekend as there are more than 100 attractions so everyone can find something for themselves.

🎡Check the prices and get your Europa Park ticket online!

How to get to Europa Park from Strasbourg?

It is easy to get to Europa Park by public transport! You can take a shuttle bus or a Flixbus.

A shuttle bus ticket will cost you 8€ for a return ticket, and the bus takes about an hour to reach the park. Check the departure schedule on the CTBR website. 

Alternatively, you can take a Flixbus, but it is more expensive and departs later, so you have less time in the park. 

13. Day Trip to Baden-Baden

If you are looking for a relaxing, more luxurious day trip from Strasbourg, Baden-Baden is the destination for you. 

This German town is well-known as a spa town. Thanks to its thermal baths, it has been a popular resort since the 19th century.

When you’re done relaxing, stroll around the charming city center of Baden-Baden.

How to get from Strasbourg to Baden-Baden?

The cheapest way to get from Strasbourg to Baden-Baden is by Flixbus. A ride takes less than an hour, and tickets start at 5,99€ if you book in advance. 

Alternatively, you can take a train. There are more daily departures, and it takes approximately the same time to get to Baden-Baden. However, the tickets tend to be more expensive.

14. Day Trip to Frankfurt

Frankfurt is best known as the financial hub and home to the European Central Bank.

However, there’s more to Frankfurt than just the skyscrapers in the financial district.

Pedestrian city center, cobblestone streets, and colorful houses in the Römerberg. Join a free walking tour to learn more about the city’s history.

How to get from Strasbourg to Frankfurt?

You can either take a bus or a train.

Taking a train is the quicker option, as there is a direct train that takes under 2 hours to get to Frankfurt. But, it is more expensive than a bus. 

German and French trains serve this route, so I like to book my train tickets with Trainline, as it shows me all the trains operating the line so I can choose the one that works best for me!

I took a Flixbus to Frankfurt since it was significantly cheaper. The bus takes 4-5 hours, and you should wake up early to catch the first one.

It is a lot of driving for one day. However, if you catch the bus at 5:40 am, you have enough time to explore the city on a day trip!

Day Trips From Strasbourg Around France

15. Day trip to Metz

Metz is a city rich in culture and history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site applicant and a melting pot of French and German influence. 

Stroll around the city center, admire the stunning Metz Cathedral, and visit the impressive fortification Porte des Allemandes.

How to get to Metz from Strasbourg?

The cheapest way to get to Metz is to combine bus and train. 

Take a Flixbus to go to Metz. Tickets start at 4,99€, and the bus takes around 3 hours. The way back might be too early for some, as the last bus is at 16:45. 

A train goes from Metz to Strasbourg more often, and tickets start at 10€. Also, it is a quicker way to travel, as it takes on average under 2 hours. 

16. Day trip to Nancy

Nancy is a city of majestic 18th-century architecture. The city is a real change from the half-timbered houses in Strasbourg that it’s almost hard to believe that they’re so close to each other.

The main attraction is the 18th-century Place Stanislas. This grand square is decorated with gilded wrought-iron gates and splendid fountains.

How to get to Nancy from Strasbourg?

You can take a Flixbus, it takes 2 hours and if you book in advance tickets start at 3,99€!

Alternatively, take a train! It takes 1.5 hours on average, and train tickets start at 10€ if you book in advance. 

I took a bus from Strasbourg to Nancy as it was quite a lot cheaper for a last minute ticket, and it was a short and pleasant trip!

17. Day Trip To Paris

Yes, you can visit Paris on a day trip from Strasbourg!

Paris needs no introduction, as it is the most visited city in the world!

Have a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, wander the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, or stroll along the Seine River.

The list of things to do in Paris is endless!

How to get to Paris from Strasbourg on a day trip?

You need to take a train. A train from Strasbourg to Paris takes approximately 2 hours and brings you to the Gare de l’Est. 

These trains can get very expensive. OUIGO trains are the best value for money, and you can find tickets for under 20€! Book in advance to get the best price.

Flixbus also goes from Strasbourg to Paris, but the journey is too long to make it worth it for a day trip.

18. Day trip to Luxembourg

Luxembourg is an excellent idea for a one day trip from Strasbourg! Public transport is free in the country so you can see all the main attractions in one day. 

Luxembourg is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so make sure to visit the impressive fortifications and the city center that remained virtually untouched for centuries. 

How to get to Luxembourg from Strasbourg on a day trip?

Theoretically, it is possible to get Flixbus from Strasbourg to Luxembourg. The bus takes around 3 hours to get to Luxembourg, but the departure times are not the best for a day trip. 

Instead, go by train! It takes approximately the same time, but train departure times are more convenient for a day trip.

Public transport in Alsace

Public transport in the region is reliable and works pretty well. If you don’t have a car, you can reach all the places I recommend by train or bus. 

Trains from Strasbourg

Trains are the most popular form of public transport in Grand Est and you’ll be spoilt with options of where to go from Strasbourg by train.

TER trains are regional trains connecting Strasbourg to most towns in the region. Check out the TER network map to see all the destinations. 

It’s good to know that you can take a bike on TER trains for free!

For international train trips, I book my tickets on Trainline. They show you a whole trip through multiple countries by researching multiple operators.

That way, you can book just one ticket on the Trainline platform instead of analyzing each operator’s website.

How to save money on trains in Alsace?

Book your tickets in advance to take advantage of first-minute tickets. Tickets are up to 70% cheaper if you book in advance! 

TIP: First-minute prices expire 2 days before the travel date, regardless of if they are sold out.

If you plan to travel often in the region, you can save 50% on train tickets with Fluo Card. The card costs 20€ (if you are under 26, it is just 1€!) and is valid for a year. 

But pay attention, it is 50% of the full ticket price, not the first-minute price.

Booking in advance is still the best way to save money, but it might be difficult in the high season or on the weekends.

Local bus lines in Alsace

Local bus lines are the only public transport going to most Alsace villages. They are affordable and comfortable. 

Unlike regular city buses, these buses are usually a long-distance type of bus, which makes them considerably more comfortable than a typical public transport bus. 

Fluo Grand Est 67 network can be an alternative to train for some day trips, as it is more affordable. One way ticket is just 2,50€!

Long-distance buses from Strasbourg

Finally, we have long-distance buses like Flixbus and Blablabus. They are the most affordable way to reach far destinations like Paris or Frankfurt. 

Long-distance buses are a cheaper alternative to trains. At the same time, they take longer to reach their destination.

Therefore, you won’t be able to visit Paris on a day trip by Flixbus, but you can if you travel by train!