is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
Official distributor
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Summer in Europe by train
Book your perfect European train journey this summer with Trainline
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Traveling by train from Paris to Strasbourg
Want to spend some time exploring Eastern France and need more information on how to take the train from Paris to Strasbourg? You’ve come to the right place!
Generally, it takes 1 hour and 54 minutes to travel from Paris to Strasbourg by train, but it can take just 1 hour and 46 minutes on the fastest services. You don’t need to worry about changing along the journey as there are direct services available from Paris to Strasbourg.
On this route, you’ll board a train at Paris Gare De L’Est, journey through the French countryside and arrive at Strasbourg station. Feel like treating yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy wider reclining seats, perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenic views from your window.
Once you’ve arrived in Strasbourg, you’ll step off the train and find yourself in a historic station, which is enveloped in a large glass dome. Within five minutes of leaving the station, you’ll be strolling along the famous canal banks of Grande Île – the very first UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, you’re a short walk from the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg – a gothic building with a 16th-century astronomical clock. Strasbourg also has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, so make sure you go there if you're planning a visit during the festive season - you'll discover why seeing the markets is one of our top European vacations! Read our guide to Strasbourg Christmas Market: France’s Capital of Christmas to learn more.
Keen to begin your journey? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Paris to Strasbourg in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you want to learn more about the train journey first, keep reading for more information on:
- TGV INOUI, OUIGO, TER and ICE classes from Paris to Strasbourg
- Services on board TGV INOUI, OUIGO, TER and OUIGO trains
- Traveling from Paris airport to the city center
- All about Paris Gare de l’Est station
- Arriving in Strasbourg
- Using public transport in Strasbourg
- Things to see and do in Strasbourg
- See even more of France by train
- Explore Europe with a Eurail Pass
- Where to travel next after visiting Strasbourg
- Review: Traveling from Paris to Strasbourg with OUIGO and TGV INOUI.
Paris to Strasbourg by train
It takes an average of 1h 56m to travel from Paris to Strasbourg by train, over a distance of around 246 miles (396 km). There are normally 16 trains per day traveling from Paris to Strasbourg and tickets for this journey start from $18.17 when you book in advance.
| First train | 6:52 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:24 pm | |
| Departure station | Paris | |
| Arrival station | Strasbourg | |
| Journey time | From 1h 46m | |
| Distance | 246 miles (396 km) | |
| Frequency | 16 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $18.17 | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, OUIGO, BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF, Flixbus |
TGV, OUIGO, TER and SNCF trains from Paris to Strasbourg
TGV
OUIGO
TER
SNCF
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
More information
OUIGO is the low-cost, high-speed train service operated by the French national train company SNCF. Despite having only one class on board, OUIGO trains offer the same comfort as Second Class seats on TGV trains, although OUIGO tickets are only available to purchase online. To make your journey as smooth as possible, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and bear in mind that there's an additional fee for bringing a suitcase with you, having a seat with power sockets and travelling with a stroller/buggy.
More information
TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are the regional service from SNCF that allow you to make trips to nearby towns and villages located within the same region. With 20 regions in France, TER trains are ideal for travelling to destinations not covered by high-speed services, although ticket prices vary between each region. TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles and allow animals on board. Not all TER trains include a First Class carriage.
More information
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
More information
TGV INOUI, OUIGO, TER and Intercity Express (ICE) classes from Paris to Strasbourg
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, OUIGO, TER and Intercity Express (ICE) when traveling from Paris to Strasbourg.
TGV INOUI
OUIGO
TER
Intercity Express (ICE)
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Standard Class
OUIGO comes with only one class, Standard Class, which is the equivalent of TGV's Second Class. On board you'll find WiFi and a café-bar (on services in Spain). There may be a trolley service on Train Classique services in France. You can pay extra to guarantee a seat with a power outlet, as not all seats currently have one.
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Dining car (1)
- In-seat meal service (2)
- WiFi (3)
- Power outlets
- (1) Available on OUIGO Spain services only
- (2) Snack service available on some OUIGO Classique trains
- (3) WiFi available for a fee on services in France; may be free in Spain
Second Class
Most TER trains don't have First or Second Class so the services offered on board are the same for all passengers. Please note that WiFi is not available on TER trains at the moment.
- Baggage storage
- Fold-down table
Second Class
If you're traveling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the perks available in Second Class, you'll get more legroom, an in-seat meal service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
Onboard services on TGV INOUI, OUIGO, TER and Intercity Express (ICE)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Strasbourg.
TGV INOUI
OUIGO
TER
Intercity Express (ICE)
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
One piece of hand baggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin baggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm) can be taken onboard. You can take additional or larger bags with you (max. 30kg) for an extra fee or by paying for OUIGO Plus.
On OUIGO trains in France: an at-seat service of snacks is available on Train classique services. This service is not available on high-speed OUIGO trains.
On OUIGO trains in Spain: OUIBAR is located in car 4 of each train and offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, plus snacks.
WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.
For OUIGO trains in France: Passengers under 12 years old pay a fixed price for tickets all year round - €5 for journeys on Train classique services, and €8 for high speed services.
For OUIGO trains in Spain: Passengers under 12 pay €5 for all journeys.
You can take your bicycle on board OUIGO trains if you add the 'Bike' option onto your ticket for an additional fee of at least €5. Your bike must be folded or dismantled and placed in a storage bag for transport.
Pets are only allowed on board OUIGO trains if the 'Pets' option is added to your ticket at the time of booking. (1 pet per adult, per booking, €10 per pet.)
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
There are no size limits for the baggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any baggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated baggage storage spaces on the train.
TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave!
TER trains do not currently have WiFi available.
All children under 12 years old get 50% off the price of a TER ticket - input the age of your child when searching your journey and the discount will be applied automatically. Children under the age of 4 travel for free if they're sat on your lap throughout the journey.
On TER trains, it's free to take your bicycle on board. You can hang it up or store it in a dedicated bicycle area. There are a fixed number of spaces available on each train - they're first come, first served and can't be reserved.
Animals weighing less than 6kg must travel in an appropriate carrier (no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm), stored at your feet or on your lap. Tickets for small animals cost 7€. Animals weighing more than 6kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for larger animals cost 50% of the price of a second class ticket. Up to 2 animals or 2 carriers allowed per passenger. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on board all SNCF trains.
If you are disabled or have reduced mobility, you can reserve special assistance through 'Accès TER'. Someone can meet you at the station and accompany you to your train or TER bus, helping you to get around more easily.
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
When traveling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re traveling on an ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favorite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
Cheap train tickets from Paris to Strasbourg
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Paris to Strasbourg by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Traveling from Paris Airport to the city center
Visiting Paris from abroad? You’ll most likely arrive at one of Paris’ airports. If you want to know how to get to central Paris from the airport, keep reading for more details.
Paris has three major airports:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Orly Airport (ORY)
- Beauvais Tillé Airport (BVA).
All airports offer bus and taxi services, while only Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports have dedicated train stations (the nearest train station to Beauvais Tillé is nearby in Beauvais).
How to get from CDG Airport to the city center
How to get from Orly Airport to the city center
How to get from Beauvais Tillé Airport to the city center
Everything you need to know about Paris Gare de l’Est station
How to get to Paris Gare de l’Est station
Before your journey to Strasbourg, you need to travel to Paris Gare de l’Est station. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered!
Paris Gare de l’Est station is easily accessed thanks to the city’s extensive public transport system. If you’re taking the train to Strasbourg and need to get to Paris Gare de l’Est train station, you can get there by:
- Metro: From the city center, you can take Line 4, 5 or 7 to the Metro station at Gare de l’Est.
- Bus: You can take RATP buses from across the city to Gare de l’Est, including services 38, 46 and 65.
- On foot: If you’re coming from Paris Gare du Nord station, you can walk for about 10 minutes to Paris Gare de l’Est station.
What to expect at Paris Gare de l’Est station
As you wait for your train to Strasbourg, you can take advantage of the following services:
- Food halls and cafés including Marks & Spencer and Starbucks
- Shops such as Yves Rocher, Occitane and Sephora
- Pharmacy
- Bathroom
- Left baggage lockers.
Boarding a TGV INOUI train
Before boarding the train, SNCF staff will welcome you at the ticket gates. To make your trip easier, follow these simple steps to validate your train ticket:
- Print your ticket or open your e-ticket on your phone
- Go to the boarding area to scan your train ticket
- Get on the train and look forward to the trip.
With TGV INOUI, you can board up to two minutes before the departure time. After this time, you will be refused access to the train.
The Grand Voyageur TGV INOUI lounges
Customers with a Business Première ticket, a Carte Liberté (with a Première ticket) or the Grand Voyageur loyalty card can access the Grand Voyageur TGV INOUI lounges at Paris Gare de l’Est station. The Grand Voyageur TGV INOUI lounge is a premium space and is perfect for relaxing or working. Here, you can enjoy free WiFi, as well as a selection of complimentary newspapers and magazines, drinks and more.
Boarding a OUIGO train
When traveling with OUIGO, we recommend that you arrive at the station 30 minutes before the departure time.
If you want smoother boarding, you can pick the OUIGO Plus option (for only €9, around $9.82 as of January 2024) when buying your ticket – it allows you to skip the line at Paris Gare de l’Est station.
Arriving in Strasbourg from Paris
Your train from Paris will arrive at Strasbourg train station. Read on for more information on how to get from the station to the city center.
It’s easy to get from Strasbourg train station to the city center:
- Tram: You can take tram line A, B, C or D to reach various parts of the city center. You’ll find the tram stop (Gare Centrale) right outside the train station.
- Bus: Strasbourg has an extensive bus network, and several bus lines connect the train station to different parts of the city. The central bus station is located near the train station.
- Bike: Strasbourg is a bike-friendly city, and bike rental stations are available near the train station. If you enjoy cycling, renting a bike can be a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the city center.
- Walking: Strasbourg's train station is centrally located, and depending on where you need to go in the city center, you might consider walking. The city center is within a reasonable walking distance (10-20 minutes), and you can explore the charming streets and landmarks along the way.
Using public transport in Strasbourg
Strasbourg’s public transport network includes 6 tram lines and 30 bus routes serving both the city and its surrounding areas.
Taking the tram in Strasbourg
The Strasbourg tramway system is probably your best option for getting around the city. Tram lines A, D, B and F are the most useful lines for tourists, as they stop at most of the city’s major sites, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, Place Kléber, the Petite France District and Palais Rohan. Line E takes you to the European Quarter, Parc de l'Orangerie, and the University district.
The tram operates from 4:30 am to 12:30 am from Monday to Saturday, and from 5:30 am to 12:30 am on Sundays and public holidays.
Taking the bus in Strasbourg
As the city’s tram network is quite comprehensive, you may not need to take the bus in Strasbourg. However, buses can be useful in certain cases, especially if you want to get somewhere well outside the center that isn't covered by the tram network.
There are around 30 bus lines operating throughout the city, suburbs and further onward. Night bus services are available too.
Things to see and do in Strasbourg
With its rich history and a blend of French and German influences, Strasbourg offers plenty of attractions that are worth exploring. Here are our top 3 favorites:
- Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg): With its intricate façade, impressive spire, and beautiful stained-glass windows, this stunning Gothic cathedral is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- La Petite France: This historic quarter is known for its picturesque half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and charming canals. Step back in time and explore its artisan shops, cozy cafes, and the ambiance of a medieval Alsatian town.
- Palais Rohan: The Rohan Palace is a complex of three buildings – the Rohan Palace, the Rohanstrasse, and the Rohan Garden. It houses several museums, including the Strasbourg Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Archaeological Museum. The palace itself is an architectural gem and provides insights into the city's history and culture.
See even more of France by train
Thinking of exploring more of France by train? Great choice! Let’s look at what else there is to see and do in France.
Explore Europe with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Strasbourg, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead. For more information, read our dedicated Eurail Pass article.
Where should you travel next after Strasbourg?
Sure, you might have had a good time in Strasbourg, but your European adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not check out some of these trips below?
Head from Strasbourg to Colmar
It can take just 25 minutes to get from Strasbourg to Colmar on the fastest TGV INOUI services. Get ready to enjoy the well-preserved medieval architecture, as well as delicious wine and Alsatian cuisine of this charming and picturesque town.
Plan a trip to Basel
Want to visit Switzerland? Travel from Strasbourg to Basel in a little over an hour on the fastest SNCF services. Stroll down the Old Town and enjoy its charming medieval streets and squares or visit one of its fascinating museums.
Speed away to Munich
If you want to explore another European country, why not take the train to Munich? Deutsche Bahn trains run directly from Strasbourg to Munich and can take less than 4 hours to reach the German city. Once you arrive, you’ll be ready to enjoy the city’s cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere right away.
FAQs for Paris to Strasbourg
Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Strasbourg? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Paris to Strasbourg take?
The average journey time by train between Paris and Strasbourg is 1 hour and 56 minutes, with around 16 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Paris and Strasbourg by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Paris to Strasbourg is 1 hour and 46 minutes.
How much does the train from Paris to Strasbourg cost?
Train tickets from Paris to Strasbourg can start from as little as $18.17 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Paris to Strasbourg?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Paris to Strasbourg without having to change trains. There are 15 direct trains from Paris to Strasbourg each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Paris to Strasbourg leave?
The first train from Paris to Strasbourg leaves at 06:52. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Paris to Strasbourg leave?
The last train from Paris to Strasbourg leaves at 20:24. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Paris and Strasbourg by train?
Trains travelling from Paris to Strasbourg cover a distance of around 246 miles (396 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Strasbourg to Paris.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
TGV INOUI
OUIGO
A friends trip from Paris to Strasbourg by train
I took the train from Paris to Strasbourg to visit a friend from college who lived in Strasbourg at the time. I traveled with two other friends on a TGV INOUI train on a Friday afternoon in February 2023.
At the train station
Trains to Strasbourg from Paris depart from Paris Gare de l’Est. This station is easily accessible by public transport – metro lines 4, 5 and 7 stop here, for example.
I was traveling with some friends, and we’d caught a Eurostar train from London to Paris that morning. This meant it was super simple to find the right train station – Gare de l’Est is just a 5-minute walk from Gare du Nord, where Eurostar trains from London arrive.
As our train to Strasbourg departed at around lunchtime, we decided to grab some food before we left to eat on the train. There are boulangeries on the streets surrounding the station, as well as some shops in the station building itself, so we had plenty of choice.
Boarding the train
Boarding the train was simple. You can scan your ticket at the ticket gates to access the platform. Sometimes, there are members of staff who will scan your ticket instead. Either way, simply scan your ticket and go!
Your ticket contains all the information you need about where you’re sitting, including your car number and your seat number. Everyone has a reserved seat on high-speed trains in France, so it’s important to sit in the right spot.
One quirk of French trains is that often, they’ll have two levels. My friends and I had reserved seats on the top deck of a carriage, so we headed up the stairs with our baggage. Luckily, there are lots of places to store bags on board, so we didn’t have a problem. Remember: it’s mandatory to label your bags when traveling on trains in France.
The train journey
Our train left on time at 12:46 pm. We settled into our seats and tucked into our lunch, watching the countryside roll by as we sped towards Strasbourg.
It’s worth knowing that there’s also a café bar on board TGV INOUI trains, in case you’re hungry and you haven’t been able to pick up any food beforehand. Whether you’re searching for breakfast, a mid-morning pick-me-up or a whole meal, there’s plenty to choose from. There are also restrooms and free WiFi available onboard.
I took some knitting to work on during the journey while my friends chatted. We didn’t have long to wait before we reached our destination, though! The journey from Paris to Strasbourg on TGV trains is direct, with many trains making no stops along the way. This means it’s a speedy trip and you can be in Strasbourg before you know it.
Arriving in Strasbourg
In less than 2 hours, we pulled into Strasbourg station, arriving right on time at 2:38 pm. From here, it’s a 20-minute walk to the city center, or you can take public transport from outside the station.
The striking thing about Strasbourg’s station is its architecture. It’s made up of a historic building dating from the late 19th century, completely covered by a huge glass roof. It’s certainly a sight to behold.
Remember to take a walk around the Old Town while you’re in the city, and don’t forget to check out Strasbourg’s cathedral too!
Overall, I was really pleased with how quick and easy it was to travel between Paris and Strasbourg by train, and I’d certainly recommend this trip to others.
About Kristina
Kristina, a Trainline employee, chose to share her experience of the journey between Paris and Strasbourg.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.