Grand Est is a vast northeastern French region created in 2016 from the historic provinces of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine. Bordered by Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Belgium, it is a crossroads of European culture, language, and cuisine. Strasbourg, the regional capital, hosts the European Parliament and flaunts one of Europe's finest Gothic cathedrals. Reims preserves the coronation church of French kings and the prestige champagne cellars of the world-famous Champagne region. In between, Colmar's half-timbered lanes, the vine-draped Alsace Wine Route, the Vosges mountain forests, and the solemn WWI battlefields of Verdun create an unrivalled diversity of experiences within a single region.
Grand Est is France's best-connected region for international travel. TGV trains reach Strasbourg from Paris in 1h45 and Reims in 45 minutes. Regional TER trains link the major cities. The Alsace Wine Route and Vosges mountains require a car or bicycle. Strasbourg has one of France's best tram networks; Reims, Nancy, and Metz also have trams. Cross-border rail links connect to Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
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- {'airport': 'Strasbourg-Entzheim (SXB)', 'transfer': 'Navette tram (line F) from airport to central Strasbourg in 30 min; departs every 15 min; €4.60 (~$5.05). Taxi: €30–€40 (~$33–$44) to city centre. Book taxi at strasbourg.aeroport.fr.'}, {'airport': 'Frankfurt Airport (FRA)', 'transfer': 'Direct ICE train from Frankfurt Airport Fernbahnhof to Strasbourg in 1h20; €30–€60 (~$33–$66) via DB or SNCF; book at bahn.de or sncf-connect.com. Taxi prohibitively expensive.'}, {'airport': 'Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH)', 'transfer': 'Bus shuttle (Flixbus or dedicated navette) to Mulhouse station (20 min, €6/~$6.60); then TER to Colmar (20 min) or Strasbourg (1h). Taxi to Colmar: €35–€50 (~$38–$55).'}
Local transport
Getting around the city.
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Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
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Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
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- Route
- Paris Gare de l'Est → Strasbourg
- Type
- TGV
- Duration
- 1h45
- Cost
- €25–€80 (~$27–$88); book early at sncf-connect.com
- Route
- Paris Gare de l'Est → Reims
- Type
- TGV
- Duration
- 45 min
- Cost
- €15–€45 (~$16.50–$49)
- Route
- Paris Gare de l'Est → Metz
- Type
- TGV
- Duration
- 1h25
- Cost
- €20–€60 (~$22–$66)
- Route
- Paris Gare de l'Est → Nancy
- Type
- TGV
- Duration
- 1h30
- Cost
- €20–€65 (~$22–$71)
- Route
- Strasbourg → Colmar
- Type
- TER
- Duration
- 30 min
- Cost
- €10.50 (~$11.55); departs every 30–60 min
- Route
- Strasbourg → Mulhouse
- Type
- TER
- Duration
- 45 min
- Cost
- €14 (~$15.40)
- Route
- Strasbourg → Metz
- Type
- TGV/TER
- Duration
- 1h10
- Cost
- €18–€35 (~$20–$38)
- Route
- Reims → Épernay
- Type
- TER
- Duration
- 26 min
- Cost
- €8 (~$8.80)
- Route
- Metz → Nancy
- Type
- TER
- Duration
- 35 min
- Cost
- €11 (~$12.10)
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Grand Est has excellent rail infrastructure as France's gateway to Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. The TGV LGV Est line (Paris Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg in 1h45) is the backbone of long-distance travel. TER regional trains connect all major towns. A car is strongly recommended for exploring the Alsace Wine Route, Vosges roads, and Champagne vineyard routes.
Airports
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Book TGV tickets at sncf-connect.com 60+ days ahead to get Prem's fares from €19 (~$21) Paris–Strasbourg
Strasbourg tram: validate your ticket by pressing on the orange validator — non-validated tickets receive a €35 (~$38) fine
Alsace Wine Route by bicycle: rent a 7-speed bike in Colmar (€15/day at Colmar Vélo, 47 avenue de la République) and ride between villages
Cross-border day trips: Strasbourg to Kehl (Germany) takes 3 min by tram line D; Frankfurt by direct ICE takes 2h from Strasbourg station
Champagne region: Épernay has a small train station linked to Reims (26 min); no public transport to the surrounding vineyard villages — rent a car or book a cycling tour