Getting Around Luxembourg
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Free public transport nationwide since 2020, including trams and buses in Luxembourg City. Rural: Rent a car for countryside and Moselle Valley. Cross-Border: Integrated tickets for nearby France, Germany, Belgium. For convenience, book airport transfers from Luxembourg Airport to your destination.
Train Travel
CFL National Rail
Efficient and free train network connecting Luxembourg City to Esch-sur-Alzette, Differdange, and other towns with frequent services.
Cost: Free for all passengers since 2020, journeys under 30 minutes between most cities.
Tickets: No tickets needed, just board; apps like CFL Mobile for schedules and real-time updates.
Peak Times: Trains run every 15-30 minutes, avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for less crowding.
Free Travel Perks
All public transport free, but consider 1st/2nd class upgrades (€2-5) or LuxPass for integrated cross-border travel.
Best For: Unlimited travel within Luxembourg, ideal for day trips to Vianden or Echternach.
Where to Get Info: CFL stations, website, or app for timetables and service alerts.
High-Speed Options
TGV and ICE connect Luxembourg to Paris, Frankfurt, Brussels, and Amsterdam via Thionville or Troisvierges.
Booking: Reserve seats in advance via SNCF or DB apps, discounts up to 50% for early bookings.
Main Stations: Luxembourg Central Station (Gare), with direct links to international routes.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for rural areas like Mullerthal and wine regions. Compare rental prices from €35-55/day at Luxembourg Airport and city centers.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Full coverage advised, often included but verify for cross-border travel.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: No tolls on Luxembourg motorways, but check for tunnels like Saint-Quentin (€2).
Priority: Yield to right at intersections unless signed, roundabouts common in cities.
Parking: Free in many areas, paid zones €1-3/hour in Luxembourg City; use apps for spots.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations abundant at €1.40-1.60/liter for petrol, €1.30-1.50 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps for rural areas.
Traffic: Light congestion in Luxembourg City during rush hours, easy driving elsewhere.
Urban Transport
Luxembourg City Trams & Funicular
Modern tram network and funicular covering the city, all free since 2020, single rides unlimited within zones.
Validation: No tickets required, but respect seating and priority for elderly/disabled.
Apps: Mobiliteit.lu app for routes, real-time tracking, and multimodal planning.
Bike Rentals
Vel'oh free public bike-sharing in Luxembourg City and Esch, with 100+ stations and electric options.
Routes: Extensive cycling paths along Alzette River and through parks, safe for all levels.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours to castles and vineyards, book via local tourism offices.
AVL (Luxembourg City), RGTR (national), and cross-border services operate free bus networks.
Tickets: Free for all, board directly; integrated with trains for seamless travel.
Regional Lines: Connect to Thionville (France) or Trier (Germany) with affordable add-on fares €2-5.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near Luxembourg Central Station for easy access, or Kirchberg for modern vibes and transport links.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and events like Luxembourg City Film Festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for business traveler unpredictability.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to free public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout Luxembourg including rural valleys.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
POST Luxembourg, Tango, and Orange offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Luxembourg Central Station and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Luxembourg Airport (LUX) 6km from city center, free bus to center (20 min), taxi €30, or book private transfer for €40-60.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (€3-6/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Free public transport mostly accessible, with ramps on trams; some historic sites have steps.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains and buses (small free, large €1.50), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes free on trains off-peak, folding bikes anytime; dedicated bike spaces available.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Luxembourg
Luxembourg Airport (LUX) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Luxembourg Airport (LUX): Primary international gateway, 6km north of city center with free bus connections.
Regional Options: Nearby Findel Airport is LUX; for budget, consider flying into Metz (France) 70km away, train €10 (1 hour).
Small Airports: No major regional, but Trier (Germany) 50km away offers limited flights with bus links.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Frankfurt or Brussels and taking train to Luxembourg for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Luxair, and EasyJet serve LUX with European connections from London, Porto, and more.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and free transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.