Discontinuation of Strasbourg Tram Services Affects Commuters and Tourists
In the coming weeks, travelers and residents should be prepared for disruptions in public transit between the German town of Kehl and Strasbourg, France, as a result of construction on the Rhine river. The intensified border controls have been in place for about two and a half months, and the disruptions are expected to last from July 28 to August 22, 2025.
During this period, commuters and tourists can expect delays and should consider alternative transportation options. Local authorities often arrange replacement bus services during rail or tram disruptions in this region, though specific details about these services have not been explicitly stated yet.
For those preferring active travel, the Robertsau area and surrounding neighborhoods feature extensive cycle paths and walking trails connecting Strasbourg with natural and rural areas near the Rhine. These routes pass through the Forêt de la Robertsau and along the Marne-Rhine Canal, offering scenic alternatives for short-distance travel.
While river cruises on the Rhine and Ill rivers might offer alternative views and connections during this period, they are not substitutes for regular transit. Many travelers might resort to driving or taxis to cross between Kehl and Strasbourg directly during transit disruptions.
The construction along the Rhine river will likely cause extended waiting times and longer travel durations for transit users who rely on the standard Kehl-Strasbourg public transport link. Disruptions affecting river crossings will also increase congestion on nearby alternative crossings such as pedestrian bridges or road bridges. Tourist activities near the Rhine, including visits to historical sites like Ponts Couverts and the Petite France district in Strasbourg, may also experience heavier foot traffic and accessibility issues due to transit delays.
It is recommended to check closer to or during the disruption period with local transit providers or official Strasbourg and Kehl city sources for detailed, up-to-date arrangements. The transport company CTS has issued a warning about the potential delays in the bus service, and replacement buses are expected to run every seven minutes between Kehl's railway station and the "Landsberg" stop on the Strasbourg side. However, it is possible that the bus service may end at the "Port du Rhin" ("Rhineland") stop, the last stop on the French side, meaning passengers would have to walk across the Rhine Bridge to get to Kehl if the bus service ends there.
These disruptions are the largest since the unique tram connection between Germany and France was established around eight years ago, with no trams crossing the Rhine during this period. The European Bridge, a bottleneck between Germany and France, is likely to experience frequent traffic jams due to these disruptions, affecting many tourists staying in Kehl and the border region. These tourists often visit Strasbourg city center, which features a famous Münster cathedral.
By planning ahead, travelers can mitigate the impact of these disruptions. Whether using shuttle buses (if provided), cycling or walking on the well-connected paths near Robertsau, or opting for taxis or private vehicles, it is essential to be prepared for potential delays and increased demand on alternative crossings between Kehl and Strasbourg during late July to late August 2025.
Given the upcoming disruptions in public transit between Kehl and Strasbourg from July 28 to August 22, 2025, it's crucial for commuters to consider alternate transportation methods, such as alternative bus services or cycling and walking paths in the Robertsau area. It's recommended to also check with local transit providers for detailed updates, as the finance and transportation sectors may experience significant disruptions during this period.
