TRANSPORT
Interview with Elisabeth, member of the Automobile Club of Luxembourg
The car is very present in Luxembourg, Luxembourgers cherish their vehicles which they have beautiful and in large numbers! It was customary until now to do everything by car, but this is starting to change with the total free transport since 2020. We can feel that the government is trying to bring about an eco-responsible revolution. When I arrived, I used my car a lot. Now, it stays in the garage most of the time.
The new tram is perfect, the funicular is a good idea, the electric bus network is great (some even run at night to bring your kids back from a party) and the trains crisscross the country. No more excuses for not using them.
Let's start with the car, what do you need to know?
Getting around by car is relatively easy, the roads are well maintained. Traffic flow is an area that needs improvement , that goes without saying, because rush hours are quite chaotic. But with the thousands of Belgian, German and French cross-border commuters who rush to the borders in the morning and evening, it cannot be otherwise. I advise you not to try to leave Luxembourg after 4 p.m.
There are a few points that need to be clarified.
Registering your driving licence : Holders of a driving licence from a member country of the European Economic Area are not required to exchange their driving licence.
For UK driving licenses:
People holding a UK driving license who move to Luxembourg from January 1, 2021, must have their license transcribed within 12 months (after residing for 6 months in Luxembourg). After this deadline, the license will no longer be valid for driving in Luxembourg, and transcription will require passing a driving test. However, if your license is from outside the EU, you have one year to transcribe it (contact the National Society for Automotive Traffic for more information). From the age of 50, the license is valid for 10 years, renewable after a medical examination.
Importing your vehicle:
You have 6 months to register your vehicle in Luxembourg with the SNCA in Sandweiler. Keep in mind that VAT is 17%, and there is no carbon tax, making cars generally cheaper in Luxembourg. You can even personalize your license plate with your initials, birth year, or other unique choices!
Winter regulations:
Your vehicle must have winter tires during wintry conditions. There is no specific date, but the Automobile Club recommends switching once temperatures drop below 7 degrees. It’s up to you to decide when the roads start getting slippery. Non-compliance results in a €74 fine, and blocking traffic due to inadequate equipment might earn you some colorful language from other drivers!
Parking in the city:
Not ideal. City-center parking is either under construction or packed, but the Cityapp-VDL app allows real-time updates on parking availability. The Glacis parking lot is my favorite: spacious, easy to access, and always has spots. Plus, the tram runs every 5 minutes into the city center. If you're coming from outside the city, Park & Ride (P+R) is the most economical and stress-free solution. These free parking lots are located on the outskirts and connect you to the city center via public transport.
As a resident of Luxembourg City, the residential parking permit system (available from the Traffic Service) is very practical for parking for free in your neighborhood and getting 2 hours of free parking in other districts. If you want to park longer than 2 hours, you can pay with cash or via the Call2Park app. A blue disc (available at gas stations) allows for 2 hours of free parking by displaying your departure time. Otherwise, parking is paid Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., free on Sundays and holidays.
Driving in the city is becoming more restrictive, so it’s less tempting to use a car.
Car rental:
Car-sharing systems are available in most municipalities, and major rental companies are at the airport. They are also in the city center, though not conveniently located near the train station. Alternatively, the ACL (Automobile Club of Luxembourg) rents cars in Bertrange, close to the city center.
Taxis:
Taxis are relatively expensive and mainly operate on a reservation basis (except at the train station and airport). Webtaxi and Colux have excellent apps. However, if you go out at night, it’s better to drive yourself, as hailing a taxi in the street is nearly impossible. Uber doesn’t exist in Luxembourg. The "Night Rider" is a night shuttle service available on demand by reservation.
Are public transport services a real plus?
Travel across the country for free! The Mobiliteit.lu app is a must-have for real-time updates on buses, trams, and more—it will become your new best friend.
The City’s bus network includes 40 lines (34 regular and 7 night routes). Buses are geolocated, with arrivals announced in advance at bus stops.
"Call a Bus" is a door-to-door service available to residents of Luxembourg City aged 70 and older, operating Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight. Similar services exist in other major cities.
Night buses and shuttles are popular with younger people and their parents! These 7 lines (starting with CN for "City Night") run Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. There are also night buses serving towns and villages outside Luxembourg City.
The tram has revolutionized transportation in the capital since its reintroduction in late 2017. Operating daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, it’s a reliable and punctual choice. By 2023, the tram line runs from Luxexpo to Lycée de Bonnevoie, with plans to expand to the Grand Stade and Lycée Vauban by 2035.
The funicular connects Pfaffenthal to the Kirchberg Plateau, linking Luxembourg's rail network to trams, buses, and cycle paths. It’s located under the Red Bridge.
The train network, managed by CFL, is eco-friendly (100% renewable energy, zero CO2 emissions). Second-class travel is free within Luxembourg, while first-class and cross-border journeys require tickets via the CFL website or app. From Luxembourg’s station, you can quickly reach European capitals, though it’s not necessarily faster than driving to places like Brussels or Amsterdam.
And what about flying?
Luxembourg Airport (Findel) is amazing—just 20 minutes from the city center, with quick boarding and a good range of destinations. Before COVID, we explored direct flights to sunny spots like Athens, Milan, Ibiza, Faro, Lisbon… all within 3 hours!
Major airlines (British Airways, ITA, Lufthansa, TAP) and low-cost carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet) operate here. Luxair, the national airline, is efficient and connects to many European capitals, as well as destinations like Dubai, Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt, and Turkey. Through its subsidiary Luxairtours, you can find package holidays.
For broader options, consider nearby airports like Brussels, Charleroi (196 km, 2h30), or Frankfurt Hahn (234 km, 2h30), and check Skyscanner for deals.
Shuttle services such as Flixbus, Door2gate, or Émile Weber’s private options are also available.
Advice for newcomers?
Buy a bike! The government offers a generous rebate (50% of pre-tax cost, max €600) after some processing time. With 660 kilometers of bike paths, you can explore all the charming corners of the country.
If you’re unsure, rent one. Major cities have bike-sharing systems (like Vel’oh in Luxembourg City), or visit "Vélo en Ville" near Luxembourg Accueil. For secure parking, use Mbox facilities—accessible with the mKaart transport card.