Northern Europe › Germany › Baden-Wurttemberg › Kehl-Strasbourg
Kehl-Strasbourg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
A border-crossing Rhine call with Germany on one bank and France on the other. Kehl gives you parks and easy tram access, while Strasbourg brings the cathedral, canals, Petite France, and Alsatian winstubs into a single shore day.
⚓ Docked river port🕒 Typical call: 6-9 hrs💶 Euro (EUR)🗣️ German / French
Docking
River ships dock at Kehl or Strasbourg river berths; no tendering
Walk to Center
Kehl center 10-20 min from many berths; Strasbourg old town is best by tram, shuttle, taxi, or excursion
Best For
Strasbourg Cathedral, Petite France, Rhine parks, Christmas markets, Alsatian food
Don't Miss
Passerelle des Deux Rives, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, Barrage Vauban
📄 Take this port with you
A printable port guide — key info, things to do & tips. Includes an editable “My Day in Port” box for your ship times & booked excursions.
Kehl-Strasbourg is a docked Rhine river port, but the exact berth can shift between Kehl's German bank and Strasbourg's French-side port areas.
Getting Ashore
1
Walk Off the ShipRiver cruise passengers normally walk directly ashore. Tendering is not used here, though ships may be rafted alongside another river vessel on busy days.
2
Confirm Your BerthSome ships berth in Kehl near the Rhine parks and Passerelle des Deux Rives; others use Strasbourg-side quays such as Quai des Belges or Rue de la Minoterie. Your line's daily program matters more than the port name.
3
Use Tram D for StrasbourgFrom Kehl Bahnhof or Kehl Rathaus, Tram D crosses into Strasbourg and continues to central stops such as Homme de Fer and Langstross Grand'Rue. Buy and validate tickets before boarding.
4
Take the Shuttle if OfferedMany river lines include a Strasbourg transfer or guided walking tour. This is the simplest option if your berth is in an industrial area or if you have limited mobility.
💡 Pro move: Walking all the way from Kehl to Strasbourg's old town is possible but long and dull after the Rhine crossing; save your time for the historic center.
Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line
Cruise berths are spread across both sides of the Rhine, so treat Kehl-Strasbourg as a docked river call with variable transfer logistics.
Most shore days focus on Strasbourg's UNESCO-listed old town, but the Rhine parks, EU quarter, canal cruises, and Alsatian food make good add-ons.
Iconic
Strasbourg Cathedral & Grand Île
Explore the UNESCO-listed island heart of Strasbourg, anchored by the soaring Cathédrale Notre-Dame and its astronomical clock. The lanes around Place de la Cathédrale are packed with cafés, shops, and photogenic Alsatian facades.
Strasbourg's most atmospheric quarter is a canal-side maze of half-timbered houses, old mills, and bridges. Continue to the Barrage Vauban rooftop terrace for one of the best free views over the Ponts Couverts.
A covered sightseeing boat loop gives you La Petite France, the Neustadt, and the European Quarter without retracing your steps on foot. It is especially useful in rain or for passengers who want a lower-effort overview.
Strasbourg is one of Europe's institutional capitals. Guided tours and panoramic drives often include the European Parliament, Council of Europe, and riverside Neustadt architecture north of the old town.
Use your independent time for tarte flambée, choucroute garnie, kougelhopf, Riesling, or Crémant d'Alsace in a traditional winstub around the cathedral or Petite France. Reservations help during Christmas market season.
Stay local in Kehl and cross the Passerelle des Deux Rives on foot or by bike. The paired French-German river parks are flat, green, and easy, with views back toward the Rhine and Strasbourg's distant skyline.
Kehl itself is easy and flat; Strasbourg's best walking starts after a tram, shuttle, taxi, or ship transfer into the old town.
Kehl Rhine Park & Border Bridge
2-4 km • 45-90 min • Flat riverside paths
A simple local walk from Kehl's riverfront through the Rhine gardens and across the Passerelle des Deux Rives. It is the easiest way to physically cross between Germany and France without committing to the long trek into central Strasbourg.
Ride Tram D or take your ship transfer into central Strasbourg, then loop from the cathedral through Petite France to the Barrage Vauban. This covers the strongest sights without needing a bus tour.
If you have a short call or have already seen Strasbourg, walk into Kehl for cafés, pharmacies, and everyday German shopping. It is practical rather than dramatic, and useful before returning to the ship.
Climate normals for Kehl-Strasbourg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
Month
Avg High
Avg Low
Rainy Days
Sunrise
Sunset
Jan
43°F / 6°C
33°F / 1°C
16
8:16 AM
5:00 PM
Feb
48°F / 9°C
34°F / 1°C
12
7:36 AM
5:50 PM
Mar
54°F / 12°C
37°F / 3°C
11
6:42 AM
6:33 PM
Apr
61°F / 16°C
43°F / 6°C
11
6:38 AM
8:19 PM
May
67°F / 19°C
50°F / 10°C
13
5:48 AM
9:02 PM
Jun
77°F / 25°C
59°F / 15°C
12
5:26 AM
9:32 PM
Jul
79°F / 26°C
62°F / 17°C
11
5:42 AM
9:25 PM
Aug
78°F / 26°C
61°F / 16°C
12
6:22 AM
8:42 PM
Sep
71°F / 22°C
55°F / 13°C
9
7:05 AM
7:40 PM
Oct
62°F / 17°C
48°F / 9°C
12
7:49 AM
6:38 PM
Nov
51°F / 11°C
40°F / 4°C
12
7:37 AM
4:48 PM
Dec
45°F / 7°C
36°F / 2°C
15
8:14 AM
4:33 PM
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Insider Tips
🚋
Tram D is the independent travel key. Kehl Bahnhof and Kehl Rathaus connect directly with central Strasbourg; buy and validate your ticket before boarding.
⚓
Berths vary. Kehl-side docks are greener, while some Strasbourg berths are closer to tram access but more industrial. Check your ship's daily sheet before setting off.
🕰️
Build in a return buffer. Leave central Strasbourg at least 60-90 minutes before all-aboard if traveling independently, especially during Christmas markets.
💶
One currency, two countries. Germany and France both use euros, and cards are common, but coins are handy for tram machines, lockers, and small purchases.
🛍️
Sunday is quieter in Kehl. German shops often close on Sundays; Strasbourg's tourist core has more activity, but hours still vary.
🥨
Eat on the border. Strasbourg is the better bet for Alsatian winstubs, while Kehl is easy for German bakeries, beer, and pharmacy stops before sailing.
Getting Around
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
🚗 Ride-share: ✅ Uber, BoltBoth Uber and Bolt operate in Strasbourg. Request from the Kehl side or cross the Rhine first via tram. Lyft does not operate in France.🚍 Hop-on hop-off: ❌ No HOHO bus
🚋 Tram (Line D)
€1.90–€2.50
Tram Line D runs directly from Kehl Bahnhof (a ~10-min walk from most docks) to Place de l'Homme de Fer in central Strasbourg. Journey takes 10–24 minutes—the most affordable and frequent option.
🚌 Public Bus
€1.90–€2.50
CTS buses serve the Kehl–Strasbourg corridor with a 15–25 minute ride. A 24-hour unlimited pass (€4.60) covers trams and buses and is great value if you plan to explore widely.
🚕 Taxi
€26–€70
Taxis meet ships at the dock. The shorter Kehl-station area to Strasbourg centre run is around €26–€31; expect more for longer pickup locations or fixed-price private transfers.
📱 Uber / Bolt
Varies (approx. €15–€30)
Both Uber and Bolt are active in Strasbourg. Open the app once you're near the city—ride-hail demand from Kehl can be limited, so the tram is a reliable backup.
⛵ Batorama Boat Tour
€12.50–€16.20
Once in Strasbourg, Batorama river cruises on the River Ill are a classic way to see Petite France and the historic centre. Tickets: €16.20 adult / €8.90 reduced for the long tour.
Cruises Calling Here
Upcoming cruises that call at Kehl-Strasbourg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
