Car Hire Strasbourg Airport — Gateway to Alsace and the Black Forest
Strasbourg Airport (SXB), officially Aéroport de Strasbourg-Entzheim, is a regional airport just 10 km southwest of Strasbourg. It’s one of France’s most conveniently positioned airports for car rental — within 15 minutes of the city centre and directly connected to the A35 motorway. For travellers heading to Alsace’s wine route, the Vosges Mountains, or Germany’s Black Forest, Strasbourg Airport is an ideal starting point.
The airport has a single terminal handling domestic and European flights. It’s smaller and less chaotic than CDG or Lyon, making pickup and return fast. While train connections to Strasbourg are excellent (TGV from Paris takes 1h46), a rental car is essential for exploring the Alsace Wine Route and regional villages that are difficult to reach by public transport.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Strasbourg Airport
Car rental counters are in the arrival hall. Major providers include Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. Most counters are open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Follow “Voitures de Location” signs from baggage claim. The airport is small — expect a short walk to the pickup garage.
The pickup garage (P1, P2) is adjacent to the terminal. Vehicle return is in the same location — follow “Restitution Voitures de Location.” A fuel station is located near the airport on D392. Fill up before returning to avoid surcharges.
Documentation: valid driving licence (EU/EEA or International Driving Permit), passport or ID card, and credit card for deposit (€500-1,500). Strasbourg Airport handles mainly French and German travellers. Photograph your vehicle before leaving.
Where to Go from Strasbourg Airport
Strasbourg City Centre (15 minutes) — East on the D392 and D1000. The drive connects directly to the Grande Île. Parking in central Strasbourg is restricted — use Park & Ride.
Colmar (40 minutes) — South on the A35. The “Little Venice” of Alsace with colourful houses and canals. Wine tastings available in town and nearby villages.
Alsace Wine Route (25 minutes to start) — Drive along the D5 from Marlenheim south. Vineyards, medieval villages (Riquewihr, Eguisheim), and wine tastings. Allow a full day.
Black Forest, Germany (50 minutes) — Cross the Rhine at Kehl and head east. Scenic drives, hiking, and spa towns. Baden-Baden is 1 hour away.
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg (40 minutes) — Southwest on the D1064. Spectacular medieval castle with Rhine Valley views. Parking at the site.
Tips for Driving in France
Strasbourg Airport connects to the A35 (north-south along the Rhine) and A4 (west to Paris). The German A5 is minutes away across the Rhine. Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (110 km/h in rain). The A4 has tolls; the A35 is toll-free within Alsace.
French motorways are toll roads. Fuel is cheaper at supermarkets than at the airport. If driving to Germany, check your rental agreement — cross-border permissions are usually included for EU countries.
Strasbourg has an extensive low-emission zone (ZFE) requiring a Crit’Air sticker for central areas. Rental cars should have this; confirm before driving into the Grande Île.
Compare Strasbourg Airport car hire prices using the search above. With immediate access to Alsace, the Black Forest, and Germany, it’s the perfect starting point for your cross-border adventure.