Practical Guide to Public Transportation in Luxembourg

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg offers a modern, efficient public transportation system that has been free of charge since 2020. For expatriates settling in this small country at the heart of Europe, understanding how public transport works is essential for facilitating their daily commutes. Here is a practical guide to Luxembourg’s public transportation, with all the useful information for getting around smoothly.

A Diverse and High-Performing Public Transport Network

Luxembourg has a well-developed public transport network, comprising several complementary modes of transportation:

Bus: The Backbone of the Network

The bus network covers the entire Luxembourg territory, from major cities to small villages. It consists of several subsystems:

• RGTR (Régime Général des Transports Routiers) serving the entire country
• AVL (Autobus de la Ville de Luxembourg) for travel within the capital
• TICE (Syndicat des Tramways Intercommunaux du Canton d’Esch-sur-Alzette) in the southern part of the country
• CityBus networks in certain municipalities

Buses run frequently, especially during peak hours, and efficiently connect major activity centers.

Train: For Fast Travel Between Cities

The Luxembourg railway network, managed by CFL (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois), spans over 270 km of tracks. It enables quick connections between the country’s main cities, such as Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette, Ettelbruck, or Diekirch. The trains are modern, comfortable, and punctual.

Tram: A New Addition in the Capital

Since 2017, Luxembourg City has had a modern tram network that crosses the capital from east to west. It greatly facilitates travel within the city center and serves strategic areas like the European district of Kirchberg or the central station.

Bike-Sharing: For Short Urban Trips

Several Luxembourg cities, including the capital, offer bike-sharing systems. It’s a practical and eco-friendly option for short urban trips, complementing other modes of transport.

Free Transportation: A Major Advantage for Expatriates’ Budgets

One of the great advantages of the Luxembourg transport system is its complete free-of-charge status since March 1, 2020. This measure applies to all public transportation within the national territory:

• All buses (RGTR, AVL, TICE, CityBus)
• Trains (2nd class)
• Luxembourg City tram

This free service applies to all users, whether residents, cross-border workers, or simple visitors. Only first-class train journeys and certain special services (like the “Night Rider”) remain paid.

A Significantly Reduced Transportation Budget

For expatriates moving to Luxembourg, this free public transportation represents substantial savings on their monthly budget. Before 2020, a monthly pass for the entire network cost around €50. Over a year, the savings can therefore reach €600, or even more for those who previously used their car.

Indirect Savings

Beyond the simple free rides, using public transportation allows for other savings:

• No need to buy a car
• Savings on car insurance, maintenance, and fuel
• No parking fees in the city

Practical Tips for Using Luxembourg Public Transportation Effectively

To fully enjoy the Luxembourg public transport network, here are some useful tips:

Plan Your Trips with the Mobiliteit App

The Mobiliteit.lu mobile app is an essential tool for getting around in Luxembourg. It allows you to:

• Plan your routes in real time
• Check bus and train schedules
• Be informed of any disruptions
• Locate bus stops and bike-sharing stations

Opt for Intermodality

Don’t hesitate to combine several modes of transport to optimize your trips. For example, you can take the train for a long journey, then finish your route by bus or bike.

Use the P+R

If you live in the outskirts, park-and-ride facilities (P+R) are an excellent option. You can park your car for free and continue your journey by public transport.

Consider Night Services

For your nighttime outings, several options are available:

• “Late Night Bus” in certain cities
• “Night Rider” service by reservation (paid)
• Weekend night bus lines in the capital

Future Prospects: Towards Even More Sustainable Mobility

Luxembourg continues to invest heavily in its public transport network to make it even more attractive and efficient. Among ongoing or upcoming projects:

• Extension of the tram network in the capital
• Development of new high-level service bus lines
• Modernization of railway stations
• Strengthening of cross-border connections

These investments aim to further encourage the use of public transport, with a focus on sustainable mobility and reducing CO2 emissions.

In conclusion, the Luxembourg public transport system offers numerous advantages to expatriates: free service, efficiency, comfort, and environmental respect. By taking the time to familiarize themselves with this network, newcomers can quickly enjoy facilitated mobility throughout the country, while achieving substantial savings on their transportation budget.