Traveling by Train in Luxembourg: The CFL Network, Stations, and Routes
The train is one of the most convenient ways to get around Luxembourg. Modern, comfortable, and seamlessly integrated with other public transportation options, the rail network serves the entire country as well as the major cities of the Greater Region. Whether you’re a resident, an expat, a cross-border commuter, a student, or just a visitor, it offers a fast, economical, and environmentally friendly solution.
This guide explains how the Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL) network works, covers the main stations, cross-border routes, and services available to travelers, and provides practical tips for planning your trips within Luxembourg and to neighboring countries.
Train Travel in Luxembourg: What Expats Need to Know
- CFL trains serve all of Luxembourg as well as France, Belgium, and Germany.
- Second-class travel is free on the Luxembourg national network.
- The Mobiliteit.lu and CFL mobile apps let you check schedules and connections in real time.
- Trains can be easily combined with trams, buses, park-and-ride facilities (P+R), and bike paths.
Why choose the train in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg’s rail network is one of the cornerstones of the country’s transportation system. It provides quick access to major urban centers, employment areas, and border towns, while reducing traffic congestion and the environmental impact of travel.
Thanks to free second-class public transportation and numerous connections to other modes of transport, the train is often the simplest solution for both daily commutes and leisure travel.
Trains in Luxembourg: Key Figures
- Second-class train travel is free throughout Luxembourg’s national rail network.
- The network is operated by the Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL).
- The main lines connect Luxembourg to France, Belgium, and Germany.
- Luxembourg Station is the country’s main transportation hub, offering connections to trams, buses, and international trains.
Which train should you choose based on your needs?
The rail network caters to a wide range of needs. This table helps you quickly identify the best option for your situation.
| Your needs | Recommended solution |
|---|---|
| You’re traveling within Luxembourg | CFL national network (2nd class free). |
| You work as a cross-border commuter | Regional lines connecting France, Belgium, or Germany. |
| You’re traveling to Paris or other major French cities | TGV trains departing from Luxembourg or via Metz and Lorraine TGV. |
| You want to go to a neighborhood in Luxembourg City | Train + tram or bus connection. |
| Planning a multimodal trip | Use Mobiliteit.lu or the CFL mobile app. |
The following sections explain how the CFL network works, cover the main stations, fares, services available to passengers, and options for easy travel to neighboring countries.
The Luxembourg Railways (CFL) Network
The Luxembourg Railways (CFL) operate virtually the entire national rail network. The lines serve the country’s major cities as well as the French, Belgian, and German border regions, facilitating daily commutes for residents and the many cross-border workers.
The network is centered around Luxembourg Station, the country’s main rail hub, from which most domestic and international lines depart.
Luxembourg’s Main Train Stations
Several stations play a key role in daily commutes and connections to other modes of transportation.
| Station | Main Attraction |
|---|---|
| Luxembourg | Main rail hub, with connections to the tram, buses, international lines, and park-and-ride facilities. |
| Belval-University | Access to the University of Luxembourg, the Belval district, and the economic hubs in the southern part of the country. |
| Ettelbruck | Connections to northern Luxembourg. |
| Wasserbillig | Connection to Germany. |
| Rodange | Connections to Belgium and the southwestern part of the country. |
Free trains... under certain conditions
Since 2020, second-class travel has been free throughout Luxembourg’s national rail network.
This free travel applies to trips within Luxembourg. However, a ticket is still required:
- to travel in first class;
- for international trips beyond Luxembourg’s borders;
- for certain specific services offered by rail operators.
Free Train Travel in Luxembourg: Important Information
Free public transportation applies only to trips within Luxembourg. If your journey continues into France, Belgium, or Germany, you’ll need to purchase a ticket covering the international portion of your trip.
Planning Your Train Trip in Luxembourg
Digital apps make it easier to plan your trips and allow you to check real-time information.
- Mobiliteit.lu: multimodal route planning, schedules, service disruptions, and connections.
- CFL mobile: train schedules, traffic information, and services offered by CFL.
Also check out our selection of must-have apps in Luxembourg, which highlights the main tools to help with your travels.
Easy connections to other modes of transportation
The train integrates seamlessly into Luxembourg’s public transportation network. At most stations, you can continue your journey by tram, bus, bike, or via park-and-ride facilities (P+R).
To better understand how these different modes of transportation work, check out our dedicated guides:
Traveling to Neighboring Countries by Train
Thanks to its location in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg benefits from excellent rail connections to France, Belgium, and Germany. Many residents and cross-border workers use the train daily to get to work or for personal travel.
| Destination | Main Routes |
|---|---|
| France | Metz, Thionville, Nancy, Longwy, as well as TGVs to Paris. |
| Belgium | Arlon, Libramont, Brussels via the CFL and SNCB networks. |
| Germany | Trier, Koblenz, and other destinations via the CFL and DB networks. |
For international trips, it is recommended that you book your tickets well in advance to take advantage of the best fares offered by the various operators.
Traveling by TGV to and from Luxembourg
Luxembourg is connected to the high-speed rail network via TGV services to France. These trains allow you to reach Paris quickly, as well as many other destinations via connections.
Depending on your destination, it may also be worth departing from Metz or Lorraine TGV, both of which are easily accessible from Luxembourg.
Services to Make Your Train Travel Easier
CFL offers various services to enhance passenger comfort:
- station accessibility and assistance for people with reduced mobility (PRM);
- park-and-ride facilities (P+R) that let you combine car and train travel;
- bike parking at many stations;
- luggage storage and passenger services, depending on the station;
- real-time travel information via mobile apps.
Before a specific trip, especially if you need assistance for people with reduced mobility, it is advisable to check the services offered directly by CFL.
Traveling by Train: Common Mistakes
- Assuming that international trips are free.
- Forgetting to check whether your train goes directly to your final destination without a transfer.
- Failing to check for any service disruptions before departure.
- Confusing the services offered by Mobiliteit.lu with those of the CFL mobile app.
- Waiting until the last minute to book a TGV or an international ticket.
Checklist: Traveling by Train in Luxembourg
A few simple checks can help you plan your trip with greater peace of mind, especially if you’re taking a cross-border trip.
✔ Check your itinerary on Mobiliteit.lu or the CFL mobile app.
✔ Check whether your trip stays entirely within Luxembourg or crosses a border.
✔ Buy a ticket if you’re traveling internationally or in first class.
✔ Allow enough time for connections.
✔ Check for any service disruptions before you leave.
✔ Book your tickets in advance for TGVs and international trains.
The train: a simple solution for getting around Luxembourg
Thanks to a modern network, free second-class travel within the country, and excellent connections to neighboring countries, the train is one of the most convenient ways to get around Luxembourg.
Whether you’re a resident, a cross-border commuter, or a new expat, it integrates seamlessly with other modes of transportation and makes both daily commutes and trips to major European cities easier.
Getting Around in Luxembourg
- Using buses in Luxembourg
- Discover the tram and the funicular
- Getting around Luxembourg
- Must-have apps in Luxembourg
- Traveling by plane from Luxembourg
FAQ: Traveling by Train in Luxembourg
Are trains free in Luxembourg?
Yes. Second-class travel on Luxembourg’s national rail network is free. International trips and first-class travel are still subject to a fare.
Which app should you use to plan a trip?
Mobiliteit.lu lets you plan multimodal routes, while CFL mobile provides specific information about trains and the rail network.
Can I travel directly to Paris from Luxembourg?
Yes. TGVs run regularly between Luxembourg and Paris. Depending on your destination, departing from Metz or Lorraine TGV may also be a good option.
Can people with reduced mobility receive assistance?
Yes. CFL offers assistance services at several stations. It is recommended that you arrange for this assistance before your trip.
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