Cars & Transportation Luxembourg

Luxembourg boasts a modern and efficient public transport system, which includes several key types:

Buses

The bus network covers all regions of the country, providing connections between cities, villages, and suburbs. The main operators are:

RGTR: provides inter-regional and local bus routes.

AVL: serves the city of Luxembourg, offering around 40 routes.

TICE: operates in the southern regions, including Esch-sur-Alzette.

Trams

After a long hiatus, the tram system was resumed in December 2017. The current line connects the Kirchberg district, city center, and Luxembourg railway station. Further network expansion is planned, including extending the line to the airport by 2025.

Trains

The railway network, managed by CFL, connects major cities and provides international routes to Belgium, France, and Germany. High-speed TGV trains provide fast connections to Paris.

Funicular

The Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg funicular, opened in December 2017, connects the Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg railway station with the Kirchberg district, facilitating transfers between trains and trams.

Water Transport

The Moselle River, which forms the border with Germany, is navigated by tourist boats, such as the "Princesse Marie-Astrid," offering scenic routes during the summer months.

Air Transport

Luxembourg does not have domestic air travel due to its compact size, but international air travel is highly developed. 

Luxembourg International Airport

The country's only airport: The airport is located 6 km east of Luxembourg City center. It is a modern hub serving passengers and cargo transport.

Key indicators: The airport handles about 4 million passengers annually. It is one of Europe's largest cargo airports due to its central EU location.

Infrastructure: Two terminals: the main one (Terminal A) for commercial flights and an additional one (Terminal B) for smaller aircraft. Amenities include shops, restaurants, waiting areas, and business lounges.

Airlines

Luxair: Luxembourg's national carrier offering flights to Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.

Cargolux: One of the leading global cargo airlines based in Luxembourg.

Other airlines: Ryanair, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, British Airways, and others offer direct flights to major European cities.

Destinations

European flights: Regular flights connect Luxembourg to cities such as Paris, London, Brussels, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Milan.

Long-haul destinations: There are no direct flights outside Europe (e.g., to the USA or Asia), but most major hubs in Europe (Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris) provide convenient connections.

Free Public Transport

Since February 29, 2020, Luxembourg became the first country to offer free public transport (buses, trams, and trains) for all passengers, including tourists. The exception is first-class train travel, which requires a ticket.

This integrated public transport system makes traveling around Luxembourg convenient and accessible for both residents and visitors.

Taxis

Availability: In Luxembourg, taxi services are provided by both traditional companies and modern app-based services.

Ordering by phone: Many companies accept orders by phone. However, knowledge of French, German, or Luxembourgish languages may be required to communicate with the dispatcher. English is also frequently used.

Taxi.eu: This universal taxi aggregator operates in 11 European countries, including Luxembourg, and allows ordering a taxi through a mobile app.

Rates: Since 2016, taxi rates are not fixed; the ride cost is calculated by a taximeter. It is recommended to clarify the approximate cost of the trip before departure.

Payment: Although some taxis accept credit cards, most prefer cash. Therefore, it is advisable to have enough cash on hand.

Tipping: It is customary to leave a tip of about 10% of the trip cost.

Car Sharing

Services: In Luxembourg, there are several car-sharing companies such as Carloh and Flex. They offer cars available at various locations in the city, providing flexibility in getting around.

Registration: To use car sharing, you need to register with the chosen service, providing your driver's license and paying any possible registration fees.

Payment: The rental cost depends on the time of use and distance traveled. Payment is made through an app linked to a bank card.

Parking: After completing the trip, you can leave the car at designated parking spots specified by the service.

Bicycle and E-Scooter Rental

Bicycles: The vel’OH! service offers 24/7 bike rentals through automated stations located throughout the city. The first half-hour period is free, and subsequent hours are charged at set rates.

E-Scooters: In Luxembourg, e-scooter rental services provide a convenient way to get around the city. To rent, you need to download the relevant app, register, and link a bank card.

Payment: The rental cost depends on the time of use. Payment is made through an app.

Parking: After use, you should leave the bicycle or scooter at designated stands or in authorized areas to avoid obstructing pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

Usage Features

Traffic Rules: Users of car sharing, bicycles, and scooters must follow traffic rules. It is recommended to use protective gear, especially helmets, to ensure safety.

Age Restrictions: To use car sharing and e-scooter rentals, a minimum age of 18 and a valid driver's license are usually required.

Overall, Luxembourg offers a variety of convenient transportation options, tailored to the needs of both locals and immigrants, providing comfortable and efficient travel across the country.

Yes, thanks to free and efficient public transportation, as well as the availability of car sharing and bike rentals, living in Luxembourg without a personal car is a comfortable and practical choice.

Obtaining a local driver's license in Luxembourg depends on your nationality and residency status.

Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA)

Use of existing licenses: EEA citizens may continue to use their national driver's licenses without the need to exchange them for Luxembourgish ones.

Citizens of non-EEA countries

Validity of foreign licenses: After notifying the commune of your arrival in Luxembourg, you can use your foreign driver's license for the first 6 months, but no more than 12 months.

Driver's License Exchange

Application deadlines: The application for the exchange of a driver's license should be submitted immediately after arrival, but the exchange is possible no earlier than after 185 days of residence in the country.

Required documents:

- Completed application.

- Valid foreign driver's license.

- Proof of residence in Luxembourg (e.g., registration in the commune).

- Medical certificate confirming fitness for driving.

- Passport-sized photo.

Procedure: After submitting the application and verifying the documents, you will receive a Luxembourgish driver's license. If you miss the set application deadlines, you will need to take both theoretical and practical driving exams.

General Recommendations

International Driver's License: It is recommended to obtain an international driver's license before arriving in Luxembourg, especially if you plan to rent a car or get insurance; it serves as an official translation of your national license and facilitates interactions with local authorities.

Obtaining a local driver's license

Obtaining a driver's license in Luxembourg involves several stages aimed at ensuring road safety and preparing competent drivers.

1. Checking eligibility requirements

Age: The minimum age to obtain a category B license (passenger cars) is 18. Training can begin at 17 with written consent from parents or guardians.

Medical examination: The candidate must undergo a medical examination at the National Motor Traffic Society to confirm physical and mental fitness for driving. Certain conditions, such as arrhythmia, angina, or dependency on alcohol and psychotropic substances, may pose obstacles to obtaining a license.

2. Choosing a driving school

There are about 40 licensed driving schools operating in Luxembourg. It is recommended to choose a school that meets your needs and preferences. A list of accredited driving schools is available on the official website of the National Motor Traffic Society.

3. Theoretical training

Theory course: The candidate is required to complete a theoretical training course covering traffic rules, safety basics, and technical aspects of vehicle operation.

Theory exam: After completing the course, it is necessary to pass the theoretical exam confirming knowledge of traffic rules.

4. Practical training

Driving lessons: After successfully passing the theoretical exam, the candidate proceeds to practical training with an instructor. The number of hours depends on individual needs but must comply with the minimum requirements set by legislation.

Practical exam: After the practical training, a driving exam is conducted to assess vehicle handling skills in real conditions.

5. Obtaining a provisional driver's license

After successfully passing both the theoretical and practical exams, a provisional driver's license is issued. During this period, the driver must adhere to certain restrictions and continue accumulating driving experience.

Obtaining a permanent driver's license

After the established training period and fulfilling all conditions, the provisional license is exchanged for a permanent driver's license.

Additional recommendations

Language skills: Training and exams are conducted in Luxembourg's official languages — French, German, and Luxembourgish. Some driving schools may offer courses in English.

International Driver's License: If you plan to drive outside Luxembourg, it is advisable to obtain an international driver's license, which serves as an official translation of your national license and facilitates interaction with foreign authorities.

Owning and operating a personal vehicle in Luxembourg involves certain features that are important to consider for ensuring comfortable and safe travel.

Registration 

Vehicle registration: All vehicles purchased or imported into Luxembourg must be registered with the National Motor Traffic Society. If you reside in the country for more than six months, it is necessary to register the vehicle and pay the respective fees.

Insurance

Mandatory insurance: All car owners are required to obtain a third-party liability insurance policy covering damages caused to third parties. Additionally, comprehensive insurance can be purchased for protection against damages to your own vehicle.

Technical inspection

Frequency: New cars undergo the first technical inspection four years after initial registration. Thereafter, inspections are conducted every two years. For vehicles older than ten years, an inspection is required annually.

Traffic rules

Speed limits:

- In urban areas: 50 km/h.

- Outside urban areas: 90 km/h.

- On motorways: 130 km/h (110 km/h in rainy weather).

Allowed blood alcohol level: The maximum permissible blood alcohol level is 0.5‰. Exceeding this level results in fines and other sanctions.

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Use of headlights: It is recommended to use low beam headlights during the day, especially in poor visibility conditions.

Seat belts: All passengers are required to fasten their seat belts.

Parking

Paid zones: Cities have paid parking zones with different tariffs. The cost of parking in the city center is about 1.5 euros per hour, while on the outskirts it is about 0.4 euros.

Parking discs: In some zones, a parking disc is required to indicate the time of arrival.

Fuel

Cost: Luxembourg is known for relatively low fuel prices compared to neighboring countries. The cost of a liter of gasoline is about 1.3 euros, attracting drivers from neighboring states.

Road Infrastructure

Road quality: Luxembourg's road network is characterized by high-quality pavement and well-developed infrastructure.

Toll roads: There are no toll roads in the country; highways are free to use.

Driving features

Language aspects: Road signs and markers are presented in Luxembourgish, French, and German. Knowledge of these languages will facilitate navigation.

Road conditions: In the historic city centers, narrow streets with one-way traffic are common, requiring increased attention when driving.

Speeding

In populated areas:

- Exceeding up to 15 km/h: fine of 49 euros.

- Exceeding over 15 km/h: fine of 145 euros.

Outside populated areas:

- Exceeding up to 20 km/h: fine of 49 euros.

- Exceeding over 20 km/h: fine of 145 euros.

On highways:

- Exceeding up to 25 km/h: fine of 49 euros.

- Exceeding over 25 km/h: fine of 145 euros.

In cases of significant speeding (e.g., over 75 km/h in urban areas or over 195 km/h on highways), fines can range from 500 to 10,000 euros, and prison terms of 8 days to 3 years are possible.

Driving under the influence

- From 0.5 to 0.8 g/l: fine of 145 euros.

- From 0.8 to 1.2 g/l: fine up to 500 euros.

- Over 1.2 g/l: immediate revocation of the driver's license, fine up to 10,000 euros, and possible imprisonment for a term of 8 days to 3 years.

Payment of the fine

Several methods for paying fines for traffic violations are provided in Luxembourg:

At the place of violation

Cash or credit card: If the fine does not exceed 145 euros, police officers can accept payment directly at the place of the violation.

Through banking institutions

Post offices: The fine can be paid in cash at any post office in the country.

Bank transfer: You can make a transfer to the following account: 

IBAN: LU67 1111 0127 5952 0000

BIC: CCPLLULL

Beneficiary: Police Grand-Ducale

Payment reference: Provide the fine reference number, vehicle number, and date of offense.

Online payment: Parking fines can be paid online through the official portal Guichet.lu.

Please note that when paying the fine, it is important to correctly enter all the necessary data so that the payment is correctly credited. If you have any questions or issues with payment, it is recommended to contact the local police department for further information.

In Luxembourg, the process of vehicle registration and technical inspection includes several sequential stages.

1. Obtaining a registration number

Selection and ordering a number: The first step is to select and order a registration number through the Guichet.lu portal. You can choose a standard number from those available or order a personalized one for an additional fee.

Manufacturing license plates: After receiving confirmation of the number assignment, you need to contact a specialized company to manufacture the license plates. The cost of manufacturing depends on the selected type of number.

2. Vehicle insurance

Obtaining insurance: Before registering a car, it is necessary to take out a mandatory third-party liability insurance policy, covering damage caused to third parties. Additionally, comprehensive insurance can be purchased to protect against damage to your vehicle.

3. Technical inspection

Inspection requirement: If you are buying a used car or importing a vehicle from abroad, a technical inspection is required before registration.

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Organization of Inspection: In Luxembourg, technical inspections are conducted by the company 

LU KS. You can schedule an inspection through their official website or by phone.

Cost and Frequency: The cost of the inspection is about 70 euros. New vehicles undergo their first inspection four years after first registration, then every two years, and annually after reaching ten years of age.

4. Payment of Registration Fee

Fiscal Stamp: To complete the registration process, you need to pay the registration fee and obtain a fiscal stamp. The cost is about 50 euros. An additional fee applies for ordering a personalized number.

Payment Methods: Payment can be made at the offices of the Administration of Registry Fees, Property Rights, and VAT, in SNCA registration departments with an additional fee of 3 euros, or by bank transfer to the specified account.

5. Submission of Registration Application

Required Documents:

- Completed registration application.

- Certificate of conformity or equivalent document.

- Medical certificate of fitness to drive.

- Valid insurance policy.

- Proof of payment of the registration fee.

Submission Process: Collecting all necessary documents, contact the National Society for Automotive Traffic (SNCA) to submit the vehicle registration application.

6. Receiving the Registration Certificate

Completion of the Process: After all documents have been verified and the technical inspection has been successfully passed (if applicable), you will receive the vehicle registration certificate and be able to mount license plates on the car.

The use and registration of foreign cars in Luxembourg is regulated by certain rules that depend on the duration of stay and the owner's status.

Temporary Use of Foreign Vehicles

Usage Period: Foreign vehicles may be operated in Luxembourg without registration for up to 6 months. After this period, the vehicle must be registered in Luxembourg.

Exception for Students: Students studying in Luxembourg are allowed to use cars with foreign registration until the completion of their studies without the need for registration.

Registration of Foreign Vehicles

Mandatory Registration: If you plan to live in Luxembourg for more than 6 months or become a resident, you must register the vehicle with local authorities.

Registration Process

Obtaining a Registration Number: Through the portal Guichet.lu, you can select and order a registration number.

Customs Procedures: When importing a car from outside the EU, customs clearance is required. In some cases, exemptions from customs duties are possible, for example, when importing a car as personal property.

Technical Inspection: Before registration, used vehicles must undergo a technical inspection at accredited centers.

Insurance: Obtaining a civil liability insurance policy is mandatory.

Submission of Documents: After collecting all necessary documents, including proof of payment of taxes and fees, you should contact the National Society for Automotive Traffic (SNCA) to complete the registration.

Taxes and Fees

Value Added Tax (VAT): Upon importing a new vehicle (less than 6 months since release or mileage less than 6,000 km), VAT is charged at a rate of 17%. Used vehicles that meet the specified criteria are exempt from VAT.

Customs Duties: When importing a vehicle from non-EU countries, a customs duty of 10% of the vehicle's value may be charged.

Features of Using Foreign Vehicles

Insurance: Make sure your insurance is valid in Luxembourg. Otherwise, a local insurance policy must be obtained.

Technical Requirements: The vehicle must meet Luxembourg's technical and environmental standards.

Parking and Road Fees: Pay attention to local parking rules and possible road tolls.

Luxembourg is actively developing infrastructure for electric vehicles, aiming for sustainable mobility and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Charging Stations

Chargy Network: The country operates a national network of fast-charging stations known as Chargy. Each station is equipped with two charging points, providing a significant number of places for charging electric vehicles.

SuperChargy Network: To meet the needs for fast charging, a network of SuperChargy stations is being created, offering ultra-fast charging along main highways and in urban areas.

Network Expansion: As part of the fifth round of grants for the installation of charging stations, 25 projects from 20 companies were approved, leading to the emergence of more than 200 new charging stations. Government subsidies cover up to 50% of costs, with a total of 3.7 million euros allocated. Of the 273 new charging stations, 93 will be publicly accessible, while the others are intended for private use.

Service Centers

Electric Vehicle Maintenance: With the increase in electric vehicles in Luxembourg, the number of service centers specializing in their maintenance is also growing. Many official dealers of leading car brands offer repair and maintenance services for electric vehicles.

Specialized Services: Independent service centers specializing exclusively in electric vehicles are emerging, offering a wide range of services from diagnostics to battery repair.

Availability of Charging Stations

Location: Charging stations are located in parking lots, supermarket parking areas, and along roads, ensuring convenient access for electric vehicle owners. Charging at park-and-ride facilities is usually cheap or almost free.

Access via Cards and Apps: Some charging stations are available only to holders of special cards, such as mKaart and Enodrive Zen. Users can check the availability of stations through sites like mobiliteit.lu, enodrive.lu, chargy.lu, and superchargy.lu.