Kehl Station – Transport Hub on the German-French Border
Kehl Station is a major transport hub in the Ortenau district of Baden-Württemberg and serves as an important connection between Germany and France. With its central location in Kehl and proximity to the French city of Strasbourg, the station plays a key role in regional and cross-border transport.
History of the Border Station Kehl
Kehl Station was opened in 1861 after the railway bridge over the Rhine was completed. This made it possible for the first time to have a direct rail connection from Paris to Vienna. During World War II, Kehl was evacuated, and the station temporarily lost its function. After the war, the station was rebuilt and modernized. In 2004, a private investor acquired the station premises from Deutsche Bahn and carried out extensive renovations. Since then, the station has housed various offices, businesses and a hotel.
Location and Facilities of the Border Transport Hub
Kehl Station is centrally located on the edge of Kehl's town center, just about 400 meters from the German-French border. Shopping facilities are located around the station, including the “City Center Kehl”. Behind the station, a free park-and-ride lot has been available since 2004.
Accessibility
Kehl Station features facilities that ensure barrier-free access to the platforms. For inquiries, Deutsche Bahn’s mobility service is available.
Transport Connections
Rail and Local Transport
Kehl Station is located on the Magistrale for Europe, a high-speed line running from Paris via Strasbourg, Stuttgart, Munich, and Vienna to Budapest. While EuroCity and Intercity trains used to stop in Kehl, the station was last served by long-distance trains at the end of 2013. Connections to ICE and TGV as well as long-distance services are now available in Offenburg and Strasbourg.
Kehl Station is a stop for SWEG, operating towards Strasbourg and in the opposite direction to Offenburg, as well as the Metro-Rhin of the French railway company SNCF. Regional services from TER Grand Est and DB Regio Baden-Württemberg can be accessed in Strasbourg or Appenweier.
Tram and Bus Services
On April 29, 2017, the extension of Strasbourg’s tram line D over the new Rhine bridge was opened. It includes a stop at Kehl Station. Since November 23, 2018, the extension to the university and the Kehl town hall has been in operation. Trams on line D run from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. at 12- to 15-minute intervals during peak hours and every 20 minutes during off-peak times.
Public road transport (ÖPNV) is served by several bus lines operated by SWEG, Deutsche Bahn subsidiary Südwestbus, and the Strasbourg municipal transport company (CTS). Direct bus connections exist to Rheinau, Offenburg, Lahr/Black Forest, and Willstätt. In the course of extending tram line D, a bus transport hub was created at Kehl town hall.
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Conclusion
Kehl Station is a major transport hub on the German-French border. With its central location, modern facilities, and diverse transport connections, it plays an important role in regional and cross-border travel. Whether for commuters, travelers, or tourists – Kehl Station offers excellent connectivity and numerous services.