Strasbourg — the seat of the European Parliament's plenary sessions and the Council of Europe — is 420 kilometres from Brussels. FFGR Belgium's guide to the Brussels–Strasbourg institutional corridor.
Strasbourg is the second European institutional capital after Brussels — the European Parliament holds its 12 annual plenary sessions here, the Council of Europe has its permanent seat (the Palais de l'Europe), and the European Court of Human Rights is based at the Palais des Droits de l'Homme. For Brussels-based institutional professionals, the Brussels–Strasbourg circuit is a regular commute.
Brussels–Strasbourg transfer: 420 kilometres on the E40/A3/A35. Journey time: 3 hours 30-50 minutes. The route crosses the French border at Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle) and traverses the Alsace plain via Mulhouse. FFGR Belgium coordinates with FFGR Strasbourg for clients requiring ground transport once they arrive in Strasbourg.
MEP transfer service: Members of the European Parliament travel between Brussels and Strasbourg 12 times per year for plenary sessions. The Parliament organises coaches, but many MEPs and their staff prefer private chauffeur for the 3.5-hour journey — using the time for calls and preparation, and arriving directly at the Parliament rather than at the coach drop-off.
Council of Europe context: the Council of Europe (not to be confused with the EU Council) meets in Strasbourg and involves the 46 Council of Europe member states. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) holds four part-sessions per year in Strasbourg, bringing delegations from 46 national parliaments.
Rates: Brussels–Strasbourg (Rolls-Royce Ghost): from €1,200. Brussels–Strasbourg (Maybach S680): from €900. Brussels–Strasbourg (Mercedes S-Class): from €520.