Due to the proximity and quick transport connections between the cities, you can take a day trip from Strasbourg to Colmar. Carpooling, buses, and Daytrip will transfer you between the cities within an hour. A train can travel in only 30 minutes. Colmar is also a relatively small city. So you can admire the old town and its highlights in a day.
How do you get from Strasbourg to Colmar?
Currently, four modes of transportation are available for traveling from Strasbourg to Colmar, each with unique benefits. The train is the fastest travel method, the bus is the cheapest, carpooling is eco-friendly, and Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the easiest and most comfortable.
What is the cheapest way to get from Strasbourg to Colmar?
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Strasbourg to Colmar. Flixbus travels from the northern end of Place de l'Etoile and arrives in Colmar, near the Colmar Train Station. The average ticket costs $9 (тВм8.40), but you can find seats for as little as $2.50 (тВм2.30) when you book online and more than four weeks in advance!
What is the best way to get from Strasbourg to Colmar?
The best way to get from Strasbourg to Colmar depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. As of 2024, four modes of transport connect the cities. Carpooling and buses are budget-friendly, trains are the quickest, and Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the most comfortable and convenient.
Is Colmar nicer than Strasbourg?
Although both cities are spectacular, Colmar is considered slightly more picturesque. It's well-known for its charming, postcard-old town and fairytale-like ambiance. Strasbourg offers a mix of French and German cultures, impressive architecture like the Strasbourg Cathedral, and vibrant city life. However, which is better depends on your preferences.
How far is it from Strasbourg to Colmar?
The shortest road distance from Strasbourg to Colmar is around 46 miles (74 km), which can take only 1 hour when driving safely. However, Strasbourg is the largest city in the Alsace region. So, gridlock can increase the duration to 1.5 hours. Travel outside the rush hour traffic of 7:30 AM-9:30 AM and 4:30 PM-6:30 PM to reduce the overall time.
France is a European superpower with unique landscapes from top to bottom. The car trip from Strasbourg to Colmar is one of the most surreal, with two fairytale towns connected by 46 miles (74 km) of lush nature.
To embark on this voyage, you first must bump over the uneven cobbled roads and weave alongside the flowing waterways until the rolling hills of Alsace come into view. You'll lose a sense of time as the rustic German frontier flows to your left and postcard vineyards surround quaint half-timbered villages on your right.
In the summer, rainbow-like wildflowers, busting with fragrant aromas, guide you to the final leg of your journey. But in the winter, the countryside transforms into a white blanket, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and a dusting of powder concealing the once vibrant greenery below.
But this magnificent voyage has to end. And you'll know it's imminent once the plot of a Disney film with Germanic-style houses and picturesque canals transports you from reality. To ensure you experience this bucket-list experience without a hitch, we created this comprehensive Strasbourg to Colmar guide with tips, tricks, and the best way to travel in 2024!
About Colmar
After your Strasbourg to Colmar transfer, you'll arrive in Alsace's fourth-most populous town. However, by French standards, it's a small city with under 70,000 residents.
Its location, only 12 miles (19 km) from Germany's border and the Vosges Mountains, created a hotbed of activity for Colmar throughout history. But it also helped shape its unique cultures and flavors today.
History of Colmar
Although several Roman cities flourished in Alsace, Emperor Louis le Pieux didn't mention Colmar as a town until 823 AD. It was a tiny village with a dozen wooden houses at this time. But 400 years later, the Holy Roman Empire gave Colmar imperial town status.
After the Holy Roman Empire collapsed, several armies conquered the sought-after land. The city swapped between the hands of Sweden, Prussia, France, and Germany for centuries. From the 1870s to the 1940s, the area juggled between France and Germany through the Franco-Prussian War and the two World Wars.
The Liberation of Colmar in 1945 was a bloodshed yet defining battle that saw the death, injury, or capture of around 22,000 soldiers. However, this warfare freed the city from Germany and placed it within the boundaries of France, where it remains today.
Modern Colmar
Today, Colmar is a mix of French, German, and Alsace ways of life. One of the first things you'll notice is the colorful Germanic buildings housing anything from cozy boutique stores to artisanal products. Historical monuments such as the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin and the Admiral Bruat Fountain celebrate different periods of its past.
Colmars' rich food and drink scene also attracts tourists from across the globe. Flavors of traditional dishes will transport you back and forth between France and Germany, with choucroute and tarte flamb├йe being a must-try for visitors. There's no better way to wash down a hearty meal than with a glass (or glasses) of iconic Riesling wine handcrafted in the fields on the road from Strasbourg to Colmar.
However, most people recognize Colmar as a winter wonderland. Locals hang bright lights and beautiful decorations between the cobbled lanes when the chilly December air drifts into town. The smell of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts floating in the festive Christmas market is enough to put a smile on Scrooge's face. It may not have the official capital of Christmas that Strasbourg holds, but it offers a more laid-back and authentic setting!
Language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time zone: GMT+1
Climate: Oceanic
Plug types: C and E
Fun fact: Colmar's nickname is "Little Venice."
From Strasbourg to Colmar: travel tips
You'll be surprised at how some insider travel tips can improve your epic road trip from Strasbourg to Colmar. So check out tricks from our local drivers and travel experts below for a flawless journey!
Opt for comfort
Traveling by public transport or a private door-to-door service will remove the headache of driving and allow you to watch the scenic views, not the road ahead. But if you travel by train or bus, consider paying more for a high-class ticket or extra legroom to recharge for a day of sightseeing in Colmar.
Whatever way you travel, sit on the right side of the carriage for the best views. Also, ensure you have a window with unobstructed views!
Create a fairytale
Strasbourg and Colmar are the beginning and the end of your fairytale. You need entire middle sections with adventure and plot twists. Luckily, countless towns and landmarks along the route can help you assemble your story.
Chateau du Haut Koenigsbourg has inspired filmmakers globally; Kaysersberg is a mystical-like town without tourists; and Hohenburg Abbey has eerie passways and mystical walls to spice up the tale. Don't forget to charge your camera and select a mode of transport that stops at sites en route!
Book tickets early
The line from Strasbourg to Colmar is arguably the most in-demand in eastern France, especially with tourists. As a result, seats can sell out in the peak season, or prices can skyrocket if you wait until the last minute.
Check the timetable online to find which carriage best suits your travel schedule. You can also discover the cheapest service, saving money you can spend on a glass of Riesling when you arrive in Colmar.
How to get from Strasbourg to Colmar
With such an extensive network from Strasbourg to Colmar, you can easily walk to Strasbourg Ville Station and book a ticket to travel between the cities. But if you want the best one for your needs, preferences, and budget, find out which is best for you below!
Trains from Strasbourg to Colmar
If speed is your priority, the train is the best option for traveling from Strasbourg to Colmar. The journey time is only half that of its closest rival, and you won't need to wait around since 41 trains operate between the cities daily. You can purchase a ticket at Strasbourg Ville Station or online through SNCF for the lowest fares to Colmar Station.
Unfortunately, trains aren't very punctual in France. So if you're in a hurry, consider booking a ticket for an earlier service. Also, strikes aren't uncommon. So, keep up-to-date through the SNCF app.
The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Strasbourg to Colmar. Flixbus is the only direct bus firm on this route, offering rock-bottom prices on seats. So, if you're traveling in Europe on a budget, this is the best method for you!
Buses depart from a dedicated Flixbus stop at the northern end of Place de l'Etoile and arrive in Colmar, adjacent to the Colmar Train Station. Even though it's an economical service, you'll find reliable seats, a toilet, Wi-Fi, and power outlets on board.
Cheapest/average bus price: $2.50-$9 (тВм2.30-тВм8.40)
Fastest/average bus duration: 55 minutes; 1 hour
First/last bus departure times: 1 AM-9:15 PM
Carpool from Strasbourg to Colmar
Carpooling is another cost-effective way to travel from Strasbourg to Colmar. However, it requires the most planning and organizing. You'll need to do some research since there's no timetable or designed pick-up locations.
BlaBlaCar is the only operator on this route. Although the company suggests a recommended fee to the drivers for the journey from Strasbourg to Colmar, it's not an obligation. So, check the cost of other departures before booking a seat to avoid overpaying.
Expect to pay: $5-$13 (тВм4.60-тВм12)
Average duration: 1 hour
No timetable
Daytrip from Strasbourg to Colmar
Daytrip is by far the easiest and most comfortable way to travel from Strasbourg to Colmar. Our private door-to-door service combines the luxury of a taxi service with the adventure of traveling by train. You decide when you want your driver to collect you at your hotel, greet you with a smile, and handle your luggage before sweeping you to your new one in Colmar.
But unlike a traditional shuttle service, you're free to explore the attractions most tourists overlook on this stunning venture. If you think Colmar is a fairytale, you won't believe your eyes once you witness Eguisheim and its colorful lanes. Or, if you want to relax and recharge on the voyage, there's no better place than Riquewihr, famed for its fine wines!
There are plenty of other sites to uncover, and since you'll store your bags in the trunk, you won't have to worry about dragging them through the streets!
Seats from: $49.99 (тВм46.70)
English-speaking driver
Clean, sanitized car
Equipped for pets, kids, groups, or those with limited mobility
24/7 customer support
Free cancellation 24 hours before departing!
Things to do when you get to Colmar
Colmar isn't just a winter fantasy. The city has numerous things to see and do whenever you come. So before you start sipping the famous Riesling wine, put the highlights on your travel schedule before your Strasbourg to Colmar transfer!
Sail along La Petite Venise by boat
La Petite Venise is arguably the most enchanting part of Colmar. The criss-crossing canals of the Lauch River line the half-timbered houses in pastel colors. At first glance, you'll feel like you're transported to the floating city of Venice!
You can roam along the waterways, enjoying the scenic views and the unique blend of German and French architectural styles. Boat tours are also available, offering a different perspective on this picturesque neighborhood. You can even spot some gems hidden from the walkways.
Eat through the Colmar Covered Market
The best way to immerse yourself in the culture and flavors of any city is by visiting a local market. You'll see how the locals interact, learn about the staple ingredients in the diet, and sample delicious goods in the process!
This gourmet food hall has been serving everything from cheese to fruit and bread to vegetables since 1865. Today, you can still find some of the best foods in France under its roof. On a rainy summer day, sit indoors and listen to the rain on the roof. On a summer evening, buy goods for takeout and enjoy a picnic in a nearby park.
Unwind at Champ de Mars Park
The centrally located Champ de Mars Park is an ideal spot to break from exploring Colmar on foot. This vast green space houses tree-lined lanes, vintage carousels, notable statues, and a playground, perfect when traveling as a family.
When you want to relax, you can sit on one of the many benches or spread yourself on the freshly cut grass. Remember to bring snacks from the covered market or cafes encircling the setting!
Visit the Unterlinden Museum
Housed in a 13th-century Dominican convent, the Unterlinden Museum is one of France's most visited museums outside the capital. The museum's most famous piece is the Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Renaissance art created by Matthias Grunewald and Niclaus of Haguenau.
If you're an art enthusiast, this should be at the top of your to-do list. However, you'll appreciate the gorgeous interior and exterior even if you're not passionate about artistic works. You're free to explore at your desired pace with a self-guided tour. Or you can reserve a place for exhibitions to dive deeper into the gallery's history or artworks.
When is the best time to visit Colmar?
"Little Venice" never fails to disappoint. But as it's just 46 miles (74 km) from the capital of Christmas, it's no surprise that winter is the best time to travel from Strasbourg to Colmar!
Colmars' colorful old town is lit up even more by the festive decorations nestled between the iconic wooden beams. The fairytale lighting swings across the Disney-like streets, leading to cozy taverns or bustling Christmas markets. You can't help but feel like a child again, admiring handcrafted goods for souvenirs and handmade scarves to combat the cold.
The city gets busier towards Christmas and the weekends. To avoid the crowds but still soak up the magical Christmas atmosphere, consider visiting during the weekdays in late November or early December. The first week of January is also an excellent time to visit. Food stalls and the Ferris wheel are open, and there's more chance of seeing snow!
Situated atop 3 rocks, this now-ruined medieval castle offers stupendous views over all of Alsace.┬аThe Eye of Alsace┬а
Hohenburg Abbey
From secret passageways, to mysterious pagan walls, to a never-ending Eucharist, this beautiful mountaintop monastery is enrapturing.┬аPerpetually Fascinating┬а
Chateau du Haut Koenigsbourg
This castleтАЩs distinctive tiered silhouette has been an inspiration to film-makers from all over the world.┬аAn Inspiring View┬а
Riquewihr
Famed for its wine and old-world charm, this picturesque village looks just as it did centuries ago.┬аServed by Seclusion┬а
Kaysersberg
This charming village is filled with historic buildings, and specializes in a variety of wine brought from Hungary centuries ago.┬аA Taste of the Old World┬а
Eguisheim
Filled with half-timbered houses, flowers, and fountains, this medieval village is bursting with color and culture.┬аBlooming Beauty┬а
