Private car transfer
from Strasbourg to Colmar

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!

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 flambée 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."

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.

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.

• Cheapest/average train price: $5.50-$16 (€5-€15)
• Fastest/average train duration: 24 minutes; 30 minutes
• First/last train departure times: 5:19 AM-11:20 PM

Buses from Strasbourg to Colmar

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 (€2.30-€8.40)
• 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 (€4.60-€12)
• 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 (€46.70)
• 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!

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.