Basel To Colmar By Train: Everything You Need To Know

Travelling from Basel to Colmar by train is one of the easiest ways to explore the charming Alsace region of France. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer visit, the train journey is comfortable, fast, and offers scenic views along the way. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including ticket options, schedules, travel tips, and what to see once you arrive in Colmar. We’ll share everything you need to know to help you make the most of your adventure!

So, if you’re planning a trip from Switzerland to France, or just looking for a unique day trip from Basel, read on!

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Why Take the Train from Basel to Colmar

Travelling from Basel to Colmar by train is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore this picturesque part of Europe. Basel is well connected with its own airport (this is the closest airport to Colmar, after Strasbourg). Unlike driving, the train is stress-free, with no traffic, no parking worries, and plenty of space to relax. This is great, especially if you’re travelling with kids. If booked in advance, it is also much more cost-effective than hiring a car. I will talk more about Basel to Colmar train tickets and prices below.

For families, solo travellers, and couples alike, the train offers comfort, convenience, and flexibility. With frequent departures throughout the day, you can plan a quick day trip or a longer visit, all while enjoying a scenic, environmentally friendly way to travel.

How to Get from Basel to Colmar by Train

Trains depart regularly from Basel SBB train station and go directly to Colmar station. Basel SBB is located centrally in Basel, making it very convenient for train travel.

Colmar Station is just outside the town, about a 10-15 minute walk. It is easily accessible on foot and is also a stroller (pushchair) friendly route.

Basel SBB is a large station, but it was easy to navigate, with big screens telling you which platform you need.

The trains weren’t as frequent coming back from Colmar to Basel, so plan your return journey accordingly.

Of course, you’ll cross the border of Switzerland to France on this journey. We made sure to take our passports; however, we were not asked to show them.

The train itself was spacious and comfortable with plenty of seats. There were toilets (not the nicest) on board and also space to store luggage if you’re staying for longer than a day trip. Someone also came round to sell drinks and snacks.

The views out of the window were very picturesque, however, the windows on both our trains were very dirty, so you couldn’t enjoy them properly!

View of Basel SBB Station from our hotel window

Basel to Colmar Train Tickets: Costs and Tips

You must purchase a ticket before travelling. You can either do this online or at the station.

If purchasing at the station, you will need to buy your ticket from the TER ticket machines, close to the platform. The ticket machines in the concourse did not sell this type of ticket.

This trip was a surprise for me, and I had not done any research prior to arriving in Basel, so we purchased our tickets at the station. We paid CHF 35 each for same-day, return adult tickets.

If you’re reading this post, you’re already more organised! I would recommend checking the Rail Europe website, as some trains have discounted fares. They advertise from CHF 6 each way. I only found this rate on one train (which departed at 7:20 am), but it is worth checking!

Children’s tickets are available at a discounted rate, and children under 4 travel free but should sit on a parent’s lap if it is busy.

Mountain views from the train window en route from Basel to Colmar

Other Tips for a Day Trip to Colmar

We took the 9:21 train from Basel. At this time, the train was busy, but there were plenty of seats. Arriving in Colmar, it was pleasantly quiet considering it was the last Saturday the Christmas decorations would be on display. By around 11:30, it was starting to get pretty busy.

I would advise jumping on the earliest train you can if you’d like to enjoy Colmar without the crowds.

What to Do in Colmar

Colmar is a small but beautiful town in the Alsace region of Northern France. Its colourful streets truly look like something out of a fairytale.

While there isn’t a long list of things to do there, wandering the beautiful streets is an activity in itself, especially if you’re visiting at Christmas. This small town goes all out at Christmas with fabulous decorations everywhere you look.

Some of the main things to do and see in Colmar include:

• Stroll La Petite Venice – a series of pretty canals run through Colmar. This is possibly the most beautiful area to explore. You can also take a small wooden boat along the canals (€9 for adults and €4 for children, under 4’s ride free), which is a lovely, relaxed way to see the town.
• Wander the Old Town – for more beautiful cobblestone streets and lovely boutiques, wander through the Old Town. You’ll find many shops selling everything from tourist souveneers to hand-crafted sweet treats. Many stores were handing out samples and I can confirm, they were delicious!
• Shop in the covered market – Colmar also has an indoor market selling lots of local produce such as cheese, oils and fruits.

READ MORE: Our full guide to Colmar, France

A pretty street in Colmar’s Old Town

Frequently Asked Questions About Basel to Colmar by Train

One of the fairytail cloured streets in Colmars La Petite Venice area.

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Thank you so much for reading our guide on going from Basel to Colmar by train. We hope you have an amazing trip!

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PERFECT 1 DAY IN COLMAR ITINERARY

GUIDE TO CLOLMAR AT CHRISTMAS

Happy Exploring,