Colmar from Strasbourg: train or tour, and how much time do you need?

The answer first. If you want only Colmar, take the train. A direct regional train (TER) runs from Strasbourg to Colmar in about half an hour, according to the TER Grand Est timetable page, and it runs frequently through the day. A tour earns its price when you want more than one place: the day tours below add Riquewihr and the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, which the train does not reach. Fares and times change, so check them on the TER or SNCF Connect site for your date.

How much time Colmar needs

The tours are a useful yardstick, because their operators choose the time they give the town. They allow two to three hours: two hours in the small-group day tour and in the coach tour, two and a half hours in the van tour, and three hours in the Christmas market tour. For a first visit, plan on a half day if you come by train. That gives you the old town, the canals of the Little Venice quarter and a meal, without a fixed schedule.

The day tours compared

• Small group, guided. The eight-hour tour leaves from Place de la Cathédrale and includes a guided walk through Colmar (Pfister House, Koïfhus, the collegiate church of St Martin and Little Venice), then Riquewihr and a guided visit of the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle. It costs €200 per person, runs in English for up to eight people and is rated 4.8/5 from 397 reviews. It needs two adults, does not take children under 4, and the page warns that the castle has many stairs and cobbles and is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
• Van with a driver. The seven-hour day trip costs €119 per person and picks up at one of three points in Strasbourg. It goes to the castle, Riquewihr and Colmar. You can book it as a private or small-group tour (a maximum of 8 people per van). You are driven by a host or driver, with an optional audio guide in English, French and Spanish; ask whether the castle ticket is included.
• Coach. The 10.5-hour tour leaves from the bus station at Place de l’Étoile, with stops at the castle, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Colmar. It is the longest option and costs €135. The guide speaks French only; the audio guide comes in twelve languages. The page does not recommend it for people with limited mobility.
• Private, with tastings. The five-hour private wine tour gives two hours for a self-guided visit of Colmar, with pickup in Strasbourg and wine tastings on the way. Our wine route guide compares it with the other wine tours.

Christmas

At Christmas Colmar has its own markets, and the seven-hour Christmas markets tour adds a second village. Colmar’s opening dates are set by Colmar, not by Strasbourg, so check them on the town’s tourist office site. Our Strasbourg Christmas market guide covers the Strasbourg dates.

Train or car

For Colmar alone you do not need a car. If you want to stop in several villages at your own pace, a car makes sense, and you can compare rental cars for Strasbourg. Parking and one-way terms are on the supplier’s page, so read them first.

Our recommendation

Take the train for Colmar alone, and give it at least three hours. Book the small-group tour if you want Colmar, Riquewihr and the castle in one day with a guide, and you speak English. Choose the coach only if French or the audio guide suits you. More options are under Alsace day trips from Strasbourg.