The Easiest Ways to Get From Basel to Colmar for Christmas Markets
There are so many amazing Christmas market routes across Europe, but the short route from Basel to Colmar is one of our favorite quick Christmas market trips. Visiting just one city's markets will never be enough for Christmas lovers! For some of the best food, quaint markets, and a taste of two different countries’ take on Christmas, you should experience the enchanting Christmas markets of Basel and Colmar.
Kick off your trip in Basel, Switzerland. You'll be surrounded by festive vibes and fondue everywhere you go. Just a hop across the border is Colmar in France's Alsace region. This charming town is famous for its well-preserved old town, stunning architecture, and the adorable 'Little Venice' canal district. Traveling between these two cities is a breeze, and we'll make sure your combination trip is seamless and unforgettable.
No matter how you decide to get there, the trip from Basel to Colmar will be amazing! Expect festive decorations, fantastic food, beautiful markets, and the magic of the Christmas season. Treat yourself to delicious goodies, find unique gifts, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
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Here are the easiest ways to travel from Basel to Colmar:
Taking the Train From Basel to Colmar
The most convenient way to get from Basel to Colmar is by train. The direct journey takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around CHF 20 (Swiss Francs). Trains depart from Basel SBB station and arrive at Colmar station. The route is scenic, passing through picturesque villages and vineyards.
Be sure to check our favorite European train travel app and website, Trainline, for the latest timetables and ticket prices. Enjoy your scenic train ride from Basel to Colmar, and take in the beautiful landscapes along the way.
If you're new to European train travel, don't be intimidated! Here are a few key things you need to know:
You don't have to pay for baggage, so there's no need to worry about weight limits or how many bags you have if you shopped and found fantastic gifts and souvenirs at Basel's Christmas markets.
You don't need to arrive at the train station two hours early like an airport. However, since the Christmas market season brings more crowds, we recommend arriving at your train platform 15-20 minutes before the scheduled departure. Occasionally, trains arrive early, and if you're there with time to spare, you'll get first dibs on the best places to store your luggage.
This small, regional train has open seating, so it's first come, first served.
Once you arrive at Colmar's train station, you can walk or take a taxi to your hotel or vacation rental. We highly recommend arranging a pickup from your accommodations in advance, so you know your ride will be ready when you leave the small train station. Remember to take a picture of the cute Colmar sign outside the station before you leave!
Driving from Basel to Colmar
If you prefer the flexibility of driving, renting a car lets you explore at your own pace. Basel and Colmar are about 60 kilometers apart, and the drive takes about an hour via the A35 motorway. The route from Basel to Colmar is well-connected and offers stunning countryside views. You can stop by quaint Alsatian towns with colorful homes and charming half-timbered houses along the way. Just be sure to check for any parking restrictions in Colmar during the busy Christmas market season.
If you plan on visiting multiple Christmas markets in the Alsace region, renting a car may be the most convenient option. You can easily drive from Colmar to other popular markets like Riquewihr, Eguisheim, or Mulhouse without worrying about train schedules. Just make sure to book your rental car in advance, as they tend to fill up during peak season. Also, if you plan to drive, make sure you or someone you're traveling with is comfortable driving in snow. It's not guaranteed, but it's possible this time of year.
Traveling from Basel to Colmar By Bus
For budget-conscious travelers, the bus is an affordable alternative. FlixBus operates services between Basel and Colmar, with fares starting from as low as €5. The journey takes around 1.5 hours. Buses depart from Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse and arrive at Colmar, Gare Routière. Book your tickets in advance, especially during the Christmas season when demand is high.
FlixBus has a typical tour-bus layout, and many are double-decker. Arrive at your bus stop at least 15 minutes before departure. You're allowed one free carry-on and one free stored bag. If you have a carry-on suitcase, it will not fit inside the bus and must be stored with the rest of the luggage. The only carry-on items that will fit on the bus with you are a regular-sized backpack or a purse. We took the bus from Nuremberg to Frankfurt and were pleasantly surprised by the low ticket price and how easy the whole process was.
Before Leaving Basel
Before leaving Basel for Colmar, take time to enjoy its beautiful Christmas markets. The streets are adorned with festive decorations, and the air is filled with the aroma of mulled wine and freshly baked treats. Take a leisurely stroll through the market stalls, where you'll find a wide array of local delights and handcrafted gifts. With its idyllic setting, warm hospitality, and festive spirit, you'll surely fall in love with Basel.
When it comes to holiday food and festivities, Switzerland has something for everyone. Indulge in delicious Swiss delicacies such as fondue or raclette, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening. And don't forget to try a cup of Glühwein, the traditional hot spiced wine served at all Swiss Christmas markets. From its charming villages and bustling cities to its stunning natural landscapes and delectable cuisine, this country truly offers a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience.
Basel Christmas Market Guide
Visiting Basel's Christmas Markets in 2026? Check out our travel guide to the city's beautiful markets!
Once in Colmar
Once in Colmar, you'll be greeted by picturesque streets lined with houses painted in beautiful pastel colors. Stroll through the Old Town's cobblestone streets and admire the quaint shops, cozy cafes, and hidden architectural gems. Colmar is also famous for its gastronomic scene. Don't forget to try out some of the region's specialties, such as the Alsatian tarte flambée, a thin-crust pizza-like dish topped with creme fraiche and bacon. And, of course, you can't leave without sampling some of Alsace's world-renowned wines!
The Christmas markets in Colmar are widely considered some of Europe's most breathtaking, and for a good reason! Set in the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by picturesque buildings, the markets showcase local delicacies, traditional crafts, and an array of Christmas decorations, making them an ideal place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
Colmar Christmas Market Guide
Visiting Colmar's Christmas Markets in 2026? Check out our travel guide to the city's beautiful markets!
Want More Christmas Market Tips?
We've visited 16 different cities for Christmas markets across Europe and are sharing all of our tips and tricks to help you plan the best Christmasy vacation ever. Head over to our Christmas Markets category to read our guides, itineraries, rankings, and best hotels for your trip. Want a better look at what to expect? Head over to our YouTube channel to get a feel for what each market is really like!