We are driving to Freiburg for the Christmas market and would like to go to Colmar France for a day. Is it a hassle to cross the border in a rental car or should we take the train? After Colmar we are headed towards Frankfurt. We don’t plan on spending the night in Colmar. Thanks!
Posted by
Green Bay
22979 posts
There should not be any restrictions on driving to Colmar, other than any as part of your rental agreement. Check that it is OK to drive into France.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1898 posts
If you will already have a car then that's the way to go. It's quicker, and there should be no problem crossing the border.
Nowadays some rental companies charge a small cross border fee. Play safe, let them know in advance.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2444 posts
I always drive. I was in Freiburg last weekend for the Christmas market and came back via the Strasbourg route. There is a German checkpoint operating, but i just drove through. The only delay was slowing down to 10 kph. I think you'll be okay going to Colmar, but parking may be an issue. I usually park at the large lot near the cinema, north of the old town center. Best to get there before 10 am when the tourist busses start to arrive.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9055 posts
I can't think of any issues, Colmar does not require a Crit'Air sticker, though if you were thinking of including Strasbourg as part of a day trip, that would be an issue.
Will add, by train, you have to go up through Basel, no direct route, so more time consuming. There are buses, most with a change, that are more direct.
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1432 posts
In 2019 I drove from Colmar to Freiburg (via Staufen) and then through the Black Forest before going back to Colmar. No problems.