train from basel to colmar

Posted by jo_pie on 05/28/19 07:05 PM

While in Switzerland for 15 days, I would like to take a train from Basel to visit Colmar (and stay there one night). I will then return to Basel by train and continue with my vacation time in Switzerland.

Questions: I will have a 15-day Swiss Travel Pass; will this STP entitle me to a free ride from Basel to Colmar? Meaning: I just hop on to the train with my STP? If so, then, can I book my return ticket while in Basel? Is this allowed? Meaning: If I book the return-trip ticket while still in Basel, when I board a train at the Colmar station to return to Basel, will I have to do anything at the Colmar station before I get on a train?

Thank you for your help.

Posted by Jazz+Travels

Chicago

05/28/19 07:43 PM

8164 posts

Basel to Colmar is not covered by the STP.
You need to buy a regular roundtrip ticket.

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

05/28/19 09:10 PM

21150 posts

It is a relatively inexpensive TER to Colmar and back. Age 60 or over and get a 25% discount off peak (non-commuter) hours.
14.70 EUR is the regular price each way. Trains are very frequent, especially at commuter hours. It is only a 45 minute ride, so people live in Colmar and work in Basel.

Posted by Chris F

Basel, Switzerland

05/28/19 10:15 PM

8889 posts

A Swiss Pass only overs trains in Switzerland. Basel to Colmar is in France, not covered.
You can buy a ticket Basel station, which is valid on any train that day, there and back (not book - no reserved seats).
A return ticket may not be valid if you are staying overnight (not sure). Safest to just buy a single ticket, and another one the following day at Colmar to get you back.
Don't forget to validate (time stamp) your ticket before use.

Note that the trains to Colmar leave from an annex to Basel SBB station, platforms 30-35. To get to that you need to walk along the street from the main part of the station ~200 metres. It is signposted. In the annex there is one SNCF ticket machine. If you want to buy your ticket from a person, you need to go to the travel centre in the main part of the station. It might be easier to buy your tickets if you are passing the station the day before.

Posted by jo_pie OP

05/28/19 11:56 PM

49 posts

Thanks, Jazz+Travels, Sam, and Chris F for all your valuable information.

Posted by Nigel

Northamptonshire, England

05/29/19 06:15 AM

33821 posts

Given the difficulties people have had with trains and buses elsewhere in the Forums, I want to give one more reminder - in France TER (the local and regional trains) tickets must be validated "Composter" in the little time stamp machine on or near the platform. If you have difficulties, ask. There are significant fines for not doing so.