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How to get from Colmar to Heidelberg
Driving from Colmar to Heidelberg takes about 2 h for roughly 200 km on toll-free roads (A35 and the German A5). By train it takes about 2 h 30–3 h with one or two changes, usually via Strasbourg and Karlsruhe or Mannheim.
Best option: Train. Train connections via Strasbourg are frequent and avoid parking in Heidelberg's old town, while taking only a little longer than driving.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train SNCF TER from Colmar to Strasbourg, then a TGV, ICE or regional train via Karlsruhe or Mannheim to Heidelberg Hbf | about 2 h 30–3 h with one or two changes | connections roughly every hour | about €30–60 | Cross-border tickets can be bought from SNCF or Deutsche Bahn. Heidelberg Hbf is about 20 minutes by tram or bus from the old town. |
| car A35 north past Strasbourg, cross the Rhine into Germany and take the A5 north to Heidelberg | about 2 h | fuel only; the A35 and German motorways are toll-free | Strasbourg has a low-emission zone (Crit'Air sticker may be required); the A35 past it can be congested at rush hour. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Check Strasbourg's low-emission rules if your route passes through the city; a Crit'Air sticker may be required.
- Use the Altstadt car parks in Heidelberg rather than driving into the narrow old town.
- Compare SNCF and Deutsche Bahn websites for the cheapest through ticket.
- Sit on the right going north on the A5 for views of the Black Forest hills.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Colmar to Heidelberg?
No. You usually change in Strasbourg and then once more in Karlsruhe or Mannheim, though some TGV and ICE services Strasbourg–Mannheim reduce it to two trains in total. The whole trip takes about 2 h 30–3 h. Check current timetables, as connection times vary.
Is it faster to drive?
Yes, slightly. The drive is about 2 hours on toll-free motorways, compared with 2 h 30–3 h by train including changes. Traffic around Strasbourg and Karlsruhe at rush hour can add time, and parking near Heidelberg's old town costs money, so the train is often just as convenient.
What is the cheapest way from Colmar to Heidelberg?
Driving is cheap for two or more people, since there are no tolls. Alone, a combination of TER to Strasbourg and German regional trains is usually cheapest, at roughly €30–40. Long-distance tickets booked early on SNCF or Deutsche Bahn can also be good value.
Can I do Heidelberg as a day trip from Colmar?
Yes, with an early start. At about 2 hours each way by car or 2 h 30–3 h by train, you have enough time for the castle, the Old Bridge and the old town. Check the last connection back via Strasbourg before you leave.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.