Colmar to Treviso: A Detailed Road Trip Guide

The drive from Colmar to Treviso spans approximately 680 kilometers, crossing three countries and two major Alpine passes. While the fastest route via the A5 and A4 autobahns through Switzerland takes just under 7 hours, the recommended path includes the scenic A35 through the Black Forest and the A22 Brenner Highway. This route offers a unique blend of Alsatian vineyards, Swiss lake views, and Italian foothills. One little-known fact: the Brenner Pass has been used as a trade route since Roman times, and you'll be driving over the same mountain pass where ancient merchants once traveled.

The Colmar to Treviso drive primarily uses the A35 from Colmar to Basel, then the A2/A1 Swiss motorways to Zurich, followed by the A4/E43 to Innsbruck, and finally the A22 Brennerautobahn to Treviso. Key toll sections include the Swiss motorway vignette (mandatory, CHF 40) and Italian autostrada tolls (approx. €30 total). Fuel costs vary; expect to pay around €1.80/liter in Switzerland and €1.70/liter in Italy. For a petrol car, the total fuel cost is roughly €110. Efficient driving tips: maintain 110 km/h on Swiss motorways to reduce consumption, and use cruise control on the A22 to manage fuel use through the constant gradients.

Road quality is excellent overall: German/Swiss autobahns are smooth, Italian A22 is well-maintained but winding. Night illumination is good in Switzerland and Italy, but the A35 has dark sections. Toll gates require cash or card; Swiss vignette is checked electronically. For fatigue management, take a break at the Raststätte Bodensee (near Bregenz, Lake Constance) or the Autogrill Brenner, both with quiet nap rooms. Family-friendly stops: the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne (interactive) or the Minimundus miniature park in Klagenfurt (detour 30 min). Pet-friendly framework: many rest stops have grass areas; the Lago di Caldaro (South Tyrol) has pet-friendly cafes.

The geography shifts dramatically: from the Vosges foothills of Colmar to the flat Rhine valley, then the Swiss Plateau, the Alpine peaks around the Brenner, and finally the Venetian plain. Notable UNESCO sites include the Old Town of Bern (detour 30 min) and the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina landscapes (near St. Moritz, detour 1 hour). The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide can help you discover more.

Local Commerce

• Alsace: stop at a roadside stall for kougelhopf (Alsatian cake) or gewürztraminer wine.
• Switzerland: buy Appenzeller cheese at a farm shop near St. Gallen.
• South Tyrol: look for speck (smoked ham) and strudel at bakeries in Brixen.