Zurich to Colmar Road Trip: Scenic Drive Guide

The A35 motorway between Zurich and Colmar follows the ancient route of the Roman road connecting Augusta Raurica (near Basel) to Argentoratum (Strasbourg). Today's journey crosses the Rhine at the Basel-Mulhouse border, a unique tripoint where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet. The 170-kilometer drive typically takes 2 hours without stops, but the route offers far more than highway efficiency.

This guide answers the key questions: how long to drive Zurich to Colmar, is it worth driving Zurich to Colmar, and what are the best stops Zurich to Colmar. We'll explore why this route is a microcosm of European diversity—from the Swiss precision of Zurich's lakeside to the Alsatian charm of Colmar's half-timbered houses.

For travelers seeking to maximize their journey, we recommend treating the drive as an experience, not mere transportation. The region between these two cities is dotted with medieval towns, vineyards, and nature reserves. Use our guide on finding hidden gems to uncover spots that typical tourists miss.

The most direct route follows the A3 from Zurich to Basel, then the A35 through Alsace to Colmar. The Swiss portion is toll-free for cars, but from 2024, all vehicles crossing into France must pay the écotaxe for heavy trucks. For passenger cars, tolls on the A35 between Basel and Colmar amount to approximately €4.90.

• Fuel costs: Petrol in Switzerland is about 1.80 CHF/L (€1.85), while in France it averages €1.70/L. Save by refueling in France near the border.
• Vignette: Swiss motorway vignette required (40 CHF). Not needed for French A35 if you exit before reaching the péage section (most exits are free).
• Currency: Switzerland uses CHF, France uses EUR. Many fuel stations accept cards, but carry cash for tolls.

The A3 and A35 are well-maintained with good signage. In Switzerland, speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on main roads. In France, the A35 limit is 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain). Watch for speed cameras near construction zones between Basel and Mulhouse.

• Rest areas: Aire de la Hardt (A35) has playgrounds and picnic tables. Autobahnraststätte Würenlos (A3) has a family-friendly restaurant.
• Pet stops: Service stations accept dogs but require leashes. The Etappe at Heitersheim exit has a large grass area.
• Fatigue management: Plan stops every 90 minutes. The towns of Sissach and Altkirch are ideal coffee breaks.

The journey transitions from the Swiss Plateau's rolling hills to the Jura foothills, then descends into the Alsatian plain. The Rhine River valley is visible from the A35 near the Hésingue viaduct, offering panoramic views of the Vosges mountains. In spring, the fruit trees in blossom paint the landscape pink and white.

• Key geographical markers: Lägern mountain ridge (north of Zurich), Basel's Münster hill, and the Kaiserstuhl volcanic massif in Germany visible from Colmar.
• Vineyards: The Alsatian wine route parallels the A35. Stop at Rouffach or Eguisheim for Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
• Local markets: Basel's Saturday market (Barfüsserplatz) and Colmar's daily market (Place de l'Ancienne Douane) offer regional cheeses and bread.