4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Basel
Cheapest price
€41
Average price
€156
Fastest journey
3 h 51 m
Average duration
3 h 53 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
378 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Basel will cost around €156 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €41.
Of the 36 trains that leave Cologne for Basel on Mon, Aug 03, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct trains cover the 378 km distance in an average of 3 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 51 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest trains will take 3 h 54 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
ICE 23 · ICE 711 · ICE 1015:53 AM4h55Cologne Hbf10:48 AMBasel SBB€411One-way2 transfers- ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511 · ICE 2753:49 AM5h59Cologne Hbf9:48 AMBasel SBB€431One-way3 transfers
- ICE 511 · ICE 2755:48 AM4h00Cologne Hbf9:48 AMBasel SBB€441One-way1 transfer
- IC 2544 · ICE 37312:53 PM4h55Cologne Hbf5:48 PMBasel SBB€561One-way1 transfer
- ICE 517 · ICE 37111:54 AM3h54Cologne Hbf3:48 PMBasel SBB€621One-way1 transfer
- ICE 919 · ICE 731:30 PM3h51Cologne Messe/Deutz5:21 PMBasel SBB€1391One-way1 transfer
- ICE 1038:54 AM3h54Cologne Hbf12:48 PMBasel SBB€1161One-way0 transfers
- ICE 515 · ICE 2799:54 AM3h54Cologne Hbf1:48 PMBasel SBB€1281One-way1 transfer
- ICE 10510:54 AM3h54Cologne Hbf2:48 PMBasel SBB€691One-way0 transfers
- ICE 517 · ICE 37111:54 AM3h54Cologne Hbf3:48 PMBasel SBB€621One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Basel
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €25, and a flight costs an average of €325.
Distance: 378 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€129 Average price | €36 Average price Cheapest | €627 Average price |
5h 38m Average total duration Fastest 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 44m Average total duration 8h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 20m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Basel train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Basel trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 827 · ICE 273 | Delayed 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h27 | 6:48 AM 6:48 AMBasel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 827 · ICE 273 | Delayed 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h25 | 6:48 AM 6:48 AMBasel SBB | 1 transfer | |
 ICE 921+ RE2+ICE 511 · ICE 275 | On time 3:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h59 | 9:48 AM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511 · ICE 275 | On time 3:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h59 | 9:48 AM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 511 · ICE 275 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 9:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 23 · ICE 711 · ICE 101 | On time 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 10:48 AM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 23 · ICE 711 · ICE 101 | On time 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 10:48 AM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
 IC 2348+ICE 277 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2348 · ICE 277 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 101 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 10:48 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 513 · ICE 277 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
 9426+ 9223 | 8:08 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h18 | 9:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| 9426+9219 | 8:08 AM Cologne Hbf | 11h18 | 7:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9426+ 2377+ 96241 | 8:08 AM Cologne Hbf | 14h30 | 10:38 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
| IC 2040+ICE 279 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 1:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2040 · ICE 279 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 1:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 103 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 12:48 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225+ EC 5 | 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h28 | 3:21 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 1:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| 9438+9219 | 10:09 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h17 | 7:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| 9438+9223 | 10:09 AM Cologne Hbf | 11h17 | 9:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| 9438+2377+96241 | 10:09 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h29 | 10:38 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 2013 · ICE 371 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 3:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 2013 · ICE 371 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 3:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 105 | On time 10:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 2:48 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 225 · ECE 5 | On time 11:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 3:21 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 29 · ICE 919 · ICE 73 | 11:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h28 | 5:21 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 517 · ICE 371 | On time 11:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 3:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2544+ICE 373 | On time 12:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 5:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2544 · ICE 373 | On time 12:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 5:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 107 | On time 12:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 4:48 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 919 · ICE 73 | On time 1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h51 | 5:21 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 7 | 1:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h28 | 7:21 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 519 · ICE 373 | On time 1:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 5:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2546+ICE 375 | 2:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 7:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 927 · ICE 75 | 3:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h28 | 9:21 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Basel by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Cologne to Basel trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) or ÖBB | InterCity to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Basel.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Basel.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Basel.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Basel?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Basel
Germany
Switzerland
Trains from Cologne to Basel run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €45 but you can travel from only €25 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 378 km distance in 3h 50m.
Distance 378 km |
Average train duration 5h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price €45 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 50m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Basel trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Basel from €25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Nightjet
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | InterCity
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Basel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Basel by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Basel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Basel
Most Cologne to Basel trains use the Köln Hbf to Basel SBB station pair, with some services arriving at Basel Bad Bhf. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Basel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Basel leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Which Basel station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Basel SBB from Basel city centre
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel SBB train station facilities and services
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Getting to Basel Bad Bhf from Basel city centre
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Bad Bhf train station facilities and services
Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Getting to Basel Markthalle from Basel city centre
Basel Markthalle is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Markthalle train station facilities and services
Basel Markthalle has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Markthalle.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Basel
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Basel and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Basel
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