Zurich to Basel train with SBB

 Trains from Zurich to Basel

There are frequent daily direct trains from Zurich to Basel, with most services taking around one hour and 20 minutes. Direct trains make the trip west to Basel from Zurich Oerlikon station and Zurich central station roughly three times every hour from the early morning to late evening. Some additional indirect services require a change at Olten. 

Zurich to Basel train time: daily departures

The daily timetable offers frequent direct trains to Basel from Zurich seven days a week. Hourly direct services originate at Zurich Oerlikon station, while three to four trains an hour start from the central station in Zurich.  Some indirect services in the evening require a change at Olten. Schedules offer departures from very early in the morning throughout the day and evening until just before midnight.  

How long is the journey by train from Zurich to Basel?

The fastest train from Zurich to Basel completes the 54-mile trip west in one hour and seven minutes. Most direct and indirect connections take between one hour and 19 minutes and one hour 31 minutes. Due to the frequency of services on this line, connections between trains on indirect journeys are usually very short. 

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Zurich to Basel?

Departure station: Zurich Oerlikon station is located about two miles north of the city centre, connected by buses and local trains taking around 15-20 minutes. The central Zurich station is located in the heart of Zurich. Both stations have luggage storage facilities, coffee-bars, food mini-markets, newsagents, cash points and WiFi. 

Arrival station: Basel station is situated on the south-east side of the city, about 20 minutes' walk from the centre, with numerous local tram connections and S-Bahn trains making the trip downtown in about 10 minutes. Station facilities include cafes, bakeries, a food supermarket, car rental desks and luggage storage lockers. 

Which train companies travel from Zurich to Basel?

Swiss Federal Railways, abbreviated to SBB in German, CFF in French, and FFS in Italian, operates all the direct and indirect trains on this route from Zurich to Basel. SBB services on this route include InterCity express trains, Interregional local services, and some international express departures en route to German destinations. 

Swiss Federal Railways: Zurich to Basel

Swiss Federal Railways trains from Zurich to Basel are mostly a mix of InterRegional and InterCity services but also include some ICE or EC international departures. Schedules offer a frequent direct service from early morning to late at night, with three to four trains an hour to Basel throughout the day and evening. Timings for the journey range from one hour and seven minutes to one hour 31 minutes. 

Zurich to Basel trains: services on board

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) operates InterCity and InterRegional trains from Zurich to Basel with a choice of first or second-class seating. InterCity trains have a cafe-bistro and a family zone. SBB trains have low-floor access for wheelchair users and dedicated wheelchair spaces. Cyclists can take their bike on board but must purchase a bike ticket. Dogs can travel with their owners for the cost of half the second-class fare. Small pets in carriers travel for free. For passengers with a lot of luggage there is a door-to-door or station-to-station check-in service for a small charge. 

How to find cheap train tickets from Zurich to Basel

As this route to Basel is one of the most popular journeys within Switzerland, it is advisable to book in advance if timing is crucial. The frequency of services between the two cities does mean that if the traveller is willing to be a little flexible about departure times, it is usually easy to find the best-priced tickets. Tickets for InterRegional services are usually the most economical option.