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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Basel
Cheapest price
€21
Average price
€39
Fastest journey
52 m
Average duration
1 h
Trains per day
24
Distance
76 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Basel will cost around €39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €21.
Of the 24 trains that leave Zurich for Basel on Sat, Jan 03, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jan 03 the direct trains cover the 76 km distance in an average of 1 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 m .
On Sat, Jan 03 the slowest trains will take 1 h 7 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.
IR 36 2062 | 2062IR 36 2064 | 2064IR 37 2258 | 2258IR 36 2062 | 2062IC 3 560 | 560IC 3 560 | 560IC 3 794 | 794IR 35 2360 | 2360 · ICE 372 | 372S 5 18531 | 18531 · IC 3 794 | 794IR 13 3258 | 3258 · IC 3 794 | 794
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Zurich to Basel
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €9, and a train costs an average of €19.
Distance: 76 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€31 Average price | €11 Average price Cheapest |
1h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 48m Average total duration 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Basel train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Basel trains for today, Friday, January 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 3 564 | 564 | 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 0h52 | 10:26 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 36 1966 | 1966 | 9:36 AM Zurich HB | 1h16 | 10:52 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 13 3262 | 3262 · ICE 370 | 370 | 9:45 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h07 | 10:52 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| S 9 18939 | 18939 · ICE 370 | 370 | 9:46 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h06 | 10:52 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| S 5 18539 | 18539 · ICE 370 | 370 | 9:46 AM Zurich Altstetten | 1h06 | 10:52 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| S 6 18639 | 18639 · IR 37 2264 | 2264 | 9:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h25 | 11:16 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IR 35 2364 | 2364 · IC 6 966 | 966 | 9:59 AM Zurich Altstetten | 1h01 | 11:00 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 370 | 370 | 9:59 AM Zurich HB | 0h53 | 10:52 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 36 2068 | 2068 | 10:02 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h21 | 11:23 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 37 2264 | 2264 | 10:08 AM Zurich HB | 1h08 | 11:16 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 36 2068 | 2068 | 10:10 AM Zurich HB | 1h13 | 11:23 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IC 716 | 716 · TGV 9218 | 9218 | 10:15 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h11 | 11:26 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IR 36 2068 | 2068 | 10:15 AM Zurich Altstetten | 1h08 | 11:23 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| S 9 18941 | 18941 · TGV 9218 | 9218 | 10:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h10 | 11:26 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| S 5 18541 | 18541 · TGV 9218 | 9218 | 10:16 AM Zurich Altstetten | 1h10 | 11:26 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
 9218+ 96121 | On time 10:34 AM Zurich HB | 2h11 | 12:45 PM Basel St. Johann | 1 transfer | |
| 9218+96121 | On time 10:34 AM Zurich HB | 2h16 | 12:50 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IR 13 3264 | 3264 · IC 3 770 | 770 | 10:45 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h07 | 11:52 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| S 5 18543 | 18543 · IC 3 770 | 770 | 10:46 AM Zurich Altstetten | 1h06 | 11:52 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| S 9 18943 | 18943 · IC 3 770 | 770 | 10:46 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h06 | 11:52 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| S 6 18643 | 18643 · IR 37 2266 | 2266 | 10:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h25 | 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IR 35 2366 | 2366 · ICE 106 | 106 | 10:59 AM Zurich Altstetten | 1h01 | 12:00 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| 9222+96127 | On time 12:34 PM Zurich HB | 2h41 | 3:15 PM Basel St. Johann | 1 transfer | |
| 9222+96223 | On time 12:34 PM Zurich HB | 2h34 | 3:08 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| 9226+96133 | On time 2:34 PM Zurich HB | 2h11 | 4:45 PM Basel St. Johann | 1 transfer | |
| 9226+96227 | On time 2:34 PM Zurich HB | 2h04 | 4:38 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| 9234+96247 | On time 5:34 PM Zurich HB | 2h04 | 7:38 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| 9234+96145 | On time 5:34 PM Zurich HB | 2h11 | 7:45 PM Basel St. Johann | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, January 3 | |||||
| IR 36 2062 | 2062 | 7:02 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h21 | 8:23 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 37 2258 | 2258 | 7:08 AM Zurich HB | 1h08 | 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 36 2062 | 2062 | 7:10 AM Zurich HB | 1h13 | 8:23 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 36 2062 | 2062 | 7:15 AM Zurich Altstetten | 1h08 | 8:23 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| S 9 18929 | 18929 · IC 3 560 | 560 | 7:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h10 | 8:26 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| S 5 18529 | 18529 · IC 3 560 | 560 | 7:16 AM Zurich Altstetten | 1h10 | 8:26 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3 560 | 560 | 7:34 AM Zurich HB | 0h52 | 8:26 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 36 1962 | 1962 | 7:36 AM Zurich HB | 1h16 | 8:52 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 13 3258 | 3258 · IC 3 794 | 794 | 7:45 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h07 | 8:52 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| S 5 18531 | 18531 · IC 3 794 | 794 | 7:46 AM Zurich Altstetten | 1h06 | 8:52 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| S 6 18631 | 18631 · IR 37 2260 | 2260 | 7:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h25 | 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IR 35 2360 | 2360 · ICE 372 | 372 | 7:59 AM Zurich Altstetten | 1h01 | 9:00 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3 794 | 794 | 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 0h53 | 8:52 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 36 2064 | 2064 | 8:02 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 1h21 | 9:23 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IR 36 2064 | 2064 | 8:15 AM Zurich Altstetten | 1h08 | 9:23 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9210+96117 | On time 8:34 AM Zurich HB | 2h16 | 10:50 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| 9210+96117 | On time 8:34 AM Zurich HB | 2h11 | 10:45 AM Basel St. Johann | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Basel by train or bus
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Jan 03
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Jan 23
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Basel?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Basel
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Trains from Zurich to Basel run on average 22 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 but you can travel from only €9 by bus.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 76 km distance in 54m.
Distance 76 km |
Average train duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Trains per day 22 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 54m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:56 |
Train companies: SBB, SNCF | TGV Lyria, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn from Zurich to Basel trainsSBB, SNCF | TGV Lyria, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Zurich and Basel from €9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SBB
SNCF | TGV Lyria
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Südostbahn
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.
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Basel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.
When departing from Zurich, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Zurich HB, Zurich Airport, Zürich Oerlikon and Zurich Altstetten. When arriving in Basel, you can end your trip in train stations like Basel SBB and Basel Bad Bhf.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Zurich HB, which is located around 1.4 miles (2.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Basel SBB, located 1.3 miles (2.1 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Basel
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
- Cost CHF 12
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
- Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Andreasstrasse and Franklinstrasse.
- Negishi Sushi Bar
- Le Muh
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Courtyard Zurich North
- Swissotel Zurich
- Hotel Sternen Oerlikon
- Located in the main hall
- 72 places, 60 places
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 5-8 for regional and long-distance trains
- Tram: Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S6, S7, S8, S9, S14, S16, S19, S24
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 24/7 with access from the main road.
- Restaurant Markthalle
- Restaurant LaSalle
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators.
- CHF 1
- Placid Hotel Zurich
- Best Western Hotel Spirgarten
- H+ Hotel Zürich
- Located in the main hall
- 240 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S9, S12, S15
- Tram: Line 4
- Bus: Several lines available
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
- Restaurant Da Roberto
- Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Victoria
- Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
- GAIA Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 800 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
- Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
- Hall 3: shopping and services area
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
ParkingDiningATMTaxisWCBike ParkingWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
- Located in the main hall
- 330 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Zurich
More options for your journey from Zurich to Basel
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Basel and Zurich
Most popular train connections to Basel
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