The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Cologne
Cheapest price
$97
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
3 h 53 m
Average duration
4 h 31 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
378 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Cologne will cost around $129 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $97.
Of the 5 trains that leave Basel for Cologne every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 378 km distance in an average of 4 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 53 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 53 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.










Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Basel to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 14m. 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 coach costs an average of $31, and a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 378 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
$129 Average Price | $47 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 9m Average total duration 6h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg 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
Basel to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Cologne trains for today, Sunday, 14 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 374+ IC 2407 | On time 7:16 am Basel SBB | 4h50 | 12:06 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 374 · ICE 612 | On time 7:16 am Basel SBB | 3h49 | 11:05 am Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 374 · IC 2407 | On time 7:16 am Basel SBB | 4h50 | 12:06 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 | On time 7:46 am Basel SBB | 3h43 | 11:29 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 200 | On time 8:16 am Basel SBB | 3h49 | 12:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 9:16 am Basel SBB | 3h49 | 1:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 372+ IC 2405 | On time 9:16 am Basel SBB | 4h50 | 2:06 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 372 · IC 2405 | On time 9:16 am Basel SBB | 4h50 | 2:06 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 9:46 am Basel SBB | 3h43 | 1:29 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 108 | On time 10:16 am Basel SBB | 3h49 | 2:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 11:16 am Basel SBB | 3h49 | 3:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 72 · ICE 916 | On time 11:46 am Basel SBB | 3h43 | 3:29 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 106 | On time 12:16 pm Basel SBB | 3h49 | 4:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 278 · IC 2041 | On time 1:16 pm Basel SBB | 5h12 | 6:28 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 278 · ICE 516 | On time 1:16 pm Basel SBB | 3h49 | 5:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ECE 4 · ICE 224 | On time 1:46 pm Basel SBB | 3h57 | 5:43 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 104 | On time 2:16 pm Basel SBB | 3h49 | 6:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 276 · IC 2349 | On time 3:16 pm Basel SBB | 5h14 | 8:30 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 change | |
ICE 276 · ICE 514 | On time 3:16 pm Basel SBB | 3h49 | 7:05 pm Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Cologne by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
14 Dec
15 Dec
16 Dec
17 Dec
18 Dec
19 Dec
20 Dec
21 Dec
22 Dec
23 Dec
24 Dec
25 Dec
26 Dec
27 Dec
28 Dec
29 Dec
30 Dec
31 Dec
01 Jan
02 Jan
03 Jan
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Basel to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Cologne
Trains from Basel to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 but you can travel from only $31 by coach.
There are 2 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 42m.
Distance 378 km |
Average train duration 5h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 42m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB Nightjet, FlixTrain, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) from Basel to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB Nightjet, FlixTrain, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) trains will get you between Basel and Cologne from $31. 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 | InterCity
ÖBB Nightjet
FlixTrain
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
FAQs: Basel to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

When departing from Basel, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Basel SBB and Basel Bad Bhf. When arriving in Cologne, you can end your journey in train stations like Cologne Hbf and Cologne Messe/Deutz.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Basel SBB, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Cologne
- 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
- 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
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
More options for your journey from Basel to Cologne
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