The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Frankfurt am Main
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$161
Fastest journey
2 h 52 m
Average duration
2 h 52 m
Trains per day
29
Distance
296 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Frankfurt am Main is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Frankfurt am Main will cost around $161 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $51.
Of the 29 trains that leave Basel for Frankfurt am Main every day 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 296 km distance in an average of 2 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 52 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 6
ECE 8 · ICE 1012
ICE 204
ECE 8 · ICE 1012
ICE 204
ICE 74 · ICE 1010
ICE 372 · ICE 610
ICE 202Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Basel to Frankfurt am Main
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Frankfurt am Main among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 23m. 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 $23, and a train costs an average of $18.
Distance: 296 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
$76 Average Price | $37 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg 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 Frankfurt am Main train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Frankfurt am Main trains for today, Friday, 19 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 374 · ICE 612 | On time 7:16 am Basel SBB | 2h52 | 10:08 am Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 change | |
ICE 374 | On time 7:16 am Basel SBB | 2h53 | 10:09 am Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 374 | On time 7:16 am Basel SBB | 2h53 | 10:09 am Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 | On time 7:46 am Basel SBB | 2h52 | 10:38 am Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 change | |
ICE 74 | On time 7:46 am Basel SBB | 2h54 | 10:40 am Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 74 | On time 7:46 am Basel SBB | 2h54 | 10:40 am Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 200 · ICE 690 | On time 8:16 am Basel SBB | 2h53 | 11:09 am Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 200 · ICE 690 | On time 8:16 am Basel SBB | 2h53 | 11:09 am Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 200 | On time 8:16 am Basel SBB | 2h52 | 11:08 am Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 372 | On time 9:16 am Basel SBB | 2h53 | 12:09 pm Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 9:16 am Basel SBB | 2h52 | 12:08 pm Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 change | |
ICE 372 | On time 9:16 am Basel SBB | 2h53 | 12:09 pm Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 6 | On time 9:46 am Basel SBB | 2h54 | 12:40 pm Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 9:46 am Basel SBB | 2h52 | 12:38 pm Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 change | |
ICE 6 | On time 9:46 am Basel SBB | 2h54 | 12:40 pm Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 11:30 am Basel Bad Bhf | 6h50 | 6:20 pm Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 1 change | |
FlixTrain | 11:30 am Basel Bad Bhf | 3h25 | 2:55 pm Frankfurt South station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Frankfurt am Main 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.
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
04 Jan
05 Jan
06 Jan
07 Jan
08 Jan
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Basel to Frankfurt am Main?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Frankfurt am Main
Trains from Basel to Frankfurt am Main run on average 19 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 if you book in advance.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 296 km distance in 2h 45m.
Distance 296 km |
Average train duration 3h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 2h 45m |
First train 00:06 |
Last train 23:46 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Trenitalia EuroCity from Basel to Frankfurt am Main trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Trenitalia EuroCity trains will get you between Basel and Frankfurt am Main from $18. 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
FlixTrain
ÖBB | InterCity
ÖBB Nightjet
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
Trenitalia EuroCity
FAQs: Basel to Frankfurt am Main train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen, located away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Frankfurt am Main
- 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
- 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
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- Merals Imbiss
- Bootshaus am Eisernen Steg
- Freigut
- Holbein's
- Hotel am Berg
- Leonardo Royal Hotel Frankfurt
- Hotel Ritter
- Lindner Main Plaza
More options for your journey from Basel to Frankfurt am Main
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