.png){kind=small}
1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Basel
Showing times and prices for 15 Dec
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$44
Fastest journey
52 m
Average duration
52 m
Trains per day
71
Distance
76 km
Cheap tickets
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Basel will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $24.
Fast trains
Of the 71 trains that leave Zurich for Basel every day 31 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 76 km distance in an average of 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 m .
The slowest trains will take 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.
IR 36 2064 | 206409:15AM1h08
Zurich Altstetten10:23AMBasel SBB
$241One-way
0 changes
IR 36 2082 | 208206:15PM1h08
Zurich Altstetten07:23PMBasel SBB
$261One-way
0 changes
IR 36 1962 | 196208:36AM1h16
Zurich HB09:52AMBasel SBB
$301One-way
0 changes
IR 35 2354 | 2354 · IC 61 956 | 95605:59AM1h01
Zurich Altstetten07:00AMBasel SBB
$301One-way
1 change
IR 36 2064 | 206409:02AM1h21
Zürich Oerlikon10:23AMBasel SBB
$301One-way
0 changes
IC 3 556 | 55606:34AM0h52
Zurich HB07:26AMBasel SBB
$311One-way
0 changes
IC 3 560 | 56008:34AM0h52
Zurich HB09:26AMBasel SBB
$331One-way
0 changes
TGV 9234 | 923406:34PM0h52
Zurich HB07:26PMBasel SBB
$511One-way
0 changes
IC 3 558 | 55807:34AM0h52
Zurich HB08:26AMBasel SBB
$511One-way
0 changes
ICE 272 | 27206:59PM0h53
Zurich HB07:52PMBasel SBB
$311One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach 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 coach with prices starting from $11. 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 coach costs an average of $11, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 76 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
$38 Average Price | $14 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, Sunday, 14 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 5:43 am
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IR 36 2062 | 2062 | 7:02 am Zürich Oerlikon | 1h21 | 8:23 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 37 2258 | 2258 | 7:08 am Zurich HB | 1h08 | 8:16 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 36 2062 | 2062 | 7:10 am Zurich HB | 1h13 | 8:23 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 36 2062 | 2062 | 7:15 am Zurich Altstetten | 1h08 | 8:23 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| S 9 18929 | 18929 · IC 3 560 | 560 | 7:16 am Zürich Oerlikon | 1h10 | 8:26 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| S 5 18529 | 18529 · IC 3 560 | 560 | 7:16 am Zurich Altstetten | 1h10 | 8:26 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| IC 3 560 | 560 | 7:34 am Zurich HB | 0h52 | 8:26 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 36 1962 | 1962 | 7:36 am Zurich HB | 1h16 | 8:52 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 13 3258 | 3258 · IC 3 794 | 794 | 7:45 am Zürich Oerlikon | 1h07 | 8:52 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| S 5 18531 | 18531 · IC 3 794 | 794 | 7:46 am Zurich Altstetten | 1h06 | 8:52 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| S 6 18631 | 18631 · IR 37 2260 | 2260 | 7:51 am Zürich Oerlikon | 1h25 | 9:16 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| IC 3 794 | 794 | 7:59 am Zurich HB | 0h53 | 8:52 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 35 2360 | 2360 · ICE 31372 | 31372 | 7:59 am Zurich Altstetten | 1h01 | 9:00 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| IR 36 2064 | 2064 | 8:02 am Zürich Oerlikon | 1h21 | 9:23 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 36 2064 | 2064 | 8:15 am Zurich Altstetten | 1h08 | 9:23 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
 9210+ 96117 | On time 8:34 am Zurich HB | 2h16 | 10:50 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| 9210+96117 | On time 8:34 am Zurich HB | 2h11 | 10:45 am Basel St. Johann | 1 change | |
| 9218+96121 | On time 10:34 am Zurich HB | 2h11 | 12:45 pm Basel St. Johann | 1 change | |
| 9218+96121 | On time 10:34 am Zurich HB | 2h16 | 12:50 pm Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| 9222+96125 | On time 12:34 pm Zurich HB | 2h11 | 2:45 pm Basel St. Johann | 1 change | |
| 9222+96125 | On time 12:34 pm Zurich HB | 2h16 | 2:50 pm Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| 9226+96137 | On time 2:34 pm Zurich HB | 3h11 | 5:45 pm Basel St. Johann | 1 change | |
| 9226+96227 | On time 2:34 pm Zurich HB | 2h04 | 4:38 pm Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| 9234+96247 | On time 5:34 pm Zurich HB | 2h04 | 7:38 pm Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| Monday, 15 December | |||||
| S 14 19416 | 19416 · IC 1 704 | 704 · IR 27 2456 | 2456 | 4:07 am Zürich Oerlikon | 1h37 | 5:44 am Basel SBB | 2 changes | |
| S 9 18919 | 18919 · IC 3 758 | 758 | 4:46 am Zürich Oerlikon | 1h06 | 5:52 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| S 5 18519 | 18519 · IC 3 758 | 758 | 4:46 am Zurich Altstetten | 1h06 | 5:52 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| IR 35 2354 | 2354 · IC 61 956 | 956 | 4:59 am Zurich Altstetten | 1h01 | 6:00 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| IR 36 2058 | 2058 | 5:02 am Zürich Oerlikon | 1h28 | 6:30 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 37 2254 | 2254 | 5:08 am Zurich HB | 1h08 | 6:16 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 36 2058 | 2058 | 5:10 am Zurich HB | 1h20 | 6:30 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 36 2058 | 2058 | 5:15 am Zurich Altstetten | 1h15 | 6:30 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| S 5 18521 | 18521 · IC 3 556 | 556 | 5:16 am Zurich Altstetten | 1h10 | 6:26 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| S 9 18921 | 18921 · IC 3 556 | 556 | 5:16 am Zürich Oerlikon | 1h10 | 6:26 am Basel SBB | 1 change | |
| IC 3 556 | 556 | 5:34 am Zurich HB | 0h52 | 6:26 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 36 1958 | 1958 | 5:36 am Zurich HB | 1h16 | 6:52 am Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Basel 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.
Sun
14 Dec
14 Dec
Mon
15 Dec
15 Dec
Tue
16 Dec
16 Dec
Wed
17 Dec
17 Dec
Thu
18 Dec
18 Dec
Fri
19 Dec
19 Dec
Sat
20 Dec
20 Dec
Sun
21 Dec
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec
22 Dec
Tue
23 Dec
23 Dec
Wed
24 Dec
24 Dec
Thu
25 Dec
25 Dec
Fri
26 Dec
26 Dec
Sat
27 Dec
27 Dec
Sun
28 Dec
28 Dec
Mon
29 Dec
29 Dec
Tue
30 Dec
30 Dec
Wed
31 Dec
31 Dec
Thu
01 Jan
01 Jan
Fri
02 Jan
02 Jan
Sat
03 Jan
03 Jan
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Basel?
The best time to book your train from Zurich to Basel is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Zurich to Basel route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Zurich to Basel per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Zurich to Basel.
Trains
from $31Coaches
from $6Journey 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 $23 but you can travel from only $11 by coach.
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.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $11
Distance 76 km |
Average train duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Trains per day 22 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 54m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:56 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $11
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 $11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SBB
About
SBB is Switzerland’s national railway company, operating a wide range of train services including InterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, Regio, S-Bahn, and international InterCityExpress connections. InterCity trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h for fast travel between major cities, while Regio trains provide slower, more frequent local services. Ticket options include Standard and First Class, as well as passes and discounts such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and Super Saver tickets. Onboard amenities may feature Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restaurant cars. Popular routes include Zurich–Geneva, Basel–Bern, and Geneva–Lausanne.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
54m
Cheapest Price
$22
SBB frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant cars on long-distance trains, bistro service available. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require half-price ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
SNCF | TGV Lyria
About
TGV Lyria is a high-speed train service connecting France and Switzerland, a joint venture between SNCF (French National Railway Company) and SBB (Swiss Federal Railways). These trains operate daily, offering up to 17 return journeys between the two countries. Key destinations include Paris, Dijon, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, and Basel, with seasonal services to Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon. TGV Lyria offers three travel classes: Standard, Première, and Première Signature, each with varying levels of comfort and services like Wi-Fi and catering options.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
54m
Cheapest Price
$47
SNCF | TGV Lyria frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of luggage per person
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with full meals, at-seat service in First Class, Café-bar for snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional, additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
54m
Cheapest Price
$62
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) frequency
42 a day
Südostbahn
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 8m
Südostbahn frequency
4 a day
FAQs: Zurich to Basel train
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.
Cheap train tickets from Zurich to Basel can start from as little as $37 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Zurich to Basel is $59; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Zurich to Basel train travel time is 54 min for the 76 km long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Zurich to Basel leaves at 12: 08am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Zurich to Basel leaves at 10: 38pm.
Yes, there are 33 direct trains a day from Zurich to Basel with SBB or Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Basel. Take the fast train with SNCF | TGV Lyria from Zurich to Basel.
For the best Zurich to Basel train to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with SBB, SNCF | TGV Lyria, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) or Südostbahn. However, it's always good to check all possible train companies with services from Zurich to Basel to compare what amenities they may offer.
When departing from Zurich, you have various train station options to start your trip from including Zurich HB, Zurich Airport, Zürich Oerlikon and Zurich Altstetten. When arriving in Basel, you can end your journey in train stations like Basel SBB and Basel Bad Bhf.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Zurich HB, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Basel SBB, located away from the city centre.
A day trip to Basel from Zurich is worth doing with a journey time of 54 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Zurich to Basel is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Zurich and Basel including taking a train or coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Zurich and Basel
Zurich
Basel
The major train station for departures in Zurich is Zürich Altstetten. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Zürich Altstetten for your trip from Zurich to Basel.
Zürich Altstetten
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
5 km
Number of platforms
5Wifi
- Free
Parking
- Parking is available 24/7 with access from the main road.
Dining
- Restaurant Markthalle
- Restaurant LaSalle
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators.
WC
- CHF 1
Hotel
- Placid Hotel Zurich
- Best Western Hotel Spirgarten
- H+ Hotel Zürich
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 240 places, covered
Car Rental
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
Public transport options for Zürich Altstetten
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S9, S12, S15
- Tram: Line 4
- Bus: Several lines available
Zürich Stadelhofen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Number of platforms
3Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
Dining
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 2
Hotel
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 1000 places, covered
Car Rental
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
Public transport options for Zürich Stadelhofen
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
Zürich Tiefenbrunnen
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike Rental
The major train station for arrivals in Basel is Basel Bad Bhf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Basel Bad Bhf for your journey to Basel from Zurich.
Basel Bad Bhf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
2 kmNumber of platforms
8Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
Dining
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 1
Hotel
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 330 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
Public transport options for Basel Bad Bhf
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
Basel SBB
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 kmNumber of platforms
10Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
Dining
- Restaurant Da Roberto
- Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 2
Hotel
- Hotel Victoria
- Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
- GAIA Hotel
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 800 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- 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
Public transport options for Basel SBB
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
Basel St Johann
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMTaxisWCBike ParkingMost 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
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
