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How to take the lovely rail journey from Basel to Interlaken
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Basel / Bâle to Interlaken by train
A quirk of the Swiss rail timetable is that Interlaken has direct trains from Basel, but not from Geneve or Zurich.
Routes you can take to go from Basel / Bâle to Interlaken
When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
Choose one of the following options:
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Route Information
Travel Time (approx)
1hr 52 min
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
up to 17 x trains per day
Is this journey from Basel to Interlaken direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
Yes, but only south of Thun - see the images and videos and tips for making the most of the views in the Journey Information.
What other tourist locations are along the route from Basel to Interlaken?
Bern and Thun and Speiz (connect for Frutigen and Kandersteg)
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Interlaken Ost from Basel on this journey option?
Before 07:30 daily, the train arrives at Interlaken West station around 7 mins earlier.
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Interlaken?
Interlaken West is within a 10 min walk from the town centre.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Basel SBB to Interlaken on this journey option
- Before 22:00 on Monday to Saturday
- Before 22:30 on Sunday
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Basel?
Basel SBB station is located to the south of the city centre, but is connected from it by tram lines / routes 8, 10 or 11.
See the Station Guide for more info, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Basel to Interlaken trains?
Yes
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Basel to Interlaken trains?
Typically up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though this period of time can be shorter, particularly when searching for journeys more than three months ahead during October and March.
What are the child ticket terms for these Basel to Interlaken trains?
- Children aged 5 or younger travel free of charge
- Children aged 6-15 and travelling with a person aged 16 and over, pay 50% of the adult rate per journey - see the Ticket Guide for more info.
Does the ticket for these Basel to Interlaken trains include assigned seats?
No, reservations are available, but are not mandatory.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Basel to Interlaken trains?
No
Is catering available on the Basel to Interlaken trains?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant - though the restaurant service is seemingly only available on certain departures on this route.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about Swiss rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Switzerland.
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