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How to take the rail journey from Basel to Zurich
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Basel / Bâle to Zürich / Zurich by train
Taking the train from Basel to Zurich is straightforward as it's a journey which doesn't have to be planned with care.
There are typically 4 or 5 x trains per hour travelling between the two cities, two or three express trains and two slightly slower InterRegio (IR) trains, which will be cheaper when booking tickets last minute at the station.
What does make this route unusual is the variety of trains used for the express (IC) services.
Because in addition to Swiss trains, TGV trains which have travelled to Switzerland from Paris and ICE trains heading to Zurich and beyond from Germany are also slotted into the timetable.
In effect they replace one of the Swiss trains in the hours in which they operate, so the national rail operator SBB applies the same conditions of travel to them, as it does to its IC trains.
Meaning that reservations are available, but optional and the type of train being used for a departure has no impact on the ticket price(s).
Routes you can take to go from Basel / Bâle to Zürich / Zurich
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
Station Guides
Travel Time (approx)
53 min
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
1 - 2 x express trains per hour
Is this journey from Basel to Zurich direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
Not particularly, though there are some nice views on parts of the journey
What other tourist locations are along the route from Basel to Zurich?
These express trains are non stop to Zurich
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Zurich HB from Basel SBB on this journey option?
Before 06:30 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Zurich?
The station is located by the heart of the city centre,
See the Station Guide for more info, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Zurich to Basel-SBB on this journey option
By these non-stop express trains
- After 21:30 on Monday to Thursday and Sunday
- After 23:00 on Friday and Saturday
Though a slower IR service typically departs after midnight daily
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 Zurich trains?
Yes
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Basel to Zurich 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 Zurich rains?
- 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 Zurich 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 Zurich trains?
No - not on this route and that includes journeys by the TGV Lyria trains.
Is catering available on these Basel to Zurich trains?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant
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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