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Frankfurt to Basel / Bâle by train
How to take the rail journey from Frankfurt (Main) to north-west Switzerland
These swish ICE trains provide an easily managed link between central Germany and the multiple Swiss destinations which can be easily accessed from Basel
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Routes
From Frankfurt Main Hbf to Basel Bad Bf
Journey Summary
2hr 45min (approx)
Daily
Travel Information
Final Destination: Zurich or Chur or Basel or Interlaken
All trains also call at: Freiburg
Arriving in Basel:
After calling at Basel Bad bf (Basel Baden railway station), these trains all go on to call or terminate at Basel SBB, the city's main station, which is located to the south of the central area
So If you're heading to Basel city centre, the quickest journey is usually to leave this train at Basel Bad bf.
There are easy tram connections from Basel Bad bf station to the central area.
Remain on the train until it arrives at Basel SBB if your final destination is to the south of the city centre, or if you will be connecting into trains to other destinations in Switzerland which don't have direct trains from Germany including Biel (easy connection on to Geneve) and Brig and Visp.
However, because DB categorises the journey on to Basel SBB as an international journey, tickets can be more expensive if you book to Basel SBB.
In contrast, despite its location in Switzerland, DB applies the same fare rules for journeys to Basel Bad Bf as it does to other journeys wholly within Germany, so booking to Basel Bad bf is also a cheaper option,
Usual timetable:
1 x train per hour
From Apr 1st to December 9th:
Due to maintenance works on the high-speed route between Kassel and Frankfurt, the timetable is being amended during this period of time, which will alter the pattern of departures.
In even hours there will typically be two departures, but in odd hours there will be no departures, leaving gaps of around 1hr 15mins between trains.
Tickets
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings open: 6 months ahead of the travel date
Finding Tickets:
Check that you’re looking at booking info for the direct trains.
On the DB Bahn booking site look for journeys that have:
- 0 in the Chg. column
- ICE (and only ICE) in the Products column.
Use the earlier/later buttons to search for the cheapest ticket prices.
Seat Reservations:
Book 1st class ticket journey tickets on and your seat reservation is included - but they're optional when booking 2nd class tickets, or if you will be travelling with a 1st or 2nd class rail pass.
Opting to reserve is particularly recommended if you will be travelling at business hours and/or during the day on Fridays and Sundays.
A choice of stations in Basel:
These trains call first at Basel Bad Bf station before going on to terminate at Basel SBB station.
If you want to travel to Basel Bad Bf - the city centre station, then select it from the station options in the 'To' Box.
If you want to travel to Basel SBB, select this station in the 'To' box.
Tickets booked to Basel Bad bf are not valid for journeys on to Basel SBB.
Taking the train on to Basel SBB makes this an international journey, so you can save more than €20 by booking to Basel Bad Bf; so definitely select that station if you are heading to Basel city centre.
Where to book
| Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| DB | from €17.90 | |
| Omio | from €17.90 | |
| Save A Train | from €17.90 | |
| Happy rail | from €17.90 | |
| Trainline | from €17.90 |
On this journey
Travelling On
Journey Features
Good to Know
The new ICE 4 trains now operate most of the departures, particularly those which travel beyond Basel.
These trains use the high speed line between Karlsruhe and Offenburg.
This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.
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