How to travel from Paris to Basel/Bâle by train

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Paris to Basel / Bâle by train

The only direct trains between the French capital and Switzerland are these high speed Lyria services.

Connect in Basel for locations in Switzerland without direct trains from France including; Biel, Bern, Luzern and Interlaken

Routes you can take to go from Paris to Basel / Bâle

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:

Route Information

Travel Time (approx)

3hr 4min (approx)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

6 x trains per day


Is the journey from Paris to Basel 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 into the distance on the right when facing the direction of travel, to the north of Dijon.


What other tourist locations are along the route from Paris to Basel?
Dijon


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Basel-SBB from Paris Gare De Lyon?
Around 10:25 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Basel?
Basel SBB is linked to the city center by multiple tram lines / routes, see the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in the neighborhood.


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Paris Gare De Lyon to Basel-SBB?
Around 18:20 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to get to the station in Paris?
The Gare De Lyon is served by two Metro lines - line 14 is now directly linked to Orly Airport. The station also has rail links from the Gare Du Nord and the La Défense business district.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Lyon.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Paris to Basel trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Paris to Basel trains?
Typically up to 6 months, but it varies according to the time of year; see the Ticket Information


What are the child ticket terms for these Paris to Basel trains?
The adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over.
Children aged 4 -11 travel at around 30% discount
Children aged 3 and under travel for free if you sit with them on your lap


Does the ticket for these Paris to Basel trains include assigned seats?
Yes - 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 Paris to Basel trains?
Yes; see the rail pass reservation guide for the options on how to book.
Note that they are exceptionally expensive


Is catering available on the Paris to Basel trains?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car:
In the equivalent of Business 1st Class, there is a complimentary, at seat, full-meal service.
Source = TGV Lyria


What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.


What else is good to know about Swiss rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Switzerland.

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