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How to take the rail journey from Zurich to Basel
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Zürich / Zurich to Basel / Bâle by train
Zurich and Basel are comparatively close to each other, so it's no surprise that they are connected by express trains which depart at least once, but often twice per hour.
What is unusual about this route is that it's also taken by three international services, which travel beyond Basel:
(1) the ICE trains on the Zurich - Basel - Frankfurt - Hamburg route.
(2) EC trains from Zurich to north-west Germany
(3) TGV Lyria trains on the Zurich - Basel - Paris route.
However, when booking tickets for these express trains, or using rail passes on this route within Switzerland, it doesn't matter whether you take an Swiss express IC train, or one of these international trains; ; it is the demand per departure which impacts on the ticket prices and not the type of train being used.
Though if you will be booking tickets last minute at the station, you'll likely save money by taking one of the alternative IR services, they're cheaper, but slower; though by around only 20 minutes.
Routes you can take to go from Zürich / Zurich 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:
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Route Information
Station Guides
Travel Time (approx)
53 min
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
1 - 2 x trains per hour
Is this journey from Zurich 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 over to left on the second half of the journey.
What other tourist locations are along the route from Zurich to Basel?
These express trains are non stop to Basel
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Basel-SBB from Zurich on this journey option?
Before 07:00 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Basel?
Multiple tram routes link Basel-SBB station to the city centre.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in the neighbourhood.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Zurich to Basel-SBB on this journey option
From Zurich HB:
- Before 21:35 on Monday Thursday and Sunday
- Before 23:00 on Friday and Sunday
From Zurich Flughafen/Airport:
Before 21:00 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Zurich?
Zurich HB is at the northern edge of the heart of the city, the old town area is within a 10min walk and more than a dozen routes / lines use the two sets of tram stops.
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 Zurich to Basel trains?
Yes
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Zurich to Basel 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 Zurich to Basel 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 Zurich to Basel 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 Zurich to Basel trains?
No - not on this route and that includes journeys by the TGV Lyria trains.
Is catering available on the Zurich to Basel 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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