- Must visit
Badisches Landesmuseum
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Cheapest price
CHF17
Average price
CHF18
Fastest journey
2 h 40 m
Average duration
3 h 1 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Basel to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Karlsruhe will cost around CHF18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF17.
Of the 6 buses that leave Basel for Karlsruhe on Tue, Aug 04, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 172 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 3 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from CHF10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of CHF10, and a train costs an average of CHF6.
Distance: 106 miles (172 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
CHF16 Average price Cheapest | CHF28 Average price | CHF79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 35m Average total duration 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Karlsruhe:
A bus is CHF12 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Karlsruhe costing on average CHF28.
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 5m.
Tickets start at around CHF16 compared to roughly CHF79 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF63. The journey takes 3h 5m versus 1h 53m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price CHF16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price CHF17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:55AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price CHF17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price CHF16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price CHF17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price CHF16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price CHF14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price CHF12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price CHF19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price CHF12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price CHF9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price CHF10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price CHF16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price CHF12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price CHF16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price CHF18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price CHF16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price CHF16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price CHF15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price CHF15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price CHF12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price CHF10 |
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Karlsruhe buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 6:40 PM Basel, Bahnhof | 3h00 | 9:40 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
FlixBus | 1:05 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 2h40 | 3:45 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:55 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 2h50 | 5:45 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:50 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 3h20 | 8:10 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:35 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 4h25 | 3:00 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:45 PM Basel, Bahnhof | 3h15 | 6:00 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Basel to Karlsruhe run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at CHF10 but you can travel from only CHF6 by train.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 106 miles (172 km) distance in 2h 40m.
Distance 106 miles (172 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF10 |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 2h 40m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Leading center for art and media with exhibitions on digital culture, contemporary art, and immersive technology.
State art museum showing works from old masters to modern periods in a distinguished historic setting.
Grand central square lined with major buildings and the city pyramid, ideal for orientation and architecture.
Large landscaped park behind the palace with tree-lined paths, gardens, and space for relaxed walks.
Wooded hill and lookout area above Durlach, popular for walks, sunsets, and broad views of the Rhine plain.
A hearty Baden potato soup, often finished with cream and herbs. It is a regional comfort dish common across Baden homes and inns.
Thin pancakes sliced into strips and served in clear beef broth. Popular in Baden and Swabia, it is a classic starter in traditional restaurants.
Handmade egg noodles from nearby Swabian tradition, often served with cheese or lentils. Widely eaten in Karlsruhe and across Baden-Württemberg.
Michelin-starred fine dining with creative tasting menus and polished service. Best for a high-end meal showcasing modern German cuisine.
Traditional Baden restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional classics, seasonal menus, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
Established brewery venue serving house beers and hearty German dishes. Lively, casual atmosphere popular for local food and social evenings.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while transit is affordable and many casual meals stay reasonably priced.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Add about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang) -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Karlsruhe by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Basel to Karlsruhe buses use the Basel, Bahnhof to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof. Use this guide to compare Basel and Karlsruhe bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Swiss (in the station), Italian Bistro (in the station), Café Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB).
Available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need