- Must visit
Aargauer Kunsthaus
Aargau’s major art museum with strong Swiss collections and rotating exhibitions. A top cultural stop in the city center.
Cheapest price on Oct 16
$16
Average ticket price on Oct 16
$24
Fastest journey on Oct 16
38 m
Average journey duration on Oct 16
40 m
Trains on Oct 16
12
Distance
40 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Aarau is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Aarau will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.
On Fri, Oct 16, we found 12 trains from Basel to Aarau, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 16 the direct trains cover the 40 km distance in an average of 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 38 m .
On Fri, Oct 16 the slowest trains will take 42 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.
IC 61 607 | 607 · IR 16 2159 | 2159
IR 26 2347 | 2347 · IC 5 543 | 543
IR 37 2263 | 2263
IC 6 613 | 613 · IR 16 2165 | 2165
IC 21 659 | 659 · RE 12 4757 | 4757
IR 37 2263 | 2263
IC 21 667 | 667 · RE 12 4765 | 4765
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · RE 12 4763 | 4763
IC 21 659 | 659 · RE 12 4757 | 4757
IR 26 2347 | 2347 · IC 5 543 | 543Trains from Basel to Aarau run on average 13 times per day, taking around 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€14) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 24 miles (40 km) distance in 32m.
Distance 24 miles (40 km) |
Average train duration 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€14) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 32m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Aarau trains for tomorrow, Friday, October 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IR 26 2347 | 2347 · IC 5 543 | 543 | 12:04 AM Basel SBB | 0h42 | 12:46 AM Aarau station | 1 transfer | |
S 3 17391 | 17391 · IR 2155 | 2155 | 12:30 AM Basel SBB | 4h25 | 4:55 AM Aarau station | 1 transfer | |
S 3 17313 | 17313 · IR 35 2353 | 2353 | 4:38 AM Basel SBB | 0h56 | 5:34 AM Aarau station | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 659 | 659 · RE 12 4757 | 4757 | 5:02 AM Basel SBB | 0h42 | 5:44 AM Aarau station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 607 | 607 · IR 16 2159 | 2159 | 5:24 AM Basel SBB | 0h49 | 6:13 AM Aarau station | 1 transfer | |
S 3 17325 | 17325 · S 29 8933 | 8933 | 8:00 AM Basel SBB | 0h57 | 8:57 AM Aarau station | 1 transfer | |
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · RE 12 4763 | 4763 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 0h40 | 8:44 AM Aarau station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 613 | 613 · IR 16 2165 | 2165 | 8:30 AM Basel SBB | 0h43 | 9:13 AM Aarau station | 1 transfer | |
IR 37 2263 | 2263 | 8:43 AM Basel SBB | 0h38 | 9:21 AM Aarau station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 6 963 | 963 · RE 12 4765 | 4765 | 8:58 AM Basel SBB | 0h46 | 9:44 AM Aarau station | 1 transfer | |
S 3 17329 | 17329 · S 29 8937 | 8937 | 9:00 AM Basel SBB | 0h57 | 9:57 AM Aarau station | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 667 | 667 · RE 12 4765 | 4765 | 9:04 AM Basel SBB | 0h40 | 9:44 AM Aarau station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Aarau — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aarau trip today.
Aargau’s major art museum with strong Swiss collections and rotating exhibitions. A top cultural stop in the city center.
City history museum in the historic Schlössli. It introduces Aarau’s development through engaging local collections and displays.
Natural history museum with regional wildlife, geology, and family-friendly exhibits. A practical choice for science-minded visitors.
Aarau’s old town is famed for painted roof eaves, historic houses, and compact lanes. It is the essential area for first-time visitors.
Central square framed by historic facades and the Obertorturm. It is ideal for soaking up the old town’s atmosphere and architecture.
Historic lane known for fine old buildings and Aarau’s distinctive decorated eaves. A rewarding walk for architecture lovers.
Aargauer Rüeblitorte is a moist carrot cake from Aargau, traditionally made with ground nuts and topped with icing or marzipan carrots. It is the canton’s best-known sweet specialty.
Chäschnöpfli are small egg noodles baked or served with melted cheese and onions. They are a beloved Swiss comfort dish often eaten in homes and taverns around Aargau.
Rösti is a crisp fried potato cake from the Swiss-German region. In Aarau it is a classic side or main dish and a staple of traditional local cooking.
Well-regarded restaurant offering modern Swiss cuisine and seasonal menus with a polished but welcoming feel.
Elegant fine dining restaurant known for seasonal Swiss and French-influenced cuisine in a refined historic setting.
Traditional Swiss venue serving hearty regional dishes and classics in a relaxed old-town atmosphere.
Aarau is pricey versus many European cities; hotels, dining, and Swiss transit cost more, though local options and supermarket meals can help control budgets.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated in restaurants. Round up small taxi fares and café bills, but tipping is not required.
Official public transport app
Aarau Bahnhof -> Aarau Bahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Aarau by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Aarau, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Basel to Aarau trains use the Basel SBB to Aarau station pair. Use this guide to compare Basel and Aarau train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Aarau has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Nonna Aarau, Thai Time
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Aarau. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Aarau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aarau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aarau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aarau: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Sorell Hotel Aarauerhof, Hotel Kettenbrücke, Hotel Sternen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need