The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Cologne
Cheapest price
$141
Average price
$187
Fastest journey
3 h 43 m
Average duration
4 h 12 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
378 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Cologne will cost around $187 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $141.
Of the 7 trains that leave Basel for Cologne on Thu, Jan 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jan 01 the direct trains cover the 378 km distance in an average of 4 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 43 m .
On Thu, Jan 01 the slowest trains will take 4 h 50 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.
ICE 374 · IC 2407
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926
ICE 200
ICE 74 · ICE 1010
ICE 374 · ICE 612
ICE 74 · ICE 1010
ICE 200
ICE 374 · ICE 612
ICE 374 · IC 2407
ICE 374+
IC 2407Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Basel to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €25, and a train costs an average of €25.
Distance: 234 miles (378 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€103 Average price | €38 Average price Cheapest |
5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 9m Average total duration 6h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Basel to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Thursday, January 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 374+ IC 2407 | On time 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 12:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 374 · IC 2407 | On time 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 4h50 | 12:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 374 · ICE 612 | On time 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 3h49 | 11:05 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 | On time 7:46 AM Basel SBB | 3h43 | 11:29 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | On time 7:46 AM Basel SBB | 5h20 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 | On time 7:46 AM Basel SBB | 5h20 | 1:06 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 200 | On time 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 3h49 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Cologne by train or bus
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.
Jan 01
Jan 02
Jan 03
Jan 04
Jan 05
Jan 06
Jan 07
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Jan 21
Why should you book Basel to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC) as well as ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity and ÖBB Nightjet offer trains services from Basel to Cologne. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basel to Cologne.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC), but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity and ÖBB Nightjet to find the best option for your trip from Basel to Cologne.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity and ÖBB Nightjet to help you choose the right option for your journey from Basel to Cologne.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Basel to Cologne?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Basel to Cologne

Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Cologne
Trains from Basel to Cologne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€25) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 234 miles (378 km) distance in 3h 42m.
Distance 234 miles (378 km) |
Average train duration 5h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€25) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 42m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB Nightjet, FlixTrain, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) from Basel to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB Nightjet, FlixTrain, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) trains will get you between Basel and Cologne from $31 (€25). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | InterCity
ÖBB Nightjet
FlixTrain
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
FAQs: Trains from Basel to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Basel to Cologne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
- Restaurant Da Roberto
- Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Victoria
- Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
- GAIA Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 800 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
- Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
- Hall 3: shopping and services area
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
- Located in the main hall
- 330 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Cologne
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