4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Cologne
Cheapest price
$85
Average price
$117
Fastest journey
4 h 54 m
Average duration
6 h 35 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
285 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 $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
Of the 3 trains that leave Basel for Cologne on Sun, Dec 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Dec 21 the direct trains cover the 285 km distance in an average of 6 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 54 m .
On Sun, Dec 21 the slowest trains will take 8 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.
Basel - CologneCompare ÖBB Nightjet, Deutsche Bahn
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.
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 €28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €28, and a flight costs an average of €61.
Distance: 177 miles (285 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€93 Average price | €35 Average price Cheapest | €103 Average price |
7h 6m Average total duration Fastest 6h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 45m Average total duration 10h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 15m Average total duration 7h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Basel to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Cologne trains for today, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:23 PM Basel | 6h30 | 5:53 AM Koeln Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, December 21 | |||||
| 2:34 PM Basel | 4h54 | 7:28 PM Köln 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, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Why should you book Basel to Cologne trains with Omio?
ÖBB Nightjet as well as Deutsche Bahn 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 ÖBB Nightjet?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for ÖBB Nightjet, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn 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 ÖBB Nightjet with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight 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 ÖBB Nightjet tickets can be bought on ÖBB Nightjet's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Deutsche Bahn 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, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Cologne.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Cologne
Switzerland
Italy
Trains from Basel to Cologne run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $68 (€55) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 13:03, the last at 13:03. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (285 km) distance in 6h 36m.
Distance 177 miles (285 km) |
Average train duration 6h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€55) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 36m |
First train 13:03 |
Last train 13:03 |
Train companies: ÖBB Nightjet, Deutsche Bahn from Basel to Cologne trainsÖBB Nightjet, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Basel and Cologne from $35 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
ÖBB Nightjet
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.
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
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Carts
- 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
AccessibilityMost popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Basel
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