Basel to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Sat, Mar 21
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Basel to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the flight 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 $63. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $63, and a flight costs an average of $362.

Distance: 177 miles (285 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus

$126

Average price

$362

Average price

$63

Average price

Cheapest

7h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 50m

Average total duration

6h 50m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

8h 55m

Average total duration

8h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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.

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Basel to Cologne

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
ItalyItaly
Icon of train

Trains from Basel to Cologne run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $126 (€102) but you can travel from only $63 (€51) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 14:04, the last at 14:04. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (285 km) distance in 6h 35m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $63 (€51)
Distance
177 miles (285 km)
Average train duration
6h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
$126 (€102)
Trains per day
3
Fastest train
6h 35m
First train
14:04
Last train
14:04
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $63 (€51)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Basel to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Basel and Cologne from $63 (€51). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 34m
Cheapest Price
$86 (€70)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Basel to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $126 (€102), while the average price is around $126 (€102).
The train from Basel to Cologne takes 6h 35m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from Basel to Cologne leaves at 2:04 PM.
The distance by train from Basel to Cologne is 177 miles (285 km).
The last train from Basel to Cologne leaves at 2:04 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Basel to Cologne.
Yes, there is a direct train from Basel to Cologne. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Basel to Cologne.
The train station in Basel that goes to Cologne is Basel SBB, which connects to Cologne station.
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around $63 (€51).
The train journey from Basel to Cologne is generally considered scenic, as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Upper Rhine Valley, offering views of vineyards, charming towns, and the Rhine River.
A day trip from Basel to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 35m, covering 177 miles (285 km), with trains running 4 times per day.
To fully experience Cologne, including its historic cathedral, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, spending 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Cologne.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Basel to Cologne

Basel
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Basel is Basel SBB. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Basel SBB for your trip from Basel to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
10
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Da Roberto
  • Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Victoria
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
  • GAIA Hotel
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 800 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • 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
Public transit options for Basel SBB
  • Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
  • Bus: Several lines available

More options for your journey from Basel to Cologne

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