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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Nov 06
Cheapest price
$177
Average price
$177
Fastest journey
6 h 30 m
Average duration
6 h 30 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
285 km
Cheap tickets
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 $177 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $177.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Basel for Cologne on Thu, Nov 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 the direct trains cover the 285 km distance in an average of 6 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 30 m .
On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest trains will take 6 h 30 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.
11:23PM6h30
Basel05:53AMKoeln Hbf
$1771One-way
0 transfers
11:23PM6h30
Basel05:53AMKoeln Hbf
$1771One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Basel to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the bus 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
| Train | Most popular 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, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 12:28 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1:03 PM Basel | 6h36 | 7:39 PM Cologne | 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.
Thu
Nov 06
Nov 06
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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 $67 (€55) but you can travel from only $34 (€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.
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 $34 (€28)
Distance 177 miles (285 km) |
Average train duration 6h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 (€55) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 36m |
First train 13:03 |
Last train 13:03 |
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 $34 (€28)
Train companies: ÖBB Nightjet, Deutsche Bahn from Basel to Cologne trainsÖBB Nightjet, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Basel and Cologne from $34 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
ÖBB Nightjet
About
ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car and a bar. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 30m
Cheapest Price
$177 (€145)
ÖBB Nightjet frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats, at end of carriages, and under seats. Special storage for bikes and ski equipment.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro available on most routes. Night trains offer breakfast service in sleeper and couchette cars.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Additional fee applies. Free for certain ticket types and first class.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs need ticket (50% of 2nd class fare) and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 54m
Cheapest Price
$83 (€68)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
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.
A day trip from Basel to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 36m, 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.
The train from Basel to Cologne takes 6h 36m and runs 4 per day.
The distance by train from Basel to Cologne is 177 miles (285 km).
The train station in Basel that goes to Cologne is Basel SBB, which connects to Cologne station.
The last train from Basel to Cologne leaves at 1:03 PM.
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.
There is no high speed train available from Basel to Cologne.
Yes, there is a night train from Basel to Cologne.
Train ticket prices from Basel to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $67 (€55), while the average price is around $114 (€93).
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around $34 (€28).
The first train from Basel to Cologne leaves at 1:03 PM.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Cologne.
Yes, there is a direct train from Basel to Cologne. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by ÖBB Nightjet, Deutsche Bahn.
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
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 Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
10Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
Dining
- Restaurant Da Roberto
- Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 2
Hotel
- Hotel Victoria
- Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
- GAIA Hotel
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 800 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
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
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Cologne. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cologne for your journey to Cologne from Basel.
Cologne
Amenities at train station
Accessibilityinformation
Most 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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