- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$855
Average price
$855
Fastest journey
12 h 31 m
Average duration
17 h 5 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1189 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Edinburgh will cost around $855 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $855.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Basel to Edinburgh without transferring at least 4 times.
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10:30 AM12h31Basel11:01 PMEdinburgh$8551One-way4 transfers- 1:30 PM21h38Basel11:08 AMEdinburgh$8551One-way4 transfers
- 10:30 AM12h31Basel11:01 PMEdinburgh$8551One-way4 transfers
- 1:30 PM21h38Basel11:08 AMEdinburgh$8551One-way4 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Basel to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Basel to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $98. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $98, and a train costs an average of $855.
Distance: 738 miles (1189 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$862 Average price | $175 Average price | $158 Average price Cheapest | $324 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 49m Average total duration 18h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 36h 44m Average total duration 36h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Basel to Edinburgh is a bus with an average price of $158 (€129).
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Edinburgh:
A bus is $17 (€14) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Edinburgh costing on average $175 (€143).
A bus is $704 (€576) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Edinburgh costing on average $862 (€705).
The fastest way to travel from Basel to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 36m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 19m.
Bus takes on average 36h 14m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Basel and Edinburgh including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Basel to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $862 (€705) compared to roughly $324 (€265) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-537.81 (€-440.17). The journey takes 18h 19m versus 15h 29m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Basel to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM Basel | 12h31 | 11:01 PM Edinburgh | 4 transfers | |
| 1:30 PM Basel | 21h38 | 11:08 AM Edinburgh | 4 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Edinburgh by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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 Edinburgh
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Trains from Basel to Edinburgh run on average 1 times per day, taking around 18h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $855 (€700) but you can travel from only $49 (€40) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 07:09, the last at 22:40. The fastest train covers the 738 miles (1189 km) distance in 12h 13m.
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
Flight from $49 (€40)
Distance 738 miles (1189 km) |
Average train duration 18h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $855 (€700) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 12h 13m |
First train 7:09 AM |
Last train 10:40 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Flight from $49 (€40)
Train companies: Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) from Basel to Edinburgh trainsSociété Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) trains will get you between Basel and Edinburgh from $49 (€40). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 13m
Cheapest Price
$855 (€700)
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
Major national art gallery on The Mound with Scottish and European masterpieces. Central, elegant and one of Edinburgh’s classic cultural stops.
- Recommended
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history and culture. Well regarded for both the collection and the building itself.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, courtyards, shops and major sights.
- Must visit
Calton Hill
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, especially popular for sunrise and sunset photography. Famous for sweeping views over the city and Arthur’s Seat.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Ancient volcanic peak in Holyrood Park with the city’s most famous hike and outstanding panoramic views. A classic outdoor Edinburgh experience.
- Gluten-free
Haggis, Neeps And Tatties
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a peppery savoury pudding traditionally made with oats and offal, served with mashed turnips and potatoes. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns supps
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Though from Cullen, it is a classic on Edinburgh menus and a comforting local staple
Scotch Broth
A traditional hearty soup of barley, root vegetables and usually lamb or mutton. It is a long-standing Scottish comfort food commonly found in pubs and cafes
The Scran & Scallie
A polished gastropub from Tom Kitchin, known for refined Scottish pub classics, seasonal produce and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere
Mussel Inn Seafood Restaurant
A long-established seafood restaurant popular for Scottish mussels, fish dishes and a relaxed city-centre setting
Ondine
A respected upscale seafood restaurant focused on high-quality Scottish fish and shellfish in an elegant contemporary space
Pound sterling
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities, especially for hotels and dining in the centre during peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Rounding up is common in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Transport for Edinburgh
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- TapTapCap lets you pay by contactless card on Lothian buses and trams, with daily caps applied automatically.
- Single bus and tram fares are flat within the city, so exact change is not needed if you pay contactless or in the official app.
FAQs: Trains from Basel to Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Basel to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $855 (€700), while the average price is around $862 (€705).
The train from Basel to Edinburgh runs once a day and takes approximately 12h 13m.
The first train from Basel to Edinburgh leaves at 7:09 AM.
The distance by train from Basel to Edinburgh is 738 miles (1189 km).
The last train from Basel to Edinburgh leaves at 10:40 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Basel to Edinburgh.
There is no direct train service currently available from Basel to Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Basel to Edinburgh.
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Edinburgh is by flight, with a cost of around $49 (€40).
The train journey from Basel to Edinburgh is quite scenic, offering views of the Swiss countryside, the rolling hills and picturesque villages of France, and the stunning landscapes of the English and Scottish countryside.
A day trip from Basel to Edinburgh is not feasible as the journey takes 12h 13m with a distance of 738 miles (1189 km), and there is only 1 trip per day by train.
In Edinburgh, visitors can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, enjoy a ghost tour of the haunted streets, attend shows at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden. Discover hidden gems at the Stockbridge Market. Key sights include Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, The Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and The National Museum of Scotland.
For a fulfilling experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Edinburgh allows you to explore its historic sites, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, enjoy cultural attractions, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is outside the Schengen Area. Travelers departing from Basel will need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Edinburgh include Glasgow, Newcastle, St Andrews, Stirling, Dundee.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Basel to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Basel to Edinburgh
Basel
Edinburgh
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
2 km
Number of platforms
8Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee
Dining
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms
WC
- CHF 1
Hotel
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 330 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
Public transit options for Basel Bad Bhf
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Basel
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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