Basel to Edinburgh train with Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)

Thu, May 07
+ Add return
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for May 07

Cheapest price

$876

Average price

$887

Fastest journey

12 h 13 m

Average duration

18 h 5 m

Trains per day

3

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 $887 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $876.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Basel to Edinburgh without transferring at least 4 times.

  • Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
    10:54 AM12h13
    Basel
    11:07 PMEdinburgh
    $8761One-way
    4 transfers
  • Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
    7:24 PM23h47
    Basel
    7:11 PMEdinburgh
    $8761One-way
    4 transfers
  • Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
    4:54 PM18h14
    Basel
    11:08 AMEdinburgh
    $9071One-way
    4 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 $92. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $92, and a train costs an average of $876.

Distance: 738 miles (1189 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus
Driving

$883

Average price

$191

Average price

$169

Average price

Cheapest

$332

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

18h 49m

Average total duration

18h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 49m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 49m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

35h 52m

Average total duration

35h 22m

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 $169 (€135).

This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Edinburgh:

A bus is $22 (€18) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Edinburgh costing on average $191 (€153).

A bus is $714 (€570) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Edinburgh costing on average $883 (€705).

The fastest way to travel from Basel to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 49m.

Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:

Train takes on average 18h 19m.

Bus takes on average 35h 22m.

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 $883 (€705) compared to roughly $332 (€266) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-550.21 (€-439.62). 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, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)10:54 AM Basel
12h13
11:07 PM Edinburgh4 transfers
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)4:54 PM Basel
18h14
11:08 AM Edinburgh4 transfers
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)7:24 PM Basel
23h47
7:11 PM Edinburgh4 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.

Wed
May 06
Thu
May 07
Fri
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12

Journey information

Overview: Train from Basel to Edinburgh

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Basel to Edinburgh run on average 1 times per day, taking around 18h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $876 (€700) but you can travel from only $52 (€41) 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 $52 (€41)
Distance
738 miles (1189 km)
Average train duration
18h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
$876 (€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 $52 (€41)

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 $52 (€41). 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
$876 (€700)
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) frequency
2 a day

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Basel to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $876 (€700), while the average price is around $883 (€705).
The train from Basel to Edinburgh runs once a day and takes approximately 12h 13m.
The distance by train from Basel to Edinburgh is 738 miles (1189 km).
The first train from Basel to Edinburgh leaves at 7:09 AM.
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 $52 (€41).
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
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
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
2 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
8
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Les Gareçons
  • Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Alexander
  • Hotel Wettstein
  • Hotel Balade
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 330 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
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

More options for your journey from Basel to Edinburgh

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