The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Frankfurt am Main
Cheapest price
$61
Average price
$125
Fastest journey
2 h 52 m
Average duration
2 h 52 m
Trains per day
54
Distance
296 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Frankfurt am Main is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Frankfurt am Main will cost around $125 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
Of the 54 trains that leave Basel for Frankfurt am Main on Sat, May 02, 28 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 02 the direct trains cover the 296 km distance in an average of 2 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 m .
On Sat, May 02 the slowest trains will take 2 h 52 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.
ICE 2728:16 PM2h53Basel SBB11:09 PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf$611One-way0 transfers
IC 6047010:16 PM3h55Basel SBB2:11 AMFrankfurt South station$611One-way0 transfers
ICE 100 · ICE 5907:16 PM2h53Basel SBB10:09 PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf$611One-way1 transfer
IC 60402 · 1549211:16 PM4h22Basel SBB3:38 AMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf$701One-way1 transfer
ICE 272 · S98:16 PM3h28Basel SBB11:44 PMFrankfurt am Main Flughafen$721One-way1 transfer
ICE 274 · ICE 5126:16 PM2h52Basel SBB9:08 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station$751One-way1 transfer
ICE 1025:16 PM2h52Basel SBB8:08 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station$751One-way0 transfers
ICE 276 · ICE 5144:16 PM2h52Basel SBB7:08 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station$901One-way1 transfer
ECE 4 · ICE 12542:46 PM2h52Basel SBB5:38 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station$901One-way1 transfer
ICE 1061:16 PM2h52Basel SBB4:08 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station$1071One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Basel to Frankfurt am Main
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Frankfurt am Main among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 183 miles (296 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$64 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest |
3h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Basel to Frankfurt am Main train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Frankfurt am Main trains for today, Friday, May 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 374 | 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 11:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 200 · ICE 690 | 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 12:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 372 | 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 1:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 108 · ICE 598 | 11:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 2:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 3:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 | On time 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 3:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 370 | On time 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 3:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 12:30 PM Basel Bad Bhf | 5h05 | 5:35 PM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 12:30 PM Basel Bad Bhf | 3h25 | 3:55 PM Frankfurt South station | 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 Frankfurt am Main 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.
May 01
May 02
May 03
May 04
May 05
May 06
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
Why should you book Basel to Frankfurt am Main trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain, ÖBB | InterCity or Trenitalia EuroCity to find the best option for your trip from Basel to Frankfurt am Main.
- 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 Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Frankfurt am Main.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Frankfurt am Main.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Basel to Frankfurt am Main?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Basel to Frankfurt am Main

Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Frankfurt am Main
Trains from Basel to Frankfurt am Main run on average 20 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€18) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 183 miles (296 km) distance in 2h 46m.
Distance 183 miles (296 km) |
Average train duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€18) |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain, ÖBB | InterCity, Trenitalia EuroCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Basel to Frankfurt am Main trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain, ÖBB | InterCity, Trenitalia EuroCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Basel and Frankfurt am Main from $22 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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.
ÖBB | ICE
FlixTrain
ÖBB | InterCity
Trenitalia EuroCity
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Basel to Frankfurt am Main
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Basel to Frankfurt am Main
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
- Located in the main hall
- 330 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- Merals Imbiss
- Bootshaus am Eisernen Steg
- Freigut
- Holbein's
- Hotel am Berg
- Leonardo Royal Hotel Frankfurt
- Hotel Ritter
- Lindner Main Plaza
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Frankfurt am Main
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