- Must visit
Städel Museum
Major German art museum with masterpieces from Old Masters to modernism; a cornerstone stop on Frankfurt’s Museum Embankment.
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$121
Fastest journey
2 h 49 m
Average duration
2 h 51 m
Trains per day
86
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 $121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Of the 86 trains that leave Basel for Frankfurt am Main on Fri, Jul 31, 48 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct trains cover the 296 km distance in an average of 2 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 49 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 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.
IC 60470
ICE 100 · ICE 590
ICE 100
ICE 2
IC 60409
ICE 100 · ICE 590
ICE 74 · ICE 1010
ICE 372 · ICE 610
ICE 6 · ICE 918
ICE 374 · ICE 612Omio 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 $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. 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 $24, and a flight costs an average of $472.
Distance: 183 miles (296 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$79 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $767 Average price | $127 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 51m Average total duration 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 22m Average total duration 4h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Frankfurt am Main:
A bus is $39 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Frankfurt am Main costing on average $79 (€65).
A bus is $727 (€596) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Frankfurt am Main costing on average $767 (€629).
Other travel options to Frankfurt am Main take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 21m.
Bus takes on average 4h 52m.
Tickets start at around $79 (€65) compared to roughly $127 (€104) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $48 (€39). The journey takes 3h 21m versus 3h 13m 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Frankfurt am Main trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 108 | On time 11:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 2:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 108 · ICE 2588 | On time 11:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 2:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 | On time 12:33 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 3:26 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 72 | On time 12:46 PM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 3:40 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 72 · ICE 916 | On time 12:46 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 3:38 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 106 | On time 1:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 4:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 106 · ICE 596 | On time 1:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 4:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 278 | On time 2:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 5:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 278 · ICE 516 | On time 2:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 5:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ECE 4 | On time 2:46 PM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 5:40 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 4 · ICE 224 | On time 2:46 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 5:38 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 104 | On time 3:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 6:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 104 · ICE 2584 | On time 3:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 6:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 150 · ICE 574 | Delayed 1:48 PM 3:46 PMBasel SBB | 2h54 | 6:40 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 150 | Delayed 1:48 PM 3:46 PMBasel SBB | 2h58 | 6:44 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 276 · ICE 514 | On time 4:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 7:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 276 | On time 4:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 7:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 70 · ICE 912 | On time 4:46 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 7:38 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 70 | On time 4:46 PM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 7:40 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 102 | On time 5:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 8:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 102 · ICE 592 | On time 5:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 8:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 274 · ICE 512 | On time 6:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 9:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 274 | On time 6:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 9:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2 · ICE 910 | On time 6:46 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 9:38 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2 | On time 6:46 PM Basel SBB | 2h57 | 9:43 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 100 · ICE 590 | On time 7:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 10:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 100 | On time 7:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 10:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 272 | On time 8:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 11:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 272 · ICE 510 | On time 8:16 PM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 11:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
IC 60409 | On time 9:16 PM Basel SBB | 3h09 | 12:25 AM Frankfurt South station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60470 | On time 10:16 PM Basel SBB | 3h55 | 2:11 AM Frankfurt South station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60402 · ICE 698 | On time 11:16 PM Basel SBB | 3h36 | 2:52 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
IC 60402 · ICE 698 | On time 11:16 PM Basel SBB | 4h03 | 3:19 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
ICE 76 | On time 4:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 7:40 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 76 · ICE 1014 | On time 4:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 7:38 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 76 | On time 4:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 7:40 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 204 · ICE 2594 | On time 5:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 8:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 204 · ICE 2594 | On time 5:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 8:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 204 | On time 5:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 8:08 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 376 | On time 6:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 9:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 376 · ICE 614 | On time 6:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 9:08 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 376 | On time 6:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 9:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 8 · ICE 1012 | On time 6:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 9:38 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
EC 8 | 6:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 9:40 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 8 | On time 6:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 9:40 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 202 · ICE 2592 | On time 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 10:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 202 | On time 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 10:08 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 202 · ICE 2592 | On time 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 10:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 374 | On time 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 11:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 374 | On time 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 11:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 374 · ICE 612 | On time 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 11:08 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 8:44 AM Basel Bad Bhf | 3h11 | 11:55 AM Frankfurt South station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:44 AM Basel Bad Bhf | 4h41 | 1:25 PM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 1 transfer | |
ICE 74 | On time 8:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 11:40 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 74 | On time 8:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 11:40 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 | On time 8:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 11:38 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 · ICE 2590 | On time 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 12:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 · ICE 2590 | On time 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 12:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 | On time 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 12:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 372 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 1:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 1:08 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 372 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 1:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 6 | On time 10:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 1:40 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 6 | On time 10:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 1:40 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 10:46 AM Basel SBB | 2h52 | 1:38 PM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Trains from Basel to Frankfurt am Main run on average 20 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 183 miles (296 km) distance in 2h 52m.
Distance 183 miles (296 km) |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Frankfurt am Main — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Frankfurt am Main trip today.
Major German art museum with masterpieces from Old Masters to modernism; a cornerstone stop on Frankfurt’s Museum Embankment.
Museum in Goethe’s birthplace presenting the writer’s life, era, and manuscripts; essential for literary and cultural history fans.
Large natural history museum with dinosaur skeletons, biodiversity displays, and strong geology exhibits; excellent for all ages.
Rebuilt old town quarter between Römer and cathedral, blending historic layouts with new architecture; ideal for strolling and photos.
Frankfurt’s riverside museum district and promenade, perfect for walking, major museums, and skyline views across the Main.
Large inner-city palm garden with themed greenhouses and landscaped grounds; a relaxing break from museums and shopping.
Green sauce made with seven fresh herbs, usually served with boiled eggs and potatoes. It is a Frankfurt classic with protected regional status.
Pork sausage lightly smoked and traditionally served hot with potato salad, sauerkraut, or bread. It is one of Frankfurt’s signature sausages.
Pressed and cured pork sausage, often sliced and served cold with bread, mustard, and pickles. It is a staple in Frankfurt cider taverns.
Two Michelin-starred dining with creative modern cuisine, extensive wine pairings, and a formal fine dining experience.
Refined restaurant in the old opera house area, known for modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant dining room.
Historic apple wine tavern in Sachsenhausen known for Apfelwein, green sauce, and classic Frankfurt dishes in a lively traditional setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey during trade fairs, but dining and public transport are reasonable for most tourists.
Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. Small change is common for cafes.
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.

Most Basel to Frankfurt am Main trains use the Basel SBB to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf. Use this guide to compare Basel and Frankfurt am Main train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Basel, Badischer Bahnhof is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel, Badischer Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Basel, Badischer Bahnhof.
ATMs are available at Basel, Badischer Bahnhof.
Available at Basel, Badischer Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel, Badischer Bahnhof: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel, Badischer Bahnhof.
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: asiagourmet, Burger King, Ciao Bella, Coffee Fellows, Crepes de France Express, dean&david, Starbucks, Uddin's Sky Sportsbar, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Information desks are located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located in the main hall. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Hotel Cristall, Grand Hotel Empire, Hotel Carlton.
Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf is 10 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Käfer's, McDonald's, Asia Snack Box
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, Hilton Frankfurt Airport, Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport.
Frankfurt (Main) Süd is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (Main) Süd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Merals Imbiss, Bootshaus am Eisernen Steg, Freigut, Holbein's
Wi-Fi is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. Information desks are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Nearby hotels include Hotel am Berg, Leonardo Royal Hotel Frankfurt, Hotel Ritter, Lindner Main Plaza.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need