The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Gelsenkirchen
Cheapest price
$136
Average price
$136
Fastest journey
9 h 33 m
Average duration
9 h 33 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
440 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Gelsenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Gelsenkirchen will cost around $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $136.
Of the 1 trains that leave Basel for Gelsenkirchen on Tue, Jun 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 09 the direct trains cover the 440 km distance in an average of 9 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 33 m .
On Tue, Jun 09 the slowest trains will take 9 h 33 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.
10:10 PM9h33Basel7:43 AMGelsenkirchen$1361One-way0 transfers
10:10 PM9h33Basel7:43 AMGelsenkirchen$1361One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Basel to Gelsenkirchen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $53. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $53, and a flight costs an average of $245.
Distance: 273 miles (440 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$150 Average price | $66 Average price Cheapest | $325 Average price | $125 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 48m Average total duration Fastest 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 2m Average total duration 8h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Gelsenkirchen:
A bus is $83 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $150 (€122).
A bus is $258 (€211) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $325 (€265).
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 20m.
Flight takes on average 8h 2m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (5h 18m by train vs 5h 22m by car). Tickets start at around $150 (€122) compared to roughly $125 (€102) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Gelsenkirchen 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.
Jun 09
Jun 10
Jun 11
Jun 12
Jun 13
Jun 14
Jun 15
Why should you book Basel to Gelsenkirchen 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Basel to Gelsenkirchen.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Gelsenkirchen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Gelsenkirchen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Gelsenkirchen
Trains from Basel to Gelsenkirchen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $78 (€64) but you can travel from only $53 (€43) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:04, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 273 miles (440 km) distance in 6h 8m.
Distance 273 miles (440 km) |
Average train duration 5h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 (€64) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 6h 8m |
First train 1:04 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Basel to Gelsenkirchen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Basel and Gelsenkirchen from $53 (€43). 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Basel to Gelsenkirchen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Basel to Gelsenkirchen
- 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
- Monday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Subway
- Café Madrid
- Shere Punjab
- Café del Sol
- Hotel St. Petrus
- Dschingis Khan
- Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel
- Nikolaus Grill
- McDonald's
- Grill-Pizzeria Grammatikas
- Viva Sevilla
- Nudelland
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Gelsenkirchen
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