- Must visit
Musée d'art et d'histoire
A major fine arts museum with strong Swiss and European collections, from Old Masters to modern art, in a grand historic building.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$86
Fastest journey
2 h 51 m
Average duration
2 h 51 m
Trains per day
50
Distance
186 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Geneva is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Geneva will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
It's difficult to get from Basel to Geneva without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 61 957 | 957 · IR 55 1756 | 1756 · IC 51 1608 | 1608 · IC 1 704 | 704
IC 61 607 | 607 · IC 1 704 | 704
IC 2349 | 2349 · IC 8 844 | 844 · IR 15 2504 | 2504
S 3 17024 | 17024 · IC 51 1604 | 1604 · IC 1 702 | 702
IC 51 1610 | 1610 · IC 1 706 | 706
IC 21 667 | 667 · IC 5 514 | 514 · IR 90 1814 | 1814
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 5 512 | 512 · IR 90 1812 | 1812
IC 21 675 | 675 · IC 5 522 | 522 · IR 90 1822 | 1822
IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 5 520 | 520 · IR 90 1820 | 1820
IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 5 516 | 516 · IR 90 1816 | 1816Trains from Basel to Geneva run on average 21 times per day, taking around 4h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 but you can travel from only $33 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 115 miles (186 km) distance in 2h 51m.
Distance 115 miles (186 km) |
Average train duration 4h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 |
Trains per day 21 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 days |
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Geneva trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 51 1624 | 1624 · IC 1 720 | 720 | 1:32 PM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 4:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 279 | 279 · IR 15 2524 | 2524 | 1:58 PM Basel SBB | 3h07 | 5:05 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1870 | 1870 · IC 5 524 | 524 · IR 90 1824 | 1824 | 2:02 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 4:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2327 | 2327 · IC 5 524 | 524 · IR 90 1824 | 1824 | 2:04 PM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 4:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1626 | 1626 · IC 1 722 | 722 | 2:32 PM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 5:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 975 | 975 · IR 15 2526 | 2526 | 2:58 PM Basel SBB | 3h07 | 6:05 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1872 | 1872 · IC 5 526 | 526 · IR 90 1826 | 1826 | 3:02 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 5:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
EC 173 | 173 · IC 5 526 | 526 · IR 90 1826 | 1826 | 3:04 PM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 5:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 56 1874 | 1874 · IC 5 528 | 528 · IR 90 1828 | 1828 | 4:02 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 6:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2331 | 2331 · IC 5 528 | 528 · IR 90 1828 | 1828 | 4:04 PM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 6:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1630 | 1630 · IC 1 726 | 726 | 4:32 PM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 7:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 | 107 · IR 15 2530 | 2530 | 4:58 PM Basel SBB | 3h07 | 8:05 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1876 | 1876 · IC 5 530 | 530 · IR 90 1830 | 1830 | 5:02 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 7:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 683 | 683 · IC 5 530 | 530 · IR 90 1830 | 1830 | 5:04 PM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 7:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 56 1878 | 1878 · IC 5 532 | 532 · IR 90 1832 | 1832 | 6:02 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 8:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2335 | 2335 · IC 5 532 | 532 · IR 90 1832 | 1832 | 6:04 PM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 8:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1634 | 1634 · IC 1 730 | 730 | 6:32 PM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 9:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 983 | 983 · IR 15 2534 | 2534 | 6:58 PM Basel SBB | 3h07 | 10:05 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1880 | 1880 · IC 5 534 | 534 · IR 90 1834 | 1834 | 7:02 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 9:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 687 | 687 · IC 5 534 | 534 · IR 90 1834 | 1834 | 7:04 PM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 9:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 56 1882 | 1882 · IC 5 536 | 536 · IR 90 1836 | 1836 | 8:02 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 10:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2339 | 2339 · IC 5 536 | 536 · IR 90 1836 | 1836 | 8:04 PM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 10:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1638 | 1638 · IC 1 734 | 734 | 8:32 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 11:25 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1884 | 1884 · IC 5 538 | 538 · IR 90 1838 | 1838 | 9:02 PM Basel SBB | 3h05 | 12:07 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 691 | 691 · IC 5 538 | 538 · IR 90 1838 | 1838 | 9:04 PM Basel SBB | 3h03 | 12:07 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1640 | 1640 · IR 95 1738 | 1738 | 9:32 PM Basel SBB | 3h07 | 12:39 AM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1886 | 1886 · IC 5 540 | 540 · IR 90 1840 | 1840 | 10:02 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 12:55 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2343 | 2343 · IC 5 540 | 540 · IR 90 1840 | 1840 | 10:04 PM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 12:55 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 56 1888 | 1888 · IC 5 542 | 542 · RE 33 18446 | 18446 | 11:02 PM Basel SBB | 3h39 | 2:41 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
S 3 30389 | 30389 · S 20 7696 | 7696 · RE N5 3590 | 3590 · RE N1 744 | 744 | 12:00 AM Basel SBB | 4h15 | 4:15 AM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IR 26 2347 | 2347 · RE 55 4544 | 4544 · RE N5 3590 | 3590 · RE N1 744 | 744 | 12:04 AM Basel SBB | 4h11 | 4:15 AM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
S 3 30391 | 30391 · IC 8 844 | 844 · B N17 91702 | 91702 · SN 13846 | 13846 | 12:30 AM Basel SBB | 5h13 | 5:43 AM Geneva station | 4 transfers | |
IC 2349 | 2349 · IC 8 844 | 844 · IR 15 2504 | 2504 | 1:00 AM Basel SBB | 6h05 | 7:05 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2349 | 2349 · IC 8 844 | 844 · B N17 91702 | 91702 · SN 13846 | 13846 | 1:00 AM Basel SBB | 4h43 | 5:43 AM Geneva station | 4 transfers | |
S 3 17024 | 17024 · IC 51 1604 | 1604 · IC 1 702 | 702 | 3:45 AM Basel SBB | 3h53 | 7:38 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
S 3 17312 | 17312 · IC 51 506 | 506 · IR 90 1806 | 1806 | 4:52 AM Basel SBB | 3h03 | 7:55 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 61 607 | 607 · IC 1 704 | 704 | 5:10 AM Basel SBB | 3h28 | 8:38 AM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 957 | 957 · IR 55 1756 | 1756 · IC 51 1608 | 1608 · IC 1 704 | 704 | 5:24 AM Basel SBB | 3h14 | 8:38 AM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IR 56 1854 | 1854 · IC 5 508 | 508 · IR 90 1808 | 1808 | 6:02 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 8:55 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 5 508 | 508 · IR 90 1808 | 1808 | 6:04 AM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 8:55 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1610 | 1610 · IC 1 706 | 706 | 6:32 AM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 9:38 AM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1856 | 1856 · IC 5 510 | 510 · IR 90 1810 | 1810 | 7:02 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 9:55 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 663 | 663 · IC 5 510 | 510 · IR 90 1810 | 1810 | 7:04 AM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 9:55 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1612 | 1612 · IC 1 708 | 708 | 7:32 AM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 10:38 AM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1858 | 1858 · IC 5 512 | 512 · IR 90 1812 | 1812 | 8:02 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 10:55 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 5 512 | 512 · IR 90 1812 | 1812 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 10:55 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1614 | 1614 · IC 1 710 | 710 | 8:32 AM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 11:38 AM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1860 | 1860 · IC 5 514 | 514 · IR 90 1814 | 1814 | 9:02 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 11:55 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 667 | 667 · IC 5 514 | 514 · IR 90 1814 | 1814 | 9:04 AM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 11:55 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1616 | 1616 · IC 1 712 | 712 | 9:32 AM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 12:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1862 | 1862 · IC 5 516 | 516 · IR 90 1816 | 1816 | 10:02 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 12:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 5 516 | 516 · IR 90 1816 | 1816 | 10:04 AM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 12:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1618 | 1618 · IC 1 714 | 714 | 10:32 AM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 1:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1864 | 1864 · IC 5 518 | 518 · IR 90 1818 | 1818 | 11:02 AM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 1:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 671 | 671 · IC 5 518 | 518 · IR 90 1818 | 1818 | 11:04 AM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 1:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1620 | 1620 · IC 900 | 900 | 11:32 AM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 2:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1866 | 1866 · IC 5 520 | 520 · IR 90 1820 | 1820 | 12:02 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 2:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 5 520 | 520 · IR 90 1820 | 1820 | 12:04 PM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 2:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 51 1622 | 1622 · IC 1 718 | 718 | 12:32 PM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 3:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IR 56 1868 | 1868 · IC 5 522 | 522 · IR 90 1822 | 1822 | 1:02 PM Basel SBB | 2h53 | 3:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 675 | 675 · IC 5 522 | 522 · IR 90 1822 | 1822 | 1:04 PM Basel SBB | 2h51 | 3:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Geneva — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Geneva trip today.
A major fine arts museum with strong Swiss and European collections, from Old Masters to modern art, in a grand historic building.
An international museum explaining the Red Cross, humanitarian action, and human rights through strong multimedia exhibitions.
An inventive museum of clocks, watches, automata, and enamels that highlights Geneva’s world-famous watchmaking heritage.
Geneva’s historic heart has narrow lanes, small squares, and centuries of architecture, making it the city’s essential walking district.
A lakeside promenade with gardens, monuments, and classic views of the Jet d’Eau, perfect for an easy first walk in Geneva.
A scenic lakeside English-style garden known for flowers, waterfront paths, and the famous Flower Clock near the city center.
Melted cheese fondue shared from a communal pot, usually with bread. A classic Romandy winter dish strongly tied to Geneva dining culture.
Raclette is melted cheese scraped onto potatoes, pickles, and onions. It is a beloved Swiss alpine specialty widely enjoyed in Geneva.
A comforting potato and cheese gratin from western Switzerland. Geneva versions often feature local tomme or Gruyère-style cheeses.
Refined fine dining by Lake Geneva with polished service and French-influenced cuisine in an elegant luxury hotel setting.
Elegant gastronomic restaurant inside Hotel Beau-Rivage, known for classic French technique, seasonal menus, and formal lakeside dining.
Historic traditional brasserie known for Geneva classics, generous portions, and an old-town atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Geneva is pricier than most European cities. Hotels, dining, and daily transit are costly, though efficient public transport and supermarket meals can reduce visitor spending.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Round taxi fares up slightly; in cafes, round up or leave small change.
The train connection between Basel and Geneva is efficient and convenient, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore these two vibrant Swiss cities. Operated by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), the journey typically takes around 2 hours and offers scenic views of the picturesque Swiss countryside along the way. With frequent departures throughout the day, passengers can easily find a schedule that suits their travel plans.
The train connection between Basel and Geneva takes approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes. There are a total of 3 connections per day, but none of them are direct; passengers will need to make at least one transfer during their journey.
The first daily train from Basel to Geneva departs at 06:20, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the beautiful landscapes of Switzerland. The last journey of the day leaves at 21:31, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their activities before returning in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Basel to Geneva is €56. The average ticket price tends to be around €83, providing travelers with a range of options depending on their booking preferences and timing.
The Jet d'Eau, originally a simple water pump in the 19th century, has transformed into one of Geneva's most iconic landmarks, shooting water 140 meters high from Lake Geneva. This magnificent fountain not only symbolizes the city's relationship with its lake but also serves as a testament to engineering prowess and artistic expression that draws visitors from around the globe. As you stand before it, take note of how this stunning display captures both the beauty and vitality of Geneva’s spirit.
St. Pierre Cathedral is steeped in history dating back to the 12th century; it's where John Calvin preached during the Protestant Reformation, making it a significant site for religious transformation in Europe. The cathedral boasts unique architectural features such as its neo-Gothic façade and intricate stained glass windows that tell stories spanning centuries. Climbing to its tower rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of both old town Geneva and beyond—an experience not to be missed!
Palais des Nations stands as an emblematic symbol of peace since it became home to various international organizations after World War I; today, it's recognized as Europe's largest United Nations office outside New York City. Its grand architecture reflects global cooperation while housing important discussions on world issues like human rights and environmental sustainability—a true hub for diplomacy! Be sure to explore its beautiful gardens adorned with sculptures gifted by different nations—they embody hope for unity among diverse cultures worldwide.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Geneva 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 Geneva, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Basel to Geneva trains use the Basel SBB to Genève station pair, with some services arriving at Genève-Aéroport. Use this guide to compare Basel and Geneva 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 St Johann is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel St Johann has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Basel St Johann.
ATMs are available at Basel St Johann.
Available at Basel St Johann: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel St Johann: Bike Parking.
Genève 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Bistrot de Charlotte, Les Brasseurs, La Matze Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Genève. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Genève. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Genève: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Genève: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Genève: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Warwick Geneva, Hotel Cornavin, ibis Styles Genève Gare.
Genève-Aéroport is 4 km from Geneva city centre. Public transport options include:
Genève-Aéroport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Chef Genève Aéroport, Montreux Jazz Café
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Genève-Aéroport. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Genève-Aéroport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Genève-Aéroport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Genève-Aéroport: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Genève-Aéroport: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Novotel Suites Geneva, ibis Geneva Airport Hotel, Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva.
Genève, Cornavin has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: La Matze Restaurant
ATMs are available at Genève, Cornavin.
Available at Genève, Cornavin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Genève, Cornavin: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Genève, Cornavin.
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