- Must visit
ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe
Major contemporary art and media museum complex known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and strong international reputation.










Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
1h 39m
Average duration
1h 42m
Trains per day
16
Distance
171 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $7.
Distance: 106 miles (172 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$34 Average price | $19 Average price Cheapest | $97 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Karlsruhe:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Karlsruhe costing on average $34 (€28).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 5m.
The journey is about 3m faster (1h 50m by train vs 1h 53m by car) and roughly $63 (€52) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($34 (€28) vs $97 (€80)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Karlsruhe trains for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 376 | On time 6:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h40 | 7:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 376 | On time 6:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h40 | 7:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 8 | 6:46 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 8:33 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 8 | On time 6:46 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 8:33 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 202 | On time 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h41 | 8:57 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 202 | On time 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h41 | 8:57 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 374 | On time 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h40 | 9:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 374 | On time 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h40 | 9:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:44 AM Basel Bad Bhf | 1h39 | 10:23 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 74 | On time 8:46 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 10:33 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 74 | On time 8:46 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 10:33 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 200 | On time 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h41 | 10:57 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 200 | On time 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h41 | 10:57 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 372 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h40 | 11:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 372 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h40 | 11:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 6 | 10:46 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 12:33 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Karlsruhe run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 106 miles (172 km) distance in 1h 39m.
Distance 106 miles (172 km) |
Average train duration 1h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 1h 39m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major contemporary art and media museum complex known for interactive digital art, changing exhibitions, and strong international reputation.
State museum in Karlsruhe Palace with collections on archaeology, world cultures, and regional history in a landmark setting.
Important fine arts museum with works from old masters to modern art; a key stop for painting lovers when exhibitions are open.
Large park behind Karlsruhe Palace, ideal for strolling, picnics, and classic views along the city’s radial layout.
Central square with the Karlsruhe Pyramid, historic buildings, and a strong sense of the city’s planned urban identity.
Popular hill and viewpoint above Durlach with panoramic city views, especially attractive at sunset and in social media photos.
Swabian pasta pockets filled with minced meat, spinach, onions, and herbs, often served in broth or pan-fried. A classic in Baden-Württemberg and widely enjoyed in Karlsruhe.
Soft egg noodles layered with melted cheese and topped with fried onions. A beloved southern German comfort dish commonly found in Karlsruhe taverns.
A thin, crisp tart from nearby Alsace and Baden, traditionally topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. It is a regional staple around Karlsruhe.
Established traditional restaurant known for Baden and Alsatian specialties, regional wines, and a warm historic atmosphere in central Karlsruhe.
Well-known rustic venue serving hearty Baden and German dishes in a classic beer hall setting. Popular for traditional local meals and generous portions.
Established fine-dining restaurant with panoramic views, refined modern cuisine, and a special-occasion atmosphere above the city.
Moderate by German standards. Public transport and casual dining are manageable, while hotels and central restaurants cost more.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or leave about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Small tips are appreciated in cafés; not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf, Karlsruhe -> Marktplatz, Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Basel to Karlsruhe trains use the Basel SBB to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Use this guide to compare Basel and Karlsruhe 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.
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe 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: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Karlsruhe-Durlach is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Durlach 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: Hubraum, Vogel Hausbräu Durlach, Asia Gourmet, Borsalino
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Große Linde, Zum Erwin, Der Blaue Reiter.
Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need