- Must visit
Badisches Landesmuseum
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Cheapest price
$17
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
1 h 39 m
Average duration
1 h 40 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Karlsruhe will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $17.
Of the 10 trains that leave Basel for Karlsruhe on Wed, Aug 26, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct trains cover the 172 km distance in an average of 1 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 39 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest trains will take 1 h 40 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.
FlixTrain
ICE 200
ICE 74
ICE 374
ICE 372
FlixTrain
ICE 372
ICE 374
ICE 372
ICE 374Omio 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 2h 2m. 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 |
|---|---|---|
$26 Average price | $18 Average price Cheapest | $100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 32m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 34m Average total duration 3h 4m 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 $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Karlsruhe costing on average $26 (€21).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 4m.
Tickets start at around $26 (€21) compared to roughly $100 (€80) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $74 (€59). The journey takes 2h 2m versus 1h 53m 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, ÖBB, 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 Karlsruhe trains for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 276 | On time 4:16 PM Basel SBB | 1h41 | 5:57 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 276 | 4:16 PM Basel SBB | 1h41 | 5:57 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 70 | On time 4:46 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 6:33 PM Karlsruhe | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 70 | 4:46 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 6:33 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 102 | 5:16 PM Basel SBB | 1h41 | 6:57 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 274 | 6:16 PM Basel SBB | 1h40 | 7:56 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
ICE 374 | 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h40 | 9:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 374 | 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 | 8:46 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 10:33 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 74 | 8:46 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 10:33 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 200 | 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h41 | 10:57 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 200 | 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h41 | 10:57 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 372 | 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h40 | 11:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 372 | 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 2h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€5) 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 2h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€5) |
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 Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.
Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.
Leading center for art and media with exhibitions on digital culture, contemporary art, and immersive technology.
State art museum showing works from old masters to modern periods in a distinguished historic setting.
Grand central square lined with major buildings and the city pyramid, ideal for orientation and architecture.
Large landscaped park behind the palace with tree-lined paths, gardens, and space for relaxed walks.
Wooded hill and lookout area above Durlach, popular for walks, sunsets, and broad views of the Rhine plain.
A hearty Baden potato soup, often finished with cream and herbs. It is a regional comfort dish common across Baden homes and inns.
Thin pancakes sliced into strips and served in clear beef broth. Popular in Baden and Swabia, it is a classic starter in traditional restaurants.
Handmade egg noodles from nearby Swabian tradition, often served with cheese or lentils. Widely eaten in Karlsruhe and across Baden-Württemberg.
Michelin-starred fine dining with creative tasting menus and polished service. Best for a high-end meal showcasing modern German cuisine.
Traditional Baden restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional classics, seasonal menus, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
Established brewery venue serving house beers and hearty German dishes. Lively, casual atmosphere popular for local food and social evenings.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while transit is affordable and many casual meals stay reasonably priced.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Add about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Karlsruhe Hbf -> 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