The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Karlsruhe
Cheapest price
$80
Average price
$146
Fastest journey
1 h 43 m
Average duration
1 h 43 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 $146 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
Of the 10 trains that leave Basel for Karlsruhe on Wed, Nov 26, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 26 the direct trains cover the 172 km distance in an average of 1 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 43 m .
On Wed, Nov 26 the slowest trains will take 1 h 45 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.
ICE 1067
ICE 372
ICE 370
ICE 74
ICE 76
ICE 74
ICE 76
ICE 74
ICE 76
ICE 372Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Basel to Karlsruhe
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 €10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 53m. 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 €10, and a train costs an average of €6.
Distance: 106 miles (172 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€23 Average price | €15 Average price Cheapest |
2h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Basel to Karlsruhe train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Karlsruhe trains for today, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 374 | On time 5:13 AM Basel SBB | 1h45 | 6:58 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 374 | On time 5:13 AM Basel SBB | 1h45 | 6:58 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 78 | On time 6:06 AM Basel SBB | 1h43 | 7:49 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 78 | On time 6:06 AM Basel SBB | 1h43 | 7:49 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 372 | On time 7:13 AM Basel SBB | 1h45 | 8:58 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 372 | On time 7:13 AM Basel SBB | 1h45 | 8:58 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1067 | On time 7:27 AM Basel SBB | 1h58 | 9:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1067 | On time 7:27 AM Basel SBB | 1h58 | 9:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:27 AM Basel Bad Bhf | 1h53 | 10:20 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Karlsruhe by train or bus
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.
Nov 26
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Nov 30
Dec 01
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Basel to Karlsruhe

Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Karlsruhe
Trains from Basel to Karlsruhe run on average 15 times per day, taking around 1h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 15 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 42m.
Distance 106 miles (172 km) |
Average train duration 1h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 15 |
Fastest train 1h 42m |
First train 00:06 |
Last train 23:54 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Basel to Karlsruhe start from as low as $7 (€6) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $29 (€23) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 15 daily trains from Basel to Karlsruhe with 15 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 1h 42m but the average duration is 1h 53m
Train Operators
- Travel from Basel to Karlsruhe with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, and ÖBB Nightjet
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Deutsche Bahn.
- High-speed trains are available.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Basel SBB and arrive in Karlsruhe Hbf
- First train typically departs at 12:06 AM and the last at 11:54 PM
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB Nightjet from Basel to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB Nightjet trains will get you between Basel and Karlsruhe from $7 (€6). 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.
FlixTrain
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | InterCity
ÖBB Nightjet
FAQs: Trains from Basel to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Basel to Karlsruhe
- 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
- 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
- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
- Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
- Beim Schupi
- McDonald's
- Oberer See
- Rhein Wok - Chinaimbiss
- Beim Schupi
Most popular train connections from Basel
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