- Must visit
Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts Lausanne (MCBA)
Flagship art museum in the Plateforme 10 district, with major Swiss and international works from past centuries to today.
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$87
Fastest journey
2 h 13 m
Average duration
2 h 21 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
136 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Lausanne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Lausanne will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 10 trains that leave Basel for Lausanne on Mon, Aug 24, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 136 km distance in an average of 2 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 13 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 2 h 24 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.
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 5 512 | 512
IC 6 613 | 613 · IC 1 710 | 710
IR 56 1858 | 1858 · IC 5 512 | 512
IC 6 963 | 963 · IR 15 2514 | 2514
IC 51 1614 | 1614
IC 6 613 | 613 · IC 1 710 | 710
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 5 512 | 512
IC 6 963 | 963 · IR 15 2514 | 2514
IC 51 1614 | 1614
IR 56 1858 | 1858 · IC 5 512 | 512Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Basel to Lausanne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a train costs an average of $50.
Distance: 84 miles (136 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$67 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $98 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration 2h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Lausanne:
A bus is $40 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Lausanne costing on average $67.
Other travel options to Lausanne take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 20m.
The journey is about 5m faster (2h 16m by train vs 2h 21m by car) and roughly $30 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($67 vs $98). 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 SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS).
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 Lausanne trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S 3 17024 | 17024 · IC 51 1604 | 1604 · EV EV1 62506 | 62506 | 3:45 AM Basel SBB | 3h33 | 7:18 AM Lausanne | 2 transfers | |
IC 61 607 | 607 · IC 1 704 | 704 | 5:24 AM Basel SBB | 2h19 | 7:43 AM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 957 | 957 · IR 15 2508 | 2508 | 5:58 AM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 8:20 AM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
EC 61 | 61 · IC 1 706 | 706 | 6:30 AM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 8:43 AM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 959 | 959 · IR 15 2510 | 2510 | 6:58 AM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 9:20 AM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
96210+ 12181+ 9261 | 7:21 AM Basel SBB | 4h18 | 11:39 AM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 61 611 | 611 · IC 1 708 | 708 | 7:30 AM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 9:43 AM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 333 | 333 · IR 15 2512 | 2512 | 7:58 AM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 10:20 AM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 613 | 613 · IC 1 710 | 710 | 8:30 AM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 10:43 AM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 963 | 963 · IR 15 2514 | 2514 | 8:58 AM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 11:20 AM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 615 | 615 · IC 1 712 | 712 | 9:30 AM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 11:43 AM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 965 | 965 · IR 15 2516 | 2516 | 9:58 AM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 12:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
EC 63 | 63 · IC 1 714 | 714 | 10:30 AM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 12:43 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
96112+ 6704+ 9269 | 10:38 AM Basel SBB | 5h01 | 3:39 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
96112+ 6704+ 9269 | 10:43 AM Basel St. Johann | 4h56 | 3:39 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 101 | 101 · IR 15 2518 | 2518 | 10:58 AM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 1:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 619 | 619 · IC 900 | 900 | 11:30 AM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 1:43 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 969 | 969 · IR 15 2520 | 2520 | 11:58 AM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 2:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
EC 65 | 65 · IC 1 718 | 718 | 12:30 PM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 2:43 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 971 | 971 · IR 15 2522 | 2522 | 12:58 PM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 3:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 623 | 623 · IC 902 | 902 | 1:30 PM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 3:43 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 279 | 279 · IR 15 2524 | 2524 | 1:58 PM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 4:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 625 | 625 · IC 1 722 | 722 | 2:30 PM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 4:43 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 975 | 975 · IR 15 2526 | 2526 | 2:58 PM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 5:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 627 | 627 · IC 904 | 904 | 3:30 PM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 5:43 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
96125+ 9226 · 9277 | 3:45 PM Basel St. Johann | 5h54 | 9:39 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 61 977 | 977 · IR 15 2528 | 2528 | 3:58 PM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 6:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 629 | 629 · IC 1 726 | 726 | 4:30 PM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 6:43 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
9226 · 9277 | 4:34 PM Basel SBB | 5h05 | 9:39 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
96292+ 6708+ 9277 | 4:39 PM Basel SBB | 5h00 | 9:39 PM Lausanne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 107 | 107 · IR 15 2530 | 2530 | 4:58 PM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 7:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
EC 67 | 67 · IC 906 | 906 | 5:30 PM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 7:43 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 981 | 981 · IR 15 2532 | 2532 | 5:58 PM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 8:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 633 | 633 · IC 1 730 | 730 | 6:30 PM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 8:43 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 983 | 983 · IR 15 2534 | 2534 | 6:58 PM Basel SBB | 2h22 | 9:20 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 635 | 635 · IC 908 | 908 | 7:30 PM Basel SBB | 2h13 | 9:43 PM Lausanne station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Lausanne run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 but you can travel from only $27 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 84 miles (136 km) distance in 2h 13m.
Distance 84 miles (136 km) |
Average train duration 2h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 13m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:52 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Lausanne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lausanne trip today.
Flagship art museum in the Plateforme 10 district, with major Swiss and international works from past centuries to today.
Olympic museum on the lakeside with torches, medals, athlete stories, and interactive displays. A global highlight for sports fans.
Art Brut pioneer museum founded from Jean Dubuffet's collection, showcasing powerful outsider art in an elegant historic mansion.
Iconic waterfront promenade with flower beds, harbor views, and Belle Époque hotels. Ideal for walking by Lake Geneva.
Lausanne's medieval core of steep lanes, stairs, and historic squares. Best area for atmosphere, architecture, and wandering on foot.
Historic market square below the cathedral, known for its fountain, terraces, and access to Lausanne's old-town lanes.
A bubbling cheese fondue from nearby Vaud, usually made with Gruyère and Vacherin. It is a classic social dish of French-speaking Switzerland.
Melted Raclette cheese scraped over potatoes, pickles, and onions. Strongly tied to western Switzerland and popular in Lausanne in colder months.
Leeks and potatoes cooked slowly with cream and butter, often served with sausage. It is one of the signature traditional dishes of the canton of Vaud.
Elegant lakeside fine dining led by a renowned chef. Known for refined seasonal cuisine, polished service, and a prestigious setting.
Traditional lakeside restaurant known for Lake Geneva fish, especially perch fillets, with classic regional cooking and water views.
Historic brasserie near the old town, famous for hearty Swiss classics, sausage dishes, and a lively traditional atmosphere.
Lausanne is costly even by European standards; hotels, dining, and local transit are pricier than in most nearby cities.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxi fares and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Lausanne-Flon, Lausanne -> Lausanne Gare, Lausanne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Lausanne 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 Lausanne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Basel to Lausanne trains use the Basel SBB to Lausanne station pair, with some services arriving at Lausanne-Flon, pl. de l'Europe. Use this guide to compare Basel and Lausanne 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.
Basel, Brausebad has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the station. ATMs are available at Basel, Brausebad.
Ticket office support is available at Basel, Brausebad.
Available at Basel, Brausebad: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel, Brausebad: The station has accessible entrances and facilities.
Lausanne 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: Cafe du Grutli, Le Chalet Suisse
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Lausanne. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lausanne. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lausanne: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lausanne: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lausanne: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne Palace, Hotel Continental.
Lausanne-Flon, pl. de l'Europe has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lausanne-Flon, pl. de l'Europe.
Lausanne, Ouchy-Olympique is 1 km from Lausanne city centre. Public transport options include:
Lausanne, Ouchy-Olympique has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Lausanne, Ouchy-Olympique.
ATMs are available at Lausanne, Ouchy-Olympique.
Available at Lausanne, Ouchy-Olympique: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lausanne, Ouchy-Olympique: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lausanne, Ouchy-Olympique.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need