- Must visit
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
National museum of antiquities with acclaimed collections from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Netherlands' archaeological past.
Cheapest price
$197
Average price
$197
Fastest journey
8 h 9 m
Average duration
8 h 9 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
557 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Leiden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Leiden will cost around $197 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $197.
Of the 1 trains that leave Basel for Leiden on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 557 km distance in an average of 8 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 9 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 8 h 9 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Leiden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $55, and a train costs an average of $103.
Distance: 346 miles (557 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$210 Average price | $192 Average price | $75 Average price Cheapest | $234 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 25m Average total duration 7h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 19m Average total duration 14h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.7 - 3.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Leiden:
A bus is $118 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Leiden costing on average $192.
A bus is $135 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Leiden costing on average $210.
Other travel options to Leiden take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 55m.
Bus takes on average 14h 49m.
Tickets start at around $210 compared to roughly $234 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $24. The journey takes 7h 55m versus 7h 15m 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.
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 Leiden trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 374 · ICE 126 · IC 3550 | On time 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 7h46 | 4:02 PM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
ICE 200 · 20078 · IC 3556 | On time 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 8h16 | 5:32 PM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
ICE 372 · IC 2545 · 10620 · 20082 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 9h14 | 7:30 PM Leiden Centraal | 4 transfers | |
ICE 372 · ICE 124 · IC 3558 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 7h46 | 6:02 PM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
ICE 108 · 20082 · IC 3564 | On time 11:16 AM Basel SBB | 8h14 | 7:30 PM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
ICE 370 · ICE 122 · IC 3566 | On time 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 7h44 | 8:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
ICE 106 · 20086 · IC 3572 | On time 1:16 PM Basel SBB | 8h14 | 9:30 PM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
ECE 4 · ICE 224 · IC 3574 | On time 2:46 PM Basel SBB | 7h14 | 10:00 PM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
ECE 4 · ICE 224 · ICE 26 · ICE 120 | On time 2:46 PM Basel SBB | 9h21 | 12:07 AM Leiden Centraal | 4 transfers | |
ICE 104 · 20090 · IC 3580 · RE 6782 | On time 3:16 PM Basel SBB | 8h21 | 11:37 PM Leiden Centraal | 3 transfers | |
ICE 276 · ICE 120 · RE 6784 | On time 4:16 PM Basel SBB | 7h51 | 12:07 AM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
ICE 102 · 10632 · 20094 · IC 3588 | 5:16 PM Basel SBB | 13h29 | 6:45 AM Leiden Centraal | 7 transfers | |
ICE 102 · IC 2349 · IC 3012 · RE 8814 | 5:16 PM Basel SBB | 13h51 | 7:07 AM Leiden Centraal | 4 transfers | |
ICE 102 · IC 2349 · IC 3116+ 20040 | 5:16 PM Basel SBB | 14h29 | 7:45 AM Leiden Centraal | 3 transfers | |
ICE 274 · ICE 512 · 26834 · 18978 | On time 6:16 PM Basel SBB | 13h00 | 7:16 AM Leiden Centraal | 7 transfers | |
ICE 100 · IC 3220+ 20006 | 7:16 PM Basel SBB | 13h36 | 8:52 AM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
ICE 272 · ICE 920 · IC 3220+ 20006 | On time 8:16 PM Basel SBB | 12h36 | 8:52 AM Leiden Centraal | 3 transfers | |
IC 60402 · IC 3524 | On time 11:16 PM Basel SBB | 10h16 | 9:32 AM Leiden Centraal | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Leiden run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $103 but you can travel from only $55 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 346 miles (557 km) distance in 6h 28m.
Distance 346 miles (557 km) |
Average train duration 7h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 28m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Leiden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leiden trip today.
National museum of antiquities with acclaimed collections from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Netherlands' archaeological past.
Major natural history museum famous for dinosaurs, biodiversity displays, and interactive galleries suitable for all ages.
Museum about human body science in Leiden's academic tradition, featuring anatomy, medicine, and curious medical objects.
Leiden's oldest canal is lined with monuments, bridges, and terraces, making it a classic route for a first city walk.
Tree-lined ring canal around the historic center, ideal for walking past gates, mills, and broad water views.
Busy central square beside the church, often hosting markets and events and serving as a lively meeting point.
Buttery cookies from nearby Gouda, sold across Leiden. Their crisp texture and caramel notes make them a classic Dutch sweet with coffee or tea.
Fluffy small pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. A beloved Dutch treat found in Leiden cafés and traditional pancake houses.
Deep-fried ragout croquettes, often eaten with mustard. This classic Dutch snack is common in Leiden bars, cafés, and lunch spots.
Elegant fine dining in a historic setting, known for refined French-inspired cuisine and polished service near central Leiden.
Established Leiden pancake house specializing in Dutch pancakes and poffertjes in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Historic restaurant in a former weighing house, serving classic Dutch and French-influenced dishes in a grand, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the Netherlands. Hotels and restaurants are not cheap, but transit is manageable and budget eats are easy to find.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up. In cafes, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Leiden Centraal -> Leiden City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Leiden 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 Leiden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Basel to Leiden trains use the Basel SBB to Leiden Centraal station pair, with some services arriving at Amsterdam Centraal. Use this guide to compare Basel and Leiden 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 Markthalle is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Markthalle has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Markthalle.
Leiden Centraal is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Centraal 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: Restaurant De Bruine Boon, Grand Café Van Buuren
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leiden Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leiden Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Centraal: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, City Hotel Nieuw Minerva.
Leiden Lammenschans is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Lammenschans has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
ATMs are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Parking, WC.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
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