- Must visit
Gutenberg Museum
World-class museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, showcasing early printing, rare books, and working press demonstrations.
Cheapest price
$55
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
3 h 2 m
Average duration
3 h 25 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
275 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Mainz is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Mainz will cost around $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
It's difficult to get from Basel to Mainz without transferring at least once.
ICE 5324 · IC 2577
ICE 2556 · IC 2569
ECE 8 · S5
ICE 202 · 4756
ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · S8
ICE 5324 · IC 2577
ICE 2556 · IC 2569
ICE 202 · 4756
ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · S8
ECE 8 · S5Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Mainz among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 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 $31, and a flight costs an average of $379.
Distance: 170 miles (275 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$80 Average price | $44 Average price Cheapest | $756 Average price | $127 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 55m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Mainz:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Mainz costing on average $80 (€66).
A bus is $712 (€585) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Mainz costing on average $756 (€621).
Other travel options to Mainz take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 8m.
Flight takes on average 6h 55m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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, 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 Mainz trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 2556 · IC 2569 | On time 6:16 AM Basel SBB | 3h02 | 9:18 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ECE 8 · S5 | On time 6:46 AM Basel SBB | 3h50 | 10:36 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · S8 | On time 6:46 AM Basel SBB | 3h39 | 10:25 AM Mainz Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 202 · 4756 | On time 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 3h30 | 10:46 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 5324 · IC 2577 | On time 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 3h02 | 11:18 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer |
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 Mainz run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:32, the last at 23:16. The fastest train covers the 170 miles (275 km) distance in 3h 1m.
Distance 170 miles (275 km) |
Average train duration 3h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 1m |
First train 12:32 AM |
Last train 11:16 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Mainz — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mainz trip today.
World-class museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, showcasing early printing, rare books, and working press demonstrations.
State museum with art, archaeology, and Roman finds, spanning ancient artifacts to paintings and decorative arts.
Museum on Roman Mainz featuring military, daily life, and stone monuments from the city’s ancient past.
Main market square beside the cathedral, lively with historic façades, weekly markets, and a classic old-town atmosphere.
Picturesque old-town lane lined with half-timbered houses, shops, and a timeless atmosphere loved by local walkers.
Broad Rhine promenade ideal for walks, river views, events, and seeing Mainz’s waterside landmarks in one stretch.
Spundekäs is a creamy cheese spread with paprika, served with pretzels. It is a Rheinhessen wine tavern classic and a staple snack in Mainz.
Weck, Worscht un Woi means bread roll, sausage and wine. It is a simple regional trio closely tied to Mainz tavern culture and local wine drinking.
Handkäs mit Musik is a sour milk cheese marinated with onions and vinegar. It is a beloved Hessian and Rhine-Main tavern dish often enjoyed with bread.
Refined Michelin-starred dining with seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Traditional Mainz wine tavern known for regional dishes, local wines and a historic atmosphere near the old town.
Classic brewery restaurant serving Mainz specialties and house beer in a lively, long-established setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable for city stays and day trips.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is customary. Round up for cafes and taxis, and hand the tip directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Mainz Hbf -> Schillerplatz, Mainz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Mainz 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 Mainz, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Basel to Mainz trains use the Basel SBB to Mainz Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Mainz Römisches Theater. Use this guide to compare Basel and Mainz 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.
Mainz Hbf is 2 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz 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: Mangal, Asia Wok, Bistrorante Midi, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Hbf. ATMs are available at Mainz Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Hbf. Information desks are available at Mainz Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Advena Europa Hotel, GuestHouse Mainz, Terminus, Hotel Moguntia.
Mainz Römisches Theater is 1 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz Römisches Theater 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: McDonald's, Cafe Extrablatt, Hans im Glück, The Big Easy
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. ATMs are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. Information desks are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Römisches Theater: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Römisches Theater: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Regency Mainz, Favorite Parkhotel, Ibis Hotel Mainz City, Hof Ehrenfels.
Mainz-Gonsenheim is 4 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz-Gonsenheim 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: Gasthaus Zum Bürgerhof, Gonsenheimer Hof, Mai Anh, Fantasy Bowls
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz-Gonsenheim. ATMs are available at Mainz-Gonsenheim.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz-Gonsenheim. Information desks are available at Mainz-Gonsenheim.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz-Gonsenheim. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz-Gonsenheim: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz-Gonsenheim: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz-Gonsenheim.
Nearby hotels include Gonsenheimer Hof, Zur Ludwigsbahn.
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