- Must visit
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot
The world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility, showcasing thousands of works in a striking mirrored building. Highly photogenic and especially popular with architecture and art lovers.
Cheapest price
$107
Average price
$240
Fastest journey
6 h 28 m
Average duration
6 h 57 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
534 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Rotterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Rotterdam will cost around $240 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $107.
Of the 8 trains that leave Basel for Rotterdam on Sat, Jun 13, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 13 the direct trains cover the 534 km distance in an average of 6 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 28 m .
On Sat, Jun 13 the slowest trains will take 7 h 28 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 Rotterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 35m. 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 $39, and a flight costs an average of $104.
Distance: 331 miles (534 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$223 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $283 Average price | $228 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 10m Average total duration 7h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 26m Average total duration 10h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Rotterdam:
A bus is $154 (€125) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Rotterdam costing on average $223 (€181).
A bus is $214 (€174) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Rotterdam costing on average $283 (€230).
Other travel options to Rotterdam take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 40m.
Bus takes on average 10h 56m.
The journey is about 8m faster (7h 40m by train vs 7h 48m by car) and roughly $5 (€4) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($223 (€181) vs $228 (€185)). 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.
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 Rotterdam trains for today, Friday, June 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
96230+ 12102+ 9387 | On time 3:51 PM Basel SBB | 7h11 | 11:02 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, June 13 | |||||
![]() | 6:16 AM Basel | 7h28 | 1:44 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:16 AM Basel | 7h28 | 2:44 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:34 AM Basel | 6h28 | 2:02 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:16 AM Basel | 7h28 | 3:44 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:16 AM Basel | 7h39 | 4:55 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:34 AM Basel | 6h28 | 4:02 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:46 AM Basel | 6h54 | 4:40 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:16 PM Basel | 7h58 | 8:14 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Rotterdam run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $58 (€47) but you can travel from only $39 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 331 miles (534 km) distance in 6h 28m.
Distance 331 miles (534 km) |
Average train duration 7h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 (€47) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 28m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Rotterdam — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rotterdam trip today.
The world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility, showcasing thousands of works in a striking mirrored building. Highly photogenic and especially popular with architecture and art lovers.
A major exhibition hall known for varied temporary shows covering art, design, photography, and culture. One of the city’s best-known contemporary art venues.
A leading museum on Dutch maritime history with indoor galleries and historic vessels in the harbor. Strong choice for families and visitors interested in Rotterdam’s port identity.
Rotterdam’s best-known cultural street, lined with galleries, design spaces, and lively urban energy. A favorite area for walking and contemporary city atmosphere.
A redeveloped waterfront district known for bold modern architecture, skyline views, and river promenades. One of the city’s most visually striking areas.
A historic harbor area with old ships, waterside views, and easy access to the Cube Houses. Popular for photos and a relaxed stroll.
A Rotterdam classic of fries topped with döner or shawarma, melted cheese, salad, and garlic sauce. It was created in the city and became popular across the Netherlands.
Small fluffy Dutch mini pancakes served warm with butter and powdered sugar. They are a beloved sweet snack found at markets and traditional eateries.
Crispy deep-fried balls filled with a rich ragout, usually beef. They are a classic Dutch bar snack often eaten with mustard.
A well-known fine dining restaurant in Rotterdam, celebrated for creative modern cuisine, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere.
An iconic Rotterdam venue in the former Holland America Line headquarters, known for seafood, Dutch classics, and grand historic atmosphere by the water.
A popular food hall on Katendrecht with local producers, craft drinks, and casual Dutch bites in an industrial waterfront setting.
Moderate by Dutch standards. Supermarkets and casual eats are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated but not required. Round up taxis; no tip expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Rotterdam Centraal, Rotterdam -> Rotterdam Centrum, Rotterdam
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need