- Must visit
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours
Fine arts museum in the former archbishop's palace, with paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts in a grand historic setting beside the cathedral.
Cheapest price
$139
Average price
$152
Fastest journey
5 h 28 m
Average duration
5 h 58 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
518 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Tours is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Tours will cost around $152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $139.
It's difficult to get from Basel to Tours without transferring at least once.
9226+
8347+
105347
6702 · 8335+
96104
9222+
860565
9218+
8313
96121+
9222+
860565
9218+
8313
9226+
8347+
105347
9222+
860565
96117+
9218+
8313
2440 · 8319+
96282Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Basel to Tours among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, and a train costs an average of $91.
Distance: 321 miles (518 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$143 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $296 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 47m Average total duration Fastest 6h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 25m Average total duration 12h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Tours:
A bus is $74 (€59) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Tours costing on average $143 (€115).
Other travel options to Tours take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 55m.
Tickets start at around $143 (€115) compared to roughly $296 (€238) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $153 (€123). The journey takes 6h 17m versus 5h 54m 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 Tours trains for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
96117+ 9218+ 8313 | 11:45 AM Basel St. Johann | 6h17 | 6:02 PM Tours station | 2 transfers | |
9218+ 8313 | 12:34 PM Basel SBB | 5h28 | 6:02 PM Tours station | 1 transfer | |
96282+ 2440 · 8319 | 1:24 PM Basel SBB | 6h20 | 7:44 PM Tours station | 2 transfers | |
96121+ 9222+ 860565 | 1:45 PM Basel St. Johann | 6h55 | 8:40 PM Tours station | 2 transfers | |
9222+ 860565 | 2:34 PM Basel SBB | 6h06 | 8:40 PM Tours station | 1 transfer | |
9226+ 8347+ 105347 | 4:34 PM Basel SBB | 5h41 | 10:15 PM Tours station | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
96202+ 5486+ 860860 | 5:36 AM Basel SBB | 6h58 | 12:34 PM Tours station | 2 transfers | |
96104+ 6702 · 8335 | 7:13 AM Basel St. Johann | 6h32 | 1:45 PM Tours station | 2 transfers | |
96210+ 9568+ 8335 | 7:21 AM Basel SBB | 6h24 | 1:45 PM Tours station | 2 transfers | |
9206+ 8485+ 105485 | 8:25 AM Basel SBB | 7h01 | 3:26 PM Tours station | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Basel to Tours run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $91 (€73) but you can travel from only $50 (€40) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 19:34. The fastest train covers the 321 miles (518 km) distance in 5h 28m.
Distance 321 miles (518 km) |
Average train duration 6h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $91 (€73) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 28m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 7:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Tours — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tours trip today.
Fine arts museum in the former archbishop's palace, with paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts in a grand historic setting beside the cathedral.
Companion site to the Fine Arts Museum displaying major works in the Saint-Libert chapel. A focused art stop in a restored medieval building.
Archaeology museum housed in a remarkable half-timbered residence. Exhibits trace Tours from antiquity through the Middle Ages in an atmospheric setting.
The emblematic square of Old Tours, lined with timber-framed houses. A beautiful place to admire Renaissance streetscape and feel the city's lively atmosphere.
Historic quarter of narrow lanes, half-timbered facades, and hidden courtyards. Ideal for wandering on foot and discovering the medieval character of Tours.
Loire riverbanks around Tours provide wide views, bridges, and sunset walks. A simple but essential area for appreciating the city's riverside identity.
Rillettes de Tours are slow-cooked shredded pork preserved in fat. The Tours style is protected and prized for its coarse texture and rich, rustic flavor.
Rillons de Touraine are caramelized pork belly pieces, gently confit then browned. They are a classic Loire appetizer often served with local wine.
Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is a log-shaped goat cheese with a straw through the center. It is one of the Loire Valley's best-known traditional cheeses.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining in a historic setting, known for refined Loire-focused cuisine and polished service near central Tours.
Well-regarded traditional bistro serving classic French dishes with a regional touch in a warm, convivial old-town atmosphere.
Popular market-side brasserie with a lively local feel, appreciated for fresh seasonal plates, seafood and dependable French staples.
Moderate for France: hotels and dining are reasonable, and local transit is affordable compared with Paris and other major tourist cities.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafes if you wish.
Official public transport app
Gare de Tours -> Place Jean Jaurès, Tours
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Tours 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 Tours, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Basel to Tours trains use the Basel SBB to Tours station pair. Use this guide to compare Basel and Tours 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 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.
Tours is 1 km from Tours city centre. Public transport options include:
Tours 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: Le Saint Germain, La Maison des Halles
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Tours. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Tours. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Tours: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Tours: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tours: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel de l'Univers Tours, Oceania L'Univers Tours, Best Western Plus L'Artist Hotel.
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