Trains from Basel to Zurich

Trains from Basel to Zurich 

Every day, 18 trains leave Basel for Zurich, and 13 of these offer direct trips. With the fastest trains, travelers will get to the Zurich within 53 minutes. If they need to save some money on the journey, they can get a train with one or two changes. The travel time will not increase significantly, getting to Zurich within 1 hour 21 minutes. The distance between these two cities is 47 miles.

Basel to Zurich train times: Daily departures

Travelers can get a train from Basel to Zurich every day of the week. On any single day, expect 18 rides on this route. The first one leaves Basel at about 5:30 a.m., and from this time, a train departs every one or two hours. The final trip starts a few minutes after 11:00 p.m. 

How long is the journey by train from Basel to Zurich?

The average travel time on this route is 59 minutes. The fastest direct train can complete the trip in just 53 minutes. Only 5 of the 18 rides on the route make trips with one or two changes, and they finish the journeys within 1 hour 21 minutes. Since 13 trains from Basel to Zurich offer direct journeys, travelers should be able to avoid trips that involve transfers.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Basel to Zurich?

Departure train station: The trains depart from the Basel SBB Station. This station is 0.4 miles (707 meters) from the city center. With a bus, travelers can get to Basel SBB Station within 5 minutes. The station is an excellent place for shopping, with 50 shops, restaurants, and service outlets.

Arrival train station: The train from Basel to Zurich will arrive at Zurich HB Main Station. The station is right at the heart of the Old Town, so passengers will immediately get access to all the city center's attractions. Within the station, there are luggage lockers, ATMs, and WiFi. 

Which train companies travel from Basel to Zurich?

Travelers can get a train from Basel to Zurich from two leading companies: SBB CFF FFS and TGV Lyria. While the latter's trips are often faster and cheaper, both companies provide direct trips.

SBB CFF FFS Basel to Zurich

SBB is among the top rail systems in Europe, highly regarded for its safety rating and quality of service. SBB CFF FFS trains from Basel to Zurich are available every day, and there are always direct trips. On average, the journeys by this company are a little slower than those of TGV Lyria. 

TGV Lyria Basel to Zurich

This company offers fewer train trips along the Basel-to-Zurich route. Between France and Switzerland, the company runs high-speed trains that reach speeds up to 200 mph. Its trains make the journeys between Basel and Zurich in less than an hour, and it offers only direct trips.

Basel to Zurich trains: Services on board

Both TGV Lyria and SBB CFF FFS give the option of traveling in first- or second-class cars. Most people choose second-class cars because of their affordability, but if passengers want to enjoy some extra space, they could consider paying for first-class seats. First-class tickets typically cost about three times as much as second-class ones.

With TGV Lyria, passengers can carry luggage and bikes for free, as long as they are within the required dimensions of 120 cm by 90 cm. Travelers don't need to make a booking for such items. SBB CFF FFS doesn't have an official luggage policy, but it generally allows small luggage and pets. Items can be stored at the end of the coaches, but travelers should keep in mind that this is not the most secure storage space. For small and valuable items, always use the racks above the seats. 

How to find cheap train tickets from Basel to Zurich

With the Omio price comparison tool, travelers will be able to find a cheap train from Basel to Zurich. Consider booking tickets a few weeks before the scheduled trip, to travel at a fraction of the average cost. Travelers may also want to travel in the off-season, as prices tend to drop when fewer people are traveling. Passengers can also save money by using slower trains or going for those with one or two changes, and checking whether it would be cheaper to buy two single tickets or a return.