- Must visit
Kunstmuseum Basel
Switzerland’s oldest public art museum, known for its major Old Masters collection and strong modern and contemporary holdings. A top choice for art lovers.
Cheapest price
$81
Average price
$201
Fastest journey
3 h 49 m
Average duration
3 h 53 m
Trains per day
51
Distance
380 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Basel SBB is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Basel SBB will cost around $201 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $81.
Of the 51 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Basel SBB on Sat, Jun 20, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 380 km distance in an average of 3 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 49 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 54 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.
ICE 619 · IC 60403
ICE 827 · ICE 273
ICE 511 · ICE 275
ICE 205
ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511 · ICE 275
17430 · ICE 1015 · ECE 9
ICE 103
ICE 515 · ICE 279
ICE 517 · ICE 371
ICE 107Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Basel SBB among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $498.
Distance: 236 miles (380 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$162 Average price | $44 Average price Cheapest | $781 Average price | $152 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 59m Average total duration Fastest 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 37m Average total duration 6h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 33m Average total duration 5h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne Hbf to Basel SBB:
A bus is $118 (€97) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Hbf to Basel SBB costing on average $162 (€133).
A bus is $737 (€604) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne Hbf to Basel SBB costing on average $781 (€640).
Other travel options to Basel SBB take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 33m.
Bus takes on average 6h 7m.
Tickets start at around $162 (€133) compared to roughly $152 (€125) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-9.91 (€-8.12). The journey takes 5h 29m versus 5h 13m 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 Cologne Hbf to Basel SBB trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 613 · ICE 377 | Delayed 5:37 PM 5:54 PMCologne Hbf | 3h54 | 9:55 PM 9:55 PMBasel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 203 · ECE 9 | Delayed 6:02 PM 6:54 PMCologne Hbf | 4h16 | 9:52 PM 9:52 PMBasel SBB | 1 transfer | |
17430 · ICE 1015 · ECE 9 | Delayed 7:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h49 | 9:52 PM 9:52 PMBasel SBB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 615 · ICE 379 · 4745 · 17141 | Delayed 6:16 PM 7:54 PMCologne Hbf | 6h02 | 1:56 AM Basel SBB | 4 transfers | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
ICE 827 · ICE 273 | Delayed 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h27 | 6:48 AM 6:48 AMBasel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h00 | 9:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 23 · ICE 277 | On time 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 23 · ICE 277 | On time 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9414+ 9215 | 6:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 10h47 | 5:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9414+ 9219 | 6:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h47 | 7:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9414+ 9213 | 6:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 8h47 | 3:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 101 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 10:48 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 25 · ICE 279 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 1:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 25 · ICE 279 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 1:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9426+ 9223 | 8:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h47 | 9:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9426+ 9219 | 8:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 10h47 | 7:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9426+ 9215 | 8:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 8h47 | 5:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 12:48 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h28 | 3:21 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225+ EC 5 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h28 | 3:21 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 1:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9438+ 9219 | 10:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 8h47 | 7:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9438+ 9223 | 10:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 10h47 | 9:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9438+ 96239+ 9589 | 10:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 10h29 | 9:08 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2013 · ICE 371 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 3:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
IC 2013+ ICE 371 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h55 | 3:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 225 · ECE 5 | On time 11:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h03 | 3:21 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 29 · ICE 373 | On time 11:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 5:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 29 · ICE 373 | On time 11:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 5:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 517 · ICE 371 | On time 11:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 3:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9450+ 9517+ 96241 | 12:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h59 | 10:38 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
9450+ 9223 | 12:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h47 | 9:26 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
9450+ 9589+ 96239 | 12:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h29 | 9:08 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 107 | On time 12:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 4:48 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 229 · ICE 375 | On time 1:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 7:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 229 · ICE 375 | On time 1:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 7:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 519 · ICE 373 | On time 1:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 5:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 109 | On time 2:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 6:48 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 927 · ICE 377 | On time 3:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 9:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 927 · ICE 377 | On time 3:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 9:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 611 · ICE 375 | On time 3:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 7:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 201 | On time 4:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 8:48 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 929 · ICE 1015 · ECE 9 | On time 5:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h17 | 11:10 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 929 · ICE 1015+ EC 9 | On time 5:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h17 | 11:10 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 613 · ICE 377 | On time 5:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 9:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 203 · ECE 9 | On time 6:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h16 | 11:10 PM Basel SBB | 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 Cologne Hbf to Basel SBB run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $59 (€48) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:25, the last at 22:42. The fastest train covers the 236 miles (380 km) distance in 3h 49m.
Distance 236 miles (380 km) |
Average train duration 5h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $59 (€48) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 49m |
First train 3:25 AM |
Last train 10:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Basel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Basel trip today.
Switzerland’s oldest public art museum, known for its major Old Masters collection and strong modern and contemporary holdings. A top choice for art lovers.
Highly regarded museum in nearby Riehen with outstanding modern and contemporary art, set in a Renzo Piano building beside landscaped grounds.
Dedicated to Jean Tinguely’s kinetic sculptures, this riverside museum is one of Basel’s signature cultural attractions and especially popular with design-minded visitors.
Basel’s historic old town on the south side of the Rhine, filled with lanes, squares, and major sights. Essential for first-time visitors.
Central square in front of the town hall, known for its market atmosphere and vivid architecture. One of the city’s main orientation points.
The riverfront walking area is one of Basel’s most enjoyable public spaces, especially for views, strolling, and watching local life unfold.
Traditional Basel spiced honey biscuits made with nuts, candied peel and kirsch. They are the city’s most famous sweet and a classic edible souvenir.
A dark roasted flour soup, traditionally eaten during Basel Fasnacht. Its deep, toasty flavor makes it one of the city’s signature dishes.
Swiss cheese tart popular in Basel bakeries and casual restaurants. It is a simple, comforting regional staple often eaten for lunch.
Well-known Italian fine-dining institution in Basel, valued for polished service, classic dishes and elegant atmosphere.
Long-running traditional Basel restaurant serving regional Swiss dishes in a cozy, old-town setting with local character.
Stylish, established brasserie and hotel dining room popular for refined Swiss and European cooking in a lively atmosphere.
Basel is costly for visitors. Hotels, dining, and daily basics are pricey versus most European cities.
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for very good service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Basel SBB, Basel -> Marktplatz, Basel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Basel SBB 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 Basel SBB, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne Hbf to Basel SBB trains use the Köln Hbf to Basel SBB station pair, with some services arriving at Basel Bad Bhf. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Basel SBB train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln 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: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz 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: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need