Cologne to Basel train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Basel

Showing times and prices for May 14

Cheapest price

$66

Average price

$127

Fastest journey

3 h 51 m

Average duration

3 h 54 m

Trains per day

Distance

378 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Basel will cost around $127 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.

Fast trains

Of the 20 trains that leave Cologne for Basel on Wed, May 14, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, May 14 the direct trains cover the 378 km distance in an average of 3 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 51 m .

On Wed, May 14 the slowest trains will take 3 h 56 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.

EC 7

08:11AM5h22

Cologne Messe/Deutz

01:33PMBasel SBB

$661One-way

0 transfers

EC 9

10:09AM5h27

Cologne Messe/Deutz

03:36PMBasel SBB

$771One-way

0 transfers

ICE 515 · ICE 277

09:51AM3h57

Cologne Messe/Deutz

01:48PMBasel SBB

$821One-way

1 transfer

ICE 103

08:56AM3h52

Cologne Messe/Deutz

12:48PMBasel SBB

$821One-way

0 transfers

ICE 105

10:52AM3h56

Cologne Messe/Deutz

02:48PMBasel SBB

$951One-way

0 transfers

Live departures

Cologne to Basel train times

Showing trains for today, Tuesday, May 13

Last updated at 6:54 AM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
ICE 103	On time 6:56 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	3h52	10:48 AM Basel SBB	0 transfersDirect
ICE 11 · ICE 277	Delayed 7:19 AM 7:09 AMCologne Hbf	4h39	11:48 AM Basel SBB	1 transfer
ICE 515 · ICE 277	On time 7:51 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	3h57	11:48 AM Basel SBB	1 transfer
S 19+EC 9	On time 8:01 AM Cologne Hbf	5h35	1:36 PM Basel SBB	1 transfer
EC 9	On time 8:02 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	5h34	1:36 PM Basel SBB	0 transfersDirect
S 19+IC 2013+ICE 107	8:21 AM Cologne Hbf	6h27	2:48 PM Basel SBB	2 transfers
ICE 105	On time 8:52 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	3h56	12:48 PM Basel SBB	0 transfersDirect
Wednesday, May 14
S 19+EC 7	On time 6:01 AM Cologne Hbf	5h32	11:33 AM Basel SBB	1 transfer
EC 7	On time 6:11 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	5h22	11:33 AM Basel SBB	0 transfersDirect
This is the last train of the day.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Basel?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Basel is 91 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Basel route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Basel per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Basel.

Trains

from $72

Buses

from $28

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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Basel

The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.

Pros

Free time during the trip

Cons

Cancellation excluded

The train ride was entertaining while I chatted with my seatmate. The staff were friendly and ready to provide assistance. The coffee is enjoyable and the toilets were clean and hygienic. I was satisfied and will take a train ride again in the future.

Pros

Punctuality

Environmental friendliness

Cons

Expensive

My train journey from Cologne to Basel was Instagram a fantastic experience that I would like to share. The outstanding positive features of this journey were the punctuality and the environmental friendliness. The punctuality of the train deserves special recognition. It is great to know that you can protect the environment while travelling. The environmental friendliness of the train was also impressive. A small drawback was the price of the ticket, which was slightly higher. Nevertheless, the positive aspects of the trip far outweighed this small disadvantage. Overall, my train journey from Cologne to Basel was extremely pleasant and satisfying. The punctuality, unfriendliness and quality of the train travel experience make this connection a recommendable option for travellers, even if it is a bit expensive.

Pros

got my seat

Cons

unpunctual

The price-performance ratio was as always okay and not too expensive. There was a power socket for 2 seats, which also worked. The wifi on the train was ok due to low usage. The toilets were slightly dirty but still ok. I did not have to change trains. I reserved my seat in the quiet area and due to the low occupancy it was very quiet and you could sleep well.

Pros

Comfortable seats

Bistro

Cons

Constant delays

Long journey time due to delay

Not good organisation of Deutsche Bahn

Facilities: It has wifi, which is very slow, but it works. Power outlets as well as reclining seats as needed. Comfort: Comfortable well-padded seats, bistro with many drinks and food options. Service: Staff occasionally grumpy. Reservation is very expensive 4.90.-. Information very spongy and not clear. Trains are not shown correctly on which track they are running. Cleanliness: Depends, sometimes good, sometimes bad. I would never sit on the toilets. Travel: Absolutely bad, delayed by 1h30min. Price: There are good deals if you book early, but it can be very expensive.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Basel

Germany

Switzerland

Trains from Cologne to Basel run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€38) but you can travel from only $25 (€21) by bus.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $25 (€21)

Distance

234 miles (378 km)

Average train duration

5h 17m

Cheapest ticket price

$45 (€38)

Trains per day

Direct trains

Train providers

Fastest train

3h 52m

First train

00:01

Last train

23:58

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $25 (€21)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet and ÖBB | Euro City (EC) from Cologne to Basel trains

Find the best trains from Cologne to Basel with Omio's travel partners Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet and ÖBB | Euro City (EC) from $28 (€24). We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main provider of train services and makes on average about 40,000 domestic and international journeys per day. Deutsche Bahn’s fleet of trains includes the high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) as well as the IC (Intercity), EC (Eurocity), IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express) and RB (Regionalbahn), which differ in terms of comfort and the time needed to travel. For example, while toilets are standard amenities, services like onboard restaurants or free WiFi are only available on certain train types and routes. Deutsche Bahn is well-known for its wide range of fares like Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible and discount cards like the Bahncard 25, 50 and 100, which you can also use for your Cologne to Basel train.

Cologne to Basel train information with Deutsche Bahn:

Average Duration: 3 h 52 min
Cheapest Price: $47
Deutsche Bahn frequency: 8 a day

ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car and a bar. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.

Cologne to Basel train information with ÖBB Nightjet:

Average Duration: 6 h 29 min
Cheapest Price: $65

The ÖBB Euro City is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, connecting major cities across the country. The Euro City trains are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioned coaches and plenty of legroom. There are two types of Euro City trains: the EC (Euro City) and the IC (InterCity). The EC trains are the fastest, with speeds of up to 200 km/h, while the IC trains are slightly slower, with speeds of up to 160 km/h. The ÖBB Euro City offers a variety of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a restaurant car. The most popular routes for the ÖBB Euro City include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.

Cologne to Basel train information with ÖBB | Euro City (EC):

Average Duration: 4 h 40 min
Cheapest Price: $162

ÖBB Intercity is a domestic high-speed rail service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) in Austria. They are addition to the Eurocity and the Railjet for long-distance travels and also include first class cars, the trains are air-conditioned, hve power sockets a minibar service and are comfortable. ÖBB Intercity trains mostly run on the inner alpine lines to cities like Graz, Linz and Salzburg and Inssbruck.

Train information from Cologne to Basel with ÖBB | InterCity:

Average Duration: 4 h 56 min
Cheapest Price: $162

The ÖBB ICE is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, offering fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. The ICE trains are modern and well-equipped, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of ICE trains: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter. The ICE T is the fastest, with speeds of up to 230 km/h, while the ICE S and ICE Sprinter offer slightly slower speeds. The ÖBB ICE offers a range of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and a range of entertainment options. The most popular routes for the ÖBB ICE include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.

ÖBB | ICE from Cologne to Basel train information:

Average Duration: 4 h 54 min
Cheapest Price: $162

FlixTrain is a German train company which is part of FlixMobility, the company who own FlixBus. Since 2018, FlixMobility has also offered the option of train travel to some of the largest German cities like Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Berlin including trains from Cologne to Basel. FlixTrain has high speed comfortable trains with a guaranteed seat, foot space, reading lamp and a luggage rack to store your belongings as well as sockets on most trains and free Wi-Fi for all passengers. The most popualr routes in Germany for FlixTrain are from Berlin to Hamburg, Frankfurt to Stuttgart and Cologne to Hamburg. They also offer trains on the Sotckholm to Gothenburg route in Sweden.

Cologne to Basel train information with FlixTrain:

Average Duration: 8 h 19 min
Cheapest Price: $28

Convenient Cologne to Basel Train Journeys

Travel seamlessly from Cologne to Basel aboard fast and reliable train services that combine comfort with breathtaking views. Start your journey at Köln Hbf, Cologne's main train station, and arrive effortlessly in the heart of Basel at Basel Bad Bhf, Switzerland's primary railway hub. Whether you are commuting for business or exploring Europe for pleasure, trains from Cologne to Basel offer an eco-friendly and time-efficient way to travel. With frequent departures, modern amenities, and scenic routes along the Rhine, a train from Cologne to Basel is an excellent travel option for all occasions. Book your ticket today and experience the difference!

Discover Cheap Cologne to Basel Train Ticket Prices

If you're planning a scenic journey from Cologne to Basel and curious about ticket costs, you'll be pleased to know that affordable options are available for this route. The cheapest possible train ticket from Cologne to Basel starts at just $45 (€38). On average, you might find train tickets priced around $119 (€101), offering a balance between cost and flexibility. To get the best of both convenience and pricing, consider traveling in September - it's an excellent month where the weather is still pleasant, avoiding peak summer crowds, and ticket prices are often more budget-friendly. Book your tickets in advance to secure the best deals and enjoy your journey through picturesque landscapes!

Train Cologne to Basel: Travel with Deutsche Bahn and SBB

Embark on a seamless journey from Cologne to Basel aboard the reliable services operated by Deutsche Bahn and SBB, ensuring a swift and comfortable travel experience. Passengers can take advantage of the high-speed Intercity-Express (ICE) trains, renowned for their impressive punctuality and efficiency, allowing you to indulge in breathtaking views of the scenic Rhineland and Swiss landscapes through panoramic windows. With the added benefit of spacious seating, charging stations, onboard dining and complimentary WiFi, your voyage transforms into a productive and relaxed experience. Whether traveling for business or leisure, Deutsche Bahn and SBB trains are designed to cater to your needs, ensuring a smooth and pleasant trip.

Train Cologne to Basel: Train Times and Schedule

Embarking on a train journey from Cologne to Basel offers a seamless and picturesque experience, navigating through the heart of Europe. The distance from Cologne to Basel spans approximately 234 miles (378 km), while the average train journey duration is around 3h 52m. This allows travelers to enjoy a comfortable and efficient trip between the two charming cities.

The train frequency on this route is impressive, with an average of 11 trains running daily from Cologne to Basel. Trains operate every day of the week, ensuring travelers have extensive flexibility in planning their itineraries, whether traveling on a weekday or during the weekend.

For those planning their travel, the first train of the day from Cologne typically departs around 00:01, while the last train makes its way to Basel at approximately 23:58. This wide availability of train options throughout the day ensures passengers can find the perfect Cologne to Basel train time to suit their schedule. The comprehensive Cologne to Basel train schedule provides myriad options to accommodate early risers and late travelers alike.

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Basel

FAQs: Travel by train from Cologne to Basel easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cologne to Basel.

Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Basel can start from as little as $35 (€30) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Basel is $97 (€82); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

The train time from Cologne to Basel is on average 4 h 14 min for the 234 mile (377 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go from Cologne to Basel by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Cologne to Basel leaves at 12: 03 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Cologne to Basel leaves at 11: 58 PM.

Yes, there are 4 direct trains a day from Cologne to Basel with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet or ÖBB | ICE. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

Yes, there's a high-speed train to Basel. Take the fast train with ÖBB | ICE from Cologne to Basel.

When taking a train from Cologne to Basel, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | ICE or FlixTrain for the best way to get you to Basel. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Basel and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

Yes, you can take a night train from Cologne to Basel with ÖBB Nightjet. Find all the info regarding night trains in Europe.

When departing from Cologne, you have various train station options to start your trip from including Cologne Hbf, Cologne Messe/Deutz and Cologne-Ehrenfeld. When arriving in Basel, you can end your journey in train stations like Basel SBB and Basel Bad Bhf.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Basel SBB, located 1.3 miles (2.1 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Basel from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 14 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Basel is March.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel to Basel from Cologne including taking a train, bus or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne to Basel

Cologne

Basel

The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Basel.

Köln Hbf