The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Basel
Cheapest price
$125
Average price
$172
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 42 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
378 km
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 $172 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $125.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Basel on Sat, Jan 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jan 17 the direct trains cover the 378 km distance in an average of 4 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Sat, Jan 17 the slowest trains will take 5 h 55 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 27 · ICE 371
ICE 515 · ICE 279
ICE 103
ICE 915 · ICE 71
ICE 27 · ICE 371
ICE 915 · ICE 71
ICE 515 · ICE 279
ICE 103
ICE 27 · ICE 371
ICE 27 · ICE 371Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Basel
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €23, and a train costs an average of €52.
Distance: 234 miles (378 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€100 Average price | €38 Average price Cheapest |
5h 40m Average total duration Fastest 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 40m Average total duration 8h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Basel train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Basel trains for tomorrow, Saturday, January 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 103 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 8:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3h50 | 12:21 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 27 · ICE 371 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 2:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 27 · ICE 371 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h55 | 2:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h54 | 12:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Basel by train or bus
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.
Jan 17
Jan 18
Jan 19
Jan 20
Jan 21
Jan 22
Jan 23
Jan 24
Jan 25
Jan 26
Jan 27
Jan 28
Jan 29
Jan 30
Jan 31
Feb 01
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Feb 03
Feb 04
Feb 05
Feb 06
Why should you book Cologne to Basel trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC) as well as ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet and ÖBB | Euro City (EC) offer trains services from Cologne to Basel. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Basel.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC), but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet and ÖBB | Euro City (EC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Basel.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Basel.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet and ÖBB | Euro City (EC) to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cologne to Basel.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Basel.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Basel?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Basel

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Basel
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Cologne to Basel start from as low as $65 (€52) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $124 (€100) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 11 daily trains from Cologne to Basel with 3 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 3h 53m but the average duration is 5h 10m
Train Operators
- Travel from Cologne to Basel with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), and ÖBB | InterCity
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Deutsche Bahn.
- High-speed trains are available.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Cologne Hbf and arrive in Basel SBB
- First train typically departs at 12:01 AM and the last at 11:57 PM
Distance 234 miles (378 km) |
Average train duration 5h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€52) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 53m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen from Cologne to Basel trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, FlixTrain, Österreichische Bundesbahnen trains will get you between Cologne and Basel from $29 (€23). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB Nightjet
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | InterCity
FlixTrain
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Basel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Basel 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Basel
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
- Restaurant Da Roberto
- Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Victoria
- Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
- GAIA Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 800 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
- Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
- Hall 3: shopping and services area
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
- Located in the main hall
- 330 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
More options for your journey from Cologne to Basel
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