- Must visit
Kunstmuseum Basel
Switzerland’s oldest public art museum, renowned for Old Masters and major modern collections. A top cultural stop in Basel.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Basel
Showing times and prices for Jun 04
Cheapest price
$614
Average price
$620
Fastest journey
13 h 38 m
Average duration
17 h 53 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1189 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Basel will cost around $620 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $614.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Basel without transferring at least 3 times.
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3:00 PM22h08Edinburgh1:08 PMBasel$6141One-way3 transfers- 6:30 AM13h38Edinburgh8:08 PMBasel$6261One-way3 transfers
- 6:30 AM13h38Edinburgh8:08 PMBasel$6261One-way3 transfers
- 3:00 PM22h08Edinburgh1:08 PMBasel$6141One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Edinburgh to Basel
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $129. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $129, and a train costs an average of $614.
Distance: 738 miles (1189 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$619 Average price | $187 Average price | $168 Average price Cheapest | $339 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 28m Average total duration 17h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 0m Average total duration 28h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Basel is a bus with an average price of $168 (€136).
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Basel:
A bus is $19 (€16) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Basel costing on average $187 (€151).
A bus is $451 (€364) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Basel costing on average $619 (€500).
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Basel is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 35m.
Other travel options to Basel take longer:
Train takes on average 17h 58m.
Bus takes on average 28h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Basel including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Basel among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $619 (€500) compared to roughly $339 (€274) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-279.28 (€-225.75). The journey takes 17h 58m versus 16h 50m 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.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Basel train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Basel trains for tomorrow, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM Edinburgh | 13h38 | 8:08 PM Basel | 3 transfers | |
| 3:00 PM Edinburgh | 22h08 | 1:08 PM Basel | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Basel by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Basel
United Kingdom
Switzerland
Trains from Edinburgh to Basel run on average 2 times per day, taking around 17h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $614 (€496) but you can travel from only $80 (€64) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 07:09, the last at 22:40. The fastest train covers the 738 miles (1189 km) distance in 13h 38m.
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
Flight from $80 (€64)
Distance 738 miles (1189 km) |
Average train duration 17h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $614 (€496) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 13h 38m |
First train 7:09 AM |
Last train 10:40 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Flight from $80 (€64)
Train companies: London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) from Edinburgh to Basel trainsLondon North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) trains will get you between Edinburgh and Basel from $80 (€64). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 38m
Cheapest Price
$614 (€496)
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Basel
Things to do in Basel
Discover the best of Basel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Basel trip today.
- Must visit
Fondation Beyeler
World-class museum in nearby Riehen with outstanding modern and contemporary art, plus a celebrated park setting.
- Recommended
Tinguely Museum
Dedicated to Jean Tinguely’s kinetic works, this museum is one of Basel’s most distinctive and widely visited art venues.
- Must visit
Basel Old Town
The city’s essential walking area, packed with medieval streets, historic squares, fountains, and major sights.
- Must visit
Marktplatz
Central square in front of the Town Hall, lively with markets and one of Basel’s best-known urban scenes.
- Recommended
St. Alban Quarter
Picturesque district with canals, historic buildings, and a quieter atmosphere often called one of Basel’s prettiest neighborhoods.
- Vegetarian
Basler Mehlsuppe
A dark, slow-roasted flour soup traditionally served during Basel Fasnacht. It is one of the city’s most iconic seasonal specialties.
- Vegetarian
Basler Läckerli
Basel’s famous spiced biscuit made with honey, nuts, candied peel, and Kirsch icing. It is the city’s best-known traditional sweet.
- Vegetarian
Käsewähe
A savory Swiss cheese tart popular in Basel bakeries and homes, often eaten for lunch or a light meal.
Restaurant Schlüsselzunft
An established fine dining address in a historic guild house, known for polished seasonal cuisine and elegant Basel ambiance.
Restaurant Kunsthalle Basel
A well-known Basel restaurant near the arts district, serving refined Swiss and European cuisine in a lively brasserie setting.
Löwenzorn
A historic traditional restaurant in the Old Town known for Swiss specialties, regional dishes, and a cozy heritage atmosphere.
Swiss Franc
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and dining. Supermarkets and lunch deals help reduce costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 12-20 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- CHF 30-55 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- CHF 90+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- CHF 4.50-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated but not required. Round up taxi fares.
BLT App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 3.80
- Day pass
- CHF 10.90
To the city center
Basel SBB -> Barfüsserplatz, Basel
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Basel hotels often provide the BaselCard, which includes free public transport in the city during your stay.
- You can buy tickets from machines and in official apps; onboard card payment on trams and buses is not generally available, so buy before boarding.
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Basel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.
Train ticket prices from Edinburgh to Basel can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $614 (€496), while the average price is around $619 (€500).
The train from Edinburgh to Basel takes 13h 38m and runs 2 per day.
The first train from Edinburgh to Basel leaves at 7:09 AM.
The distance by train from Edinburgh to Basel is 738 miles (1189 km).
The last train from Edinburgh to Basel leaves at 10:40 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Edinburgh to Basel.
There is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh to Basel.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Edinburgh to Basel.
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Basel is by flight, with a cost of around $80 (€64).
The train journey from Edinburgh to Basel offers scenic views, particularly as it travels through the picturesque landscapes of the English countryside and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, before continuing through France's scenic regions. However, much of the journey involves transfers, which may include less scenic urban areas.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Basel is not feasible as the journey takes 13h 38m with a distance of 738 miles (1189 km). There is only 1 trip per day for trains.
In Basel, you can visit the Tinguely Museum to see kinetic sculptures by Jean Tinguely, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and explore the charming Old Town with its medieval buildings and vibrant markets. Art enthusiasts can visit the Fondation Beyeler for modern and tribal art or attend Art Basel for contemporary artworks. Notable sights include the Gothic Basel Minster, the Kunstmuseum Basel, the playful Tinguely Fountain, Basel Zoo, and the historically significant Rathaus Basel with its red sandstone facade.
Two to three days are sufficient to explore Basel's key attractions, including its museums, old town, and the Rhine River.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Basel.
Basel is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Basel include Colmar, Strasbourg, Zurich, Lucerne, Bern.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Basel among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Basel, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transportation and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overpriced taxi rides have also been reported. Staying alert and using official transportation services can help ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Basel
Edinburgh
Basel
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
2 km
Number of platforms
8Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
Dining
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 1
Hotel
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 330 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
Public transit options for Basel Bad Bhf
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Basel
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Basel and Edinburgh
Most popular train connections to Basel
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