- Must visit
Kunstmuseum Basel
Switzerland’s oldest public art museum, renowned for its outstanding collection from Holbein to modern masters. A top choice for art lovers visiting Basel.
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$110
Fastest journey
4 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 35 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
435 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Basel will cost around $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 5 trains that leave Essen for Basel on Thu, Jun 18, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 the direct trains cover the 435 km distance in an average of 5 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 45 m .
On Thu, Jun 18 the slowest trains will take 5 h 48 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a flight costs an average of $142.
Distance: 270 miles (435 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$118 Average price | $53 Average price Cheapest | $242 Average price | $178 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 51m Average total duration Fastest 5h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 21m Average total duration 7h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 14m Average total duration 8h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Basel:
A bus is $64 (€52) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Basel costing on average $118 (€95).
A bus is $189 (€153) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Basel costing on average $242 (€196).
Other travel options to Basel take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 51m.
Flight takes on average 8h 14m.
The journey is about 33m faster (5h 21m by train vs 5h 54m by car) and roughly $60 (€49) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($118 (€95) vs $178 (€144)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Basel trains for tomorrow, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:00 AM Essen | 5h48 | 10:48 AM Basel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 AM Essen | 5h48 | 11:48 AM Basel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Essen | 5h48 | 12:48 PM Basel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:36 AM Essen | 4h45 | 12:21 PM Basel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Essen | 5h48 | 2:48 PM Basel | 0 transfersDirect |
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 Essen to Basel run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 (€38) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:05, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 270 miles (435 km) distance in 4h 45m.
Distance 270 miles (435 km) |
Average train duration 5h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€38) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 45m |
First train 1:05 AM |
Last train 11:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
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, renowned for its outstanding collection from Holbein to modern masters. A top choice for art lovers visiting Basel.
A celebrated museum in nearby Riehen with an exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art, set in a striking Renzo Piano building and landscaped park.
Dedicated to Jean Tinguely’s kinetic sculptures, this riverside museum is one of Basel’s most distinctive cultural attractions and especially appealing for modern art fans.
The historic core on the south side of the Rhine, packed with narrow lanes, major sights, and classic Basel atmosphere.
Basel’s central market square, framed by the Rathaus and daily city life, making it a natural starting point for sightseeing.
One of Basel’s defining walking areas, ideal for views, people-watching, and experiencing the city’s close relationship with the river.
A traditional Basel flour soup, slowly browned for a deep roasted flavor and often served during Fasnacht. It is one of the city’s most iconic dishes.
Basel’s famous spiced biscuit made with honey, nuts, candied peel, and kirsch. It is a classic local sweet strongly associated with the city.
A Swiss cheese tart popular in Basel bakeries and homes, with a savory custard filling in pastry. It is a common casual lunch or snack.
A historic guild-house restaurant serving classic Swiss cuisine and seasonal dishes in an elegant old-town atmosphere.
A long-established Basel brasserie near the museum quarter, known for refined Swiss and French-influenced dishes in a stylish historic setting.
A well-known traditional Swiss restaurant specializing in fondue, raclette, and hearty alpine fare in a cozy, rustic setting.
Basel is costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transport are pricey, though supermarkets and lunch specials can help reduce daily costs.
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving about 5-10% for very good service is appreciated. Round up for taxis; small tips are optional in cafés and bars.
Official public transport app
Basel SBB, Basel -> Barfüsserplatz, Basel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen 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.

Most Essen to Basel trains use the Essen Hbf to Basel SBB station pair, with some services arriving at Basel Bad Bhf. Use this guide to compare Essen and Basel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Essen 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Altenessen 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: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Altenessen. ATMs are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Altenessen. Information desks are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Altenessen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen Süd 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Webers.
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