The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Basel
Cheapest price
$118
Average price
$152
Fastest journey
2 h 47 m
Average duration
2 h 54 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
296 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Basel will cost around $152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $118.
Of the 13 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Basel on Tue, Dec 09, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 09 the direct trains cover the 296 km distance in an average of 2 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .
On Tue, Dec 09 the slowest trains will take 2 h 58 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 593 · ICE 103
ICE 71
ICE 915 · ICE 71
ICE 513 · ICE 275
ICE 275
ICE 913 · ECE 151
ECE 151
ICE 513 · ICE 275
ICE 103
ICE 593 · ICE 103Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Frankfurt am Main to Basel
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 9m. 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 €18, and a train costs an average of €5.
Distance: 183 miles (296 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€56 Average price | €30 Average price Cheapest |
3h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 40m Average total duration 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg 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
Frankfurt am Main to Basel train times
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Basel trains for today, Monday, December 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1011 · ICE 77 | Delayed 3:28 PM 3:08 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h47 | 6:02 PM 6:02 PMBasel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 373 | Delayed 4:09 PM 3:50 PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h58 | 6:55 PM 6:55 PMBasel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 611 · ICE 373 | Delayed 4:09 PM 3:51 PMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h57 | 6:55 PM 6:55 PMBasel SBB | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, December 9 | |||||
ECE 151 | On time 7:05 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h50 | 9:55 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 913 · ECE 151 | On time 7:08 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h47 | 9:55 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 275 | On time 7:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h58 | 10:48 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 275 | On time 7:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h58 | 10:48 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 513 · ICE 275 | On time 7:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h57 | 10:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 128 · ICE 103 | On time 8:27 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h21 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 593 · ICE 103 | On time 8:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h58 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 593 · ICE 103 | On time 8:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h58 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 | On time 8:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h57 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 71 | On time 9:05 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h05 | 12:10 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 71 | On time 9:05 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h05 | 12:10 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 9:08 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 3h02 | 12:10 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 277 | 9:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h58 | 12:48 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Frankfurt am Main 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.
Dec 08
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Dec 28
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main to Basel
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Basel run on average 18 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:44, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 183 miles (296 km) distance in 2h 43m.
Distance 183 miles (296 km) |
Average train duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€5) |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 2h 43m |
First train 01:44 |
Last train 23:53 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB Nightjet from Frankfurt am Main to Basel trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB Nightjet trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main and Basel from $7 (€5). 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
FlixTrain
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB Nightjet
Train tickets from Frankfurt am Main to Basel: when to book to save $
The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:
- Buying your train ticket from Frankfurt am Main - Basel 3 weeks in advance means you can save on average up to 13% compared to the price available on the day of departure.
- If you book a ticket Frankfurt am Main - Basel with 2 months in advance you save up to about 9% compared to the initial price.
- By booking 3 months in advance, you could save up to 21%.
- On Omio you can find all offers, train times and prices for train travel in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.
FAQs: Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Basel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main to Basel
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Steigenberger Airport Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for regional and S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: access to airport terminals
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Regional trains: RE2, RE3, RE59
- Bus: Several lines available
- VierF
- Lindner Hotel & Sports Academy
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Frankfurt am Main
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