The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Basel
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$120
Fastest journey
2 h 52 m
Average duration
2 h 56 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 $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 13 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Basel on Sat, Jan 24, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jan 24 the direct trains cover the 296 km distance in an average of 2 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 m .
On Sat, Jan 24 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.
FlixTrain
ICE 103
ICE 513 · ICE 277
ICE 593 · ICE 103
ECE 151
ECE 151
ICE 103
ICE 513 · ICE 277
ICE 515 · ICE 279
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, Friday, January 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECE 151 | On time 7:02 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h52 | 9:54 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 | On time 7:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h58 | 10:48 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 | On time 7:50 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h58 | 10:48 AM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 | On time 7:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h57 | 10:48 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 9:20 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h01 | 12:21 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 71 | On time 9:20 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h01 | 12:21 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 9:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h59 | 12:21 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 279 | Delayed 10:23 AM 9:50 AMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h58 | 1:04 PM 1:04 PMBasel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 | Delayed 9:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h57 | 1:04 PM 1:04 PMBasel SBB | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 2:55 PM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 5h14 | 8:09 PM Basel Bad Bhf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 5:03 PM Frankfurt South station | 3h06 | 8:09 PM Basel Bad Bhf | 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.
Jan 23
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Jan 31
Feb 01
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Feb 11
Feb 12
Why should you book Frankfurt am Main to Basel trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB) as well as ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain and ÖBB | Euro City (EC) offer trains services from Frankfurt am Main to Basel. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Frankfurt am Main to Basel.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB), but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain and ÖBB | Euro City (EC) to find the best option for your trip from Frankfurt am Main 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,RE,IC,RB) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Frankfurt am Main to Basel.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain and ÖBB | Euro City (EC) to help you choose the right option for your journey from Frankfurt am Main to Basel.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Frankfurt am Main to Basel.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Frankfurt am Main to Basel?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Frankfurt am Main to Basel

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.
- 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, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- 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
Most popular train connections from Frankfurt am Main
More options for your journey from Frankfurt am Main to Basel
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