- 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
$461
Average price
$461
Fastest journey
9 h 45 m
Average duration
9 h 45 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
440 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Basel will cost around $461 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $461.
Of the 1 trains that leave Gelsenkirchen for Basel on Fri, Jun 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 440 km distance in an average of 9 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 45 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 9 h 45 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 Gelsenkirchen to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 1m. 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 $49, and a flight costs an average of $241.
Distance: 273 miles (440 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$157 Average price | $64 Average price Cheapest | $360 Average price | $125 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 31m Average total duration Fastest 5h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 5m Average total duration 9h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 26m Average total duration 13h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 3m 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 Gelsenkirchen to Basel:
A bus is $93 (€76) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gelsenkirchen to Basel costing on average $157 (€128).
A bus is $297 (€243) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gelsenkirchen to Basel costing on average $360 (€295).
Other travel options to Basel take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 35m.
Flight takes on average 13h 26m.
You'll arrive about 1h 2m sooner (5h 1m by train vs 6h 3m by car). Tickets start at around $157 (€128) compared to roughly $125 (€102) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Gelsenkirchen to Basel trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:41 AM Gelsenkirchen | 9h45 | 1:26 PM Basel | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Gelsenkirchen to Basel run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) but you can travel from only $49 (€40) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:05, the last at 23:16. The fastest train covers the 273 miles (440 km) distance in 5h 14m.
Distance 273 miles (440 km) |
Average train duration 5h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 14m |
First train 1:05 AM |
Last train 11:16 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen to Basel trains use the Gelsenkirchen Hbf to Basel SBB station pair, with some services arriving at Basel Bad Bhf. Use this guide to compare Gelsenkirchen and Basel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen 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: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wanne-Eickel Hbf 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: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
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