- 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
$82
Average price
$114
Fastest journey
3 h 35 m
Average duration
3 h 43 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
275 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Mainz to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Mainz to Basel will cost around $114 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.
It's difficult to get from Mainz to Basel without transferring at least once.
4473 · ICE 277
4475 · ICE 279
29507 · ICE 103
S5 · ECE 5
S8 · ICE 225 · ECE 5
4473 · ICE 277
4475 · ICE 279
29507 · ICE 103
S8 · ICE 225 · ECE 5
S5 · ECE 5Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mainz to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a flight costs an average of $426.
Distance: 170 miles (275 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$78 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $702 Average price | $127 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 37m Average total duration Fastest 3h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration 5h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 8m Average total duration 7h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Mainz to Basel:
A bus is $36 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Mainz to Basel costing on average $78 (€64).
A bus is $659 (€539) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Mainz to Basel costing on average $702 (€574).
Other travel options to Basel take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 16m.
Flight takes on average 7h 8m.
The journey is about 25m faster (3h 7m by train vs 3h 32m by car) and roughly $49 (€40) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($78 (€64) vs $127 (€104)). 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, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
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 Mainz to Basel trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4473 · ICE 277 | On time 8:13 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h35 | 11:48 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
29507 · ICE 103 | On time 9:10 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h38 | 12:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
4475 · ICE 279 | On time 10:13 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h35 | 1:48 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
S5 · ECE 5 | On time 11:22 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h59 | 3:21 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 | On time 11:32 AM Mainz Hbf | 3h49 | 3:21 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers |
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 Mainz to Basel run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $29 (€23) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:42, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 170 miles (275 km) distance in 3h 6m.
Distance 170 miles (275 km) |
Average train duration 3h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 6m |
First train 1:42 AM |
Last train 11:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 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 Mainz 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 Mainz to Basel trains use the Mainz Hbf to Basel SBB station pair, with some services arriving at Basel Bad Bhf. Use this guide to compare Mainz and Basel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Mainz Hbf is 2 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz 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: Mangal, Asia Wok, Bistrorante Midi, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Hbf. ATMs are available at Mainz Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Hbf. Information desks are available at Mainz Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Advena Europa Hotel, GuestHouse Mainz, Terminus, Hotel Moguntia.
Mainz Römisches Theater is 1 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz Römisches Theater 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: McDonald's, Cafe Extrablatt, Hans im Glück, The Big Easy
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. ATMs are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. Information desks are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Römisches Theater: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Römisches Theater: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Regency Mainz, Favorite Parkhotel, Ibis Hotel Mainz City, Hof Ehrenfels.
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, Badischer Bahnhof is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel, Badischer Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Basel, Badischer Bahnhof.
ATMs are available at Basel, Badischer Bahnhof.
Available at Basel, Badischer Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel, Badischer Bahnhof: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel, Badischer Bahnhof.
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