- Must visit
Kunstmuseum Basel
Switzerland’s oldest public art museum, renowned for its outstanding collection from Old Masters to modern and contemporary art. A top cultural stop in Basel.
Cheapest price
$184
Average price
$272
Fastest journey
7 h 1 m
Average duration
7 h 27 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
534 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rotterdam to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Basel will cost around $272 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $184.
Of the 8 trains that leave Rotterdam for Basel on Sun, May 31, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct trains cover the 534 km distance in an average of 7 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 1 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest trains will take 7 h 33 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 Rotterdam to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, and a flight costs an average of $117.
Distance: 331 miles (534 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$233 Average price | $73 Average price Cheapest | $304 Average price | $231 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 24m Average total duration 6h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 27m Average total duration 10h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Rotterdam to Basel:
A bus is $161 (€129) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam to Basel costing on average $233 (€188).
A bus is $231 (€186) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam to Basel costing on average $304 (€244).
Other travel options to Basel take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 54m.
Bus takes on average 10h 57m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (6h 54m by train vs 6h 57m by car). Tickets start at around $233 (€188) compared to roughly $231 (€186) 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 Rotterdam to Basel trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 1123 · IC 3521 · 20073 · ICE 105 | On time 7:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 8h09 | 3:24 PM Basel SBB | 4 transfers | |
IC 3529 · 20077 · ICE 107 | On time 7:56 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 8h52 | 4:48 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · ICE 107 | On time 9:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 7h33 | 4:48 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
IC 2035 · ICE 123 · ICE 109 | On time 10:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 8h43 | 6:48 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 1139 · IC 3537 · 20081 · ICE 109 | On time 11:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 7h33 | 6:48 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
IC 2877 · IC 60403 | On time 8:50 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 9h31 | 6:21 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
IC 1181 · IC 2981 · 18981 · 10300 | On time 9:45 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 13h03 | 10:48 AM Basel SBB | 8 transfers | |
IC 3585 · 20069 · ICE 103 | On time 9:56 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 14h57 | 12:53 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 1187 · IC 3585 · 20069 · ICE 103 | On time 11:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 13h38 | 12:53 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
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 Rotterdam to Basel run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $72 (€58) but you can travel from only $39 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 331 miles (534 km) distance in 7h 1m.
Distance 331 miles (534 km) |
Average train duration 6h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€58) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 7h 1m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 Old Masters to modern and contemporary art. A top cultural stop in Basel.
A world-class museum in nearby Riehen with masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Rothko, and others, set in a celebrated Renzo Piano building and landscaped grounds.
Dedicated to Jean Tinguely’s kinetic sculptures, this museum combines playful mechanical artworks with a striking riverside setting.
Basel’s central market square, framed by the town hall and daily market activity, making it one of the city’s liveliest gathering places.
A walkable historic core of lanes, fountains, church squares, and traditional facades, ideal for exploring the city’s character on foot.
The riverfront paths are essential to Basel life, popular for scenic walks, sunset views, and watching local river swimmers in warm months.
Traditional Basel spice biscuits made with honey, nuts, candied peel, and spices. They are the city’s best-known sweet specialty and a classic souvenir.
A dark roasted flour soup often served during Basel Fasnacht. Its deep, toasty flavor makes it one of the city’s most iconic seasonal dishes.
Savory onion tart popular in Basel and northwestern Switzerland, especially in autumn. It is usually made with onions, cream, and egg in a pastry crust.
Historic Basel restaurant in an elegant guild house, known for refined Swiss cuisine and a formal atmosphere in the Old Town.
Well-known traditional Basel restaurant serving regional Swiss dishes in a cozy, historic setting. A good place to try local classics.
Stylish brasserie with a lively atmosphere, offering Swiss and French-influenced dishes in a beautifully restored landmark building.
Basel is costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and daily transport are pricey, though supermarkets and lunch specials can help reduce costs.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxis; small tips for hotel staff are optional.
Official public transport app
Basel SBB -> Barfüsserplatz, Basel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam 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.

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