How to travel from Basel to Cologne

There are 2 options to travel between Basel and Cologne including taking a train and bus.

The cheapest way to travel from Basel to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $43 (€35).

This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Cologne:

A bus is $69 (€56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Cologne costing on average $112 (€91).

The fastest way to travel from Basel to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 5h 37m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Bus takes on average 8h 45m.

The distance from Basel to Cologne is approximately 234 miles (378 km).

The average frequency per day from Basel to Cologne is:

• Around 10 trains per day.
• Around 8 buses per day.
• Around 2 flights per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Basel and Cologne as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Basel to Cologne:

• Flights mostly depart from EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg and arrive in Cologne Bonn Airport.
• Trains mostly depart from Basel SBB and arrive in Cologne Hbf.
• Buses mostly depart from Basel, Bahnhof and arrive in Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen).

If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Basel to Cologne, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:

• Travel with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity, FlixTrain, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to go to Cologne by train.
• Travel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus to go to Cologne by bus.

Yes, there are direct services available from Basel to Cologne with the following travel companies:

• 1 direct trains per day with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
• 4 direct buses per day with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.

Omio customers who travel from Basel to Cologne often also extend their vacation to go to Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, London. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Cologne and these popular destinations at a great price.

Most travelers need at least three days in Cologne to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.

In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.

Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.