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How to Get to Basel

How to Get to Basel

Basel Northern Switzerland, Switzerland Travel Guide

Air Travel

EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg

BSL/MLH/EAP operates under a special international treaty, serving three countries. It sits on French territory with a dedicated Swiss sector and direct customs road to Switzerland.

Airport Information

  • Located approximately 6 km (4 miles) northwest of Basel city center.
  • Unique trinational design streamlines travel to Basel.
  • Offers efficient transfers to the city.

Airlines & Routes

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) connects EuroAirport to Zurich and other major European hubs. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are helpful for finding deals.

Carriers

  • EasyJet has a significant presence with many direct courses to European cities.
  • Other major European airlines connect via their hubs (Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, British Airways).
  • Other low-cost carriers operate routes, providing more choices for European connections.

Direct Flights

Direct intercontinental flights from global hubs are rare. Connections usually occur via major European hubs like Zurich, Frankfurt, Paris, or London.

Price Fluctuations

Flight costs are usually higher during peak summer, major events like Art Basel or Fasnacht, and around Christmas/New Year. Shoulder seasons offer better deals.

Airport Services

EuroThe airport has restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, car rental desks, currency exchange, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, and a Swiss Post office.

Airport Transfers

Public Transport

  • Bus No. 50 connects EuroAirport (Swiss sector exit) directly to Basel SBB (main train station).
  • Travel time is approximately 15-20 minutes. Buses operate frequently.
  • Your Basel Card (from hotel/hostel check-in) grants free travel on this bus.

Taxi & Car Rental

  • Taxis are available outside Swiss and French terminals. A ride to the city center costs CHF 40-50.
  • Major car rental companies have airport offices. Rent a car for exploring surrounding regions.
  • Driving and parking within Basel city can be challenging and expensive.

Airline & Rental Resources

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club for discounted fares. Skyscanner for airfare comparisons.

Car Rental

Compare rates and book vehicles at DiscoverCars.com.

General Travel Booking

Amazon.com for travel essentials.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing

Switzerland is in the schengen Zone. Border crossings with The country of france and Germany are typically seamless for EU/Schengen citizens.

Schengen Area Benefits

  • Minimal or no passport inspection when crossing borders within Schengen.
  • For non-Schengen citizens, standard passport control applies upon first entry into the Schengen Area.
  • Customs checks for products can still occur.

Train Connections

Basel has an impressive railway infrastructure with three main stations: Basel SBB, Basel Badischer Bahnhof, and Basel SNCF (part of SBB).

Railway Gateways

  • Basel SBB: Main Swiss station, connections throughout Switzerland (Zurich, Bern, Lucerne, Geneva).
  • International trains: High-speed ICE to Germany, TGV to France, EuroCity to The boot/Austria.
  • Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) the system is efficient. Consider a Swiss Travel Pass for extensive rail travel.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance bus services offer an alternative, often cheaper, option to trains, notably for international routes.

Bus Options

  • FlixBus is the main operator for international bus routes from Basel to various European cities.
  • The main FlixBus stop is usually near Basel SBB train station.
  • Buses are generally slower than trains but give direct connections or a budget-friendly option.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car in Basel offers flexibility for exploring the broader region but has specific requirements.

Requirements & Fees

  • Valid domestic driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in a Swiss official language or English.
  • A major credit card for the rental deposit. Minimum driving age is 18 (often 21-25 for rentals).
  • A motorway sticker (Vignette) is CHF 40, required for Swiss motorways, valid for a calendar year.

Road Conditions & Safety

  • Swiss roads are excellent and well-maintained.
  • Driving in city centers can be challenging due to narrow streets, tram lines, and pedestrian zones.
  • Parking is expensive and often limited in Basel.
  • Swiss traffic laws are strict; fines for infractions like speeding are high. Radar speed checks are common.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h (urban), 80 kilometers per hour (outside urban), 120 km/h (motorways).
  • Pay attention to tram lines in cities, which are a hazard for unfamiliar drivers.

Sea/River Arrivals

Rhine River Cruises

Basel's position on the Rhine River makes it a significant port for river travel, specifically for cruises.

Cruise Information

  • Basel is a major starting or ending point for Rhine River cruises.
  • Cruises operate during warmer months (spring through autumn).
  • Cruise terminals are along the Rhine with good access to land transportation.

Local River Transportation

Within Basel, local "Fähri" (ferries) offer a charming and unique way to cross the Rhine.

Fähri & Tours

  • Four small, unmotorized "Fähri" boats use the river's current to cross.
  • A short ride on a "Fähri" offers a quiet, scenic, and traditional experience.
  • Longer tourist excursions and scenic boat tours on the Rhine also depart from various points.

Immigration Procedures

For international river cruises, immigration procedures are typically handled onboard or at specific port terminals. Cruise lines provide guidance. For local ferry crossings, no immigration procedures apply.

Connections to Land Transport

Cruise terminals in Basel usually have good access to the city's public transport network (trams and buses). Taxis are also available near the terminals.

Unique Local Transport

The "Fähri" are Basel's unique "boat taxis." These engine-less ferries use the river's current, providing a delightful and quiet local experience. They are part of the public transport network.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Airport Procedures

No particular exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly on passengers departing from Swiss airports. Any such fees are generally included in your airline ticket price.

Departure Timing Recommendations EuroAirport

  • Schengen Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Non-Schengen (International) Flights: Arrive at least 3 hours in advance of the scheduled departure for passport control.
  • VAT Refund: Allow an extra 30-60 minutes for customs stamping if claiming a refund.

Train Station Procedures

Basel's train stations are efficient. Arrive with sufficient time for a smooth departure.

Departure Timing Recommendations Basel SBB, Bad Bf, SNCF

  • Domestic Trains: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure.
  • International Trains: Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure, especially for trains with customs checks.

Airport & Station Facilities

EuroAirport

Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, plus lounges are available for departing travelers.

Basel SBB

Extensive dining and shopping options, including supermarkets, bakeries, and international food outlets. Waiting areas and restrooms.

Comfortable Waiting

These facilities help ensure a comfortable wait before your departure.

Departure Tip

Allocate ample time for departure, especially for international flights or during peak travel seasons. This helps a stress-free journey home.