Getting to Basel

The main two options how to get to Basel are:

  • Direct flight to Zürich (ZRH): 1 hour trip to Basel  + 40 CHF one-direction train ticket
  • Indirect flight to Basel (MLH): 20 min. trip to the city  + 4.70 CHF bus ticket

In case you need a visa please note that Switzerland is in Schengen agreement.

TRAIN

You can take a direct train from Zürich Airport to Basel railway station (Basel SBB).
Approximate travel time: 1-1.5 hour
Ticket cost: approximately 40 CHF one direction

The most convenient way to buy tickets is to download SBB Mobile application (available both for iOS and Android). In the application:

  • Step 1 - When purchasing a ticket outside of CH, choose “Standard Timetable” and desired time of travel from Zurich Airport to Basel SBB. Press Select Ticket

  • Step 2 -  Choose ‘I don‘t have a Half-Fare travelcard 1/1’. Press ‘View offers’.

  • Step 3 -  Choose ‘Individual ticket’ if you do not need to use a train or a bus to get to your hotel or ‘City-City-Ticket’ if you plan to use public transportation in Basel or Zurich during the day.

  • Step 4 - Register and put in your card information.

  • Step 5 - Show the QR code upon request.

Buying the ticket at the machines: just call a specially trained person, wearing a yellow jacket to assist you.
If you miss the train and you have a normal fare (40.00 CHF) ticket, you can take any other train within the day.

TAXI OR UBER

There is always an option to take a cab from the airport.
Approximate travel time: 1 hour 30 min
Cost:  around 200 CHF

 

Basel Mulhouse Freiburg  airport is the closest airport to the city. As the airport is operated by three countries, make sure you exit in Switzerland.

Getting to the city: Bus № 50  will bring you directly to Basel railway station (Basel SBB).
Approximate travel time to Basel SBB: Bus - 20 min, Cab - 15 min

Approximate cost:
Bus 50 to Basel SBB around town (2 Zonen): 4.70 CHF
Cab: approx. 40 CHF

City area and close agglomeration

  • Go to the green machines
  • Purchase a 1 Zone Ticket (do not purchase ½  tickets, it is for locals)
  • Cost: 3.80 CHFallows you to travel in the city area for one hour. Please note that  you can not use this ticket if you decide to go back the same route. For the route from point  A to point B and back to point A  you have to buy another ticket however, A-B-C-D-A route is allowed.

Daily Ticket for any public transport in the whole city area and close agglomeration:

  • Purchase at every green machine (Tageskarte 1 Zone)
  • Cost: 9.90 CHF