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Paris to Basel Train
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Paris to Basel by train
The journey from Paris to Basel by train is 256.9 mi and takes 4 hr 27 min. There are 20 connections per day, with the first departure at 6:52 AM and the last at 9:55 PM. It is possible to travel from Paris to Basel by train for as little as $32.82 or as much as $200.14. The best price for this journey is $32.82.
Lowest Price | $32.82 |
Journey Duration | 4 hr 27 min |
Connection per Day | 20 |
Lowest Price | $32.82 |
Highest Price | $200.14 |
First Departure | 6:52 AM |
Last Departure | 9:55 PM |
Distance | 256.9 mi |
Departure | Paris |
Arrival | Basel |
Carriers | TER, OUIGOMore |
Paris to Basel Train Times
Traveling from Paris to Basel by Train
Embarking on a train journey from Paris, the illustrious capital of France, to Basel, a cultural nexus in Switzerland, presents an enriching experience through the diverse European landscape. The journey stretches over approximately 256.9 mi, typically lasting around 4 hr 27 min. The route is well-serviced by high-speed trains like the TGV Lyria, ensuring a swift and smooth transit. With an average of 20 departures daily, and passengers can select a time that best fits their schedule. For those seeking budget-friendly options, fares can be as attractive as $32.82, particularly when booking in advance. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure a hassle-free boarding process.
The train amenities are tailored for comfort and enjoyment, enhancing the travel experience from Paris to Basel. Passengers can settle into spacious seats, use the available power outlets, and enjoy the scenic views through expansive windows. The journey offers a glimpse of France's picturesque countryside before transitioning into the charming Swiss landscapes. Onboard, various refreshments, snacks, and beverages are available, mirroring the culinary richness of both French and Swiss cultures. This rail route does more than connect two critical European cities; it provides a memorable passage through some of the continent's most stunning vistas and urban elegance.
The adventure starts at Paris Gare de Lyon, a hub that buzzes with the vibrancy of international and domestic travelers. Upon reaching Basel, the train disembarks at the Basel SBB railway station, strategically located to offer easy access to the city's rich cultural offerings and efficient transit connections to other Swiss destinations and beyond. Basel, straddling the Rhine River at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Switzerland, is known for its world-class art museums, historical architecture, and the enchanting Old Town.
Things to Do in Basel:
- Visit the Fondation Beyeler, a premier art museum featuring modern classics and contemporary works.
- Explore the Old Town, with landmarks like the Basel Münster and the picturesque Marktplatz.
- Walk along the banks of the Rhine, especially beautiful during summer evenings.
- Check out the Kunstmuseum, one of the oldest public art collections in Europe.
- Enjoy the vibrant cultural scene at the Theater Basel, offering opera, ballet, and drama performances.
- Discover the unique Tinguely Museum, dedicated to the works of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely.
- Visit the Basel Zoo, a popular attraction for families and animal lovers.
- Take a boat trip on the Rhine for a different city perspective.
- Experience Basel's diverse culinary scene, from traditional Swiss dishes to international cuisine.
- Attend one of the many fairs and festivals, like Art Basel, one of the world's premier art shows.
What to eat in Basel:
- Fondue: A classic Swiss dish where bread cubes are dipped in melted cheese.
- Rösti: A Swiss potato dish, often served as a side for meat dishes.
- Basler Leckerli: Traditional Swiss honey biscuits with nuts and candied peel.
- Saffron Risotto: A popular dish in the Ticino region, notable for its rich flavor and color.
- Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: Thinly sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, typically served with Rösti.
- Chocolate: Switzerland is famous for its chocolate, so trying various types is necessary.
- Swiss Cheese: Explore the variety of Swiss cheeses, from Emmental to Gruyère.
- Basel Tart: A savory meat and vegetable pie, perfect for a hearty meal.
- Wine: Taste local Swiss wines, lesser-known but highly esteemed among connoisseurs.
- Swiss Pastries: Enjoy a range of pastries, each with its unique regional twist.
Day Trips from Basel:
Basel's location makes it perfect for day trips to explore the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the surrounding regions. The medieval town of Colmar, with its charming half-timbered houses and canals, is just a short journey away in the Alsace region of France. The Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking mountainous landscapes and various outdoor activities, are easily accessible for nature enthusiasts. For a dive into history, the Roman ruins at Augusta Raurica are a fascinating visit. Lucerne, with its preserved medieval architecture and stunning lake surrounded by mountains, provides a picturesque Swiss experience.
Travel Tips for Basel:
While in Basel, enjoy getting around with the city's efficient tram and bus network. The city's location at the convergence of three countries makes it an intriguing mix of cultures, languages, and cuisines. Summers in Basel are warm and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's numerous parks and riverfront areas. Basel is also a gateway to the Black Forest in Germany and the Jura mountains in Switzerland, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Whether it's delving into art and history, relishing the culinary delights, or just soaking in the scenic beauty, Basel offers a multifaceted experience to every traveler.
For those planning a trip from Paris to Basel, consider using Virail for your planning needs. Specializing in travel logistics, Virail can help make your journey smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.
Compare prices and tickets from Paris to Basel
Book in advance and save
If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Paris to Basel, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.
Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys
Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Paris to Basel.
Always check special offers
Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.
Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains
If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.
Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average
Price as departure date approaches
Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $29.76 to $99.08 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 70% on your trip!
Best time to book cheap train tickets from Paris to Basel
The cheapest Paris - Basel train tickets can be found for as low as $56.11 if you’re lucky, or $64.80 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $79.24.
Find the best day to travel to Basel by train
When travelling to Basel by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!
Carriers on this route
Find out more about the carriers on this route.
FlixBus, a long-distance bus company, operates in both Europe and the United States. Founded in 2013, it has grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Europe, connecting over 2,500 destinations in 30 countries. Originating in Germany, FlixBus has expanded quickly to neighboring countries including France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Croatia, while also offering regular services to Norway, Spain, and England. With affordable fares and comfortable amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard toilets, FlixBus provides a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.
In 2013, the French national railway company SNCF introduced OUIGO to offer budget-friendly TGV travel options. Choose between the lightning-fast OUIGO Grande Vitesse, reaching speeds of 300 km/h, or the more leisurely OUIGO Classique, which offers a nostalgic train ride experience.
SNCF, the French national railway company, offers TER, a comprehensive regional train service. TER (Transport Express Régional) trains connect cities, and villages within regions of France, offering local transportation for commuters and tourists as they explore the regional culture, landscape, and attractions through its vast network of regional routes. TER trains are slower than the high-speed trains but offer a more affordable and comfortable alternative for shorter journeys within the regions.
TGV inOui, which replaces traditional TGV services by offering a contemporary upgrade, is a high-speed train service operated by the French National Railways, SNCF that make it easy to explore around 50 destinations in neighboring countries such as Belgium, Germany, and Spain. TGV inOUI is designed to offer more comfort and flexibility to travelers, with features such as spacious seats, Wi-Fi, and catering services. It connects major cities in France and provides a fast, convenient, and comfortable mode of travel.
TGV Lyria is a high-speed train service that operates between France and Switzerland. It is a joint venture between the French national railway company SNCF and SBB, the Swiss national railway company. TGV Lyria trains operate on several routes between major cities in France and Switzerland, including Paris, Geneva, Zurich, Basel, and Bern. The trains are known for their high speed, with some routes reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph), making them one of the fastest trains in Europe.
Express InterCity is a type of train service that operates in many countries around the world. It is designed to provide fast and efficient transportation between major cities, with limited stops along the way. Express InterCity trains typically offer amenities such as comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard food and beverage service. They may also have first-class or business-class seating options for passengers who want extra comfort and amenities. Express InterCity trains are often a popular choice for business travelers, tourists, and commuters who need to travel between cities quickly and conveniently.
Ticket types and facilities from Paris to Basel
Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by OUIGO, TER and TGV inOui when traveling from Paris to Basel.
Standard Class / TGV
OUIGO Grande Vitesse offers a single class, akin to second-class travel, which accounts for its affordable ticket prices. Adult fares start at €10, depending on the destination, while children can travel for €5. Tickets for OUIGO can only be purchased online.Standard Class / Classical
OUIGO Train Classique only have one class, which is equivalent to second class travel, which is why ticket prices are cheap. Tickets are available from €10 for adults (depending on destination) and €5 for children, and OUIGO train tickets are only available online.Standard
TER train tickets have a fixed "Tarif Normal" fare and are valid for a single journey until midnight the day after validation in platform stamp machines. Some regions may offer off-peak discounts.Second Class (The essentials)
For a practical and affordable journey, TGV INOUI has two fares for second class tickets: The Prems Second, an affordable option, and The Second, the classic second class. Both of them can be exchanged and refunded, subject to certain conditions. The Prem's fare tickets are perfect if you're looking for the lowest prices, starting at just 15€ and available for booking up to 4 months in advance.First Class (The comfort)
First-class tickets take your journey to the next level, offering enhanced comfort and exclusive benefits, including the option to choose seats in the Quiet Area. Additionally, this ticket offers flexibility for your booking and provides added benefits to Second Class features.Business Première (The flexibility)
Business Première offers premium advantages like no-cost exchanges or refunds and exclusive amenities including advanced Wi-Fi and access to Grand Voyageur lounges, all while ensuring flexibility in your booking.Standard
STANDARD ticket provides an affordable 2nd class journey experience with three levels of exchange and refund flexibility - full, partial, and no flexibility - on all France - Switzerland international routes.Standard 1ère
STANDARD 1ÈRE ticket provides a value-for-money first-class journey with flexibility and access to all trains, available on all international routes between France and Switzerland.Business 1ère
BUSINESS 1ÈRE caters to passengers seeking a luxurious travel experience, with flexibility, tailored amenities and services, and is available on specific routes during weekdays and select times on Sundays.Second Class
Deutshce Bahn's second class ensures a comfortable journey with standard seating arrangements with free Wi-Fi, power socket, and. Second class passengers can buy food and drinks from the bar/bistro car or restaurant car.First Class
First Class travel with Deutsche Bahn provides a luxurious experience with comfortable seats and many amenities such as spacious seating with personalized on-seat service and exclusive lounge access at major stations. First-class passengers can have their orders delivered to their seats, but if you do not want to wait, you can also dine in the restaurant car or buy food and drinks from the bar/bistro car.Facility Description
Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.
Paris to Basel CO2 Emissions by Train
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