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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
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No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
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No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
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Looking for a cheap price?
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How to travel from Geneva to Basel by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Geneva to Basel? Look no further.
You'll usually find 18 trains per day running between Geneva and Basel, which usually take 14 hours 41 minutes to complete the 186 km journey. It can take as little as 7 hours 55 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Basel from Geneva, you'll just need to make 1 change along the way. All or part of your journey will be onboard a train operated by SBB, as they are the main carrier on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Geneva to Basel if you book in advance. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for train schedules (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Geneva to Basel by train
| First train | 7:31 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 9:15 pm | |
| Departure station | Geneva | |
| Arrival station | Basel | |
| Journey time | From 7h 55m | |
| Distance | 116 miles (186 km) | |
| Frequency | 18 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Geneva to Basel?
Want to know more about your journey from Geneva to Basel? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What's the distance between Geneva and Basel by train?
Who runs the trains from Geneva to Basel?
Can you travel from Geneva to Basel without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Basel from Geneva?
What time is the first train from Geneva to Basel?
What time is the last train from Geneva to Basel?
How often do trains go from Geneva to Basel?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Geneva to Basel?
Is there a return trip from Geneva to Basel?
SBB trains from Geneva to Basel
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
More information
What Intercity and Eurocity classes are there from Geneva to Basel?
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Eurocity when traveling from Geneva to Basel.
Intercity
Eurocity
Economy Class
Take advantage of the dining car which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Traveling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
First Class
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual power outlets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Economy Class
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power outlets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, in-seat dining and plenty of space for your baggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
What are the onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Geneva to Basel.
Intercity
Eurocity
What baggage limits are there? | You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are power outlets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family car. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bicycle on board SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities. |
What special assistance is available? | SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet. |
What else do I need to know? | There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains. |
What baggage limits are there? | You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are power outlets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet on board. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bike on board SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when traveling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities. |
What special assistance is available? | There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on board, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility. |
What else do I need to know? | There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Geneva to Basel?
The price of train tickets from Geneva to Basel starts at one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Choose a slower or connecting train
4. Look out for special deals
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.