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Watches aren’t the only thing that are on time in Switzerland, you can count on the trains here to get you to your destinations in a timely fashion too. The fast and direct Intercity Express (ICE) trains will whisk you from Zurich’s main station to Basel SBB in less than an hour. That’s at least twenty minutes faster than driving, and much more relaxing too. Plus, this is the first leg on our trip exploring the Rhine by train.
Explore the medieval town on a day trip from Zurich or stay for longer and you’ll find plenty to fill your time. Visit the architectural delight of Baselminster, shop in the old market square or explore one of the city's many museums. Basel even hosts the world's biggest art fair, Art Basel.
Book in advance to find the cheapest prices and enjoy facilities on the fast ICE trains such as air-conditioning, a dining car and even a children’s compartment. Check out more details, including train times and FAQs about the journey from Zurich Hb station to Basel SBB station further down the page.
| First train | 12:08 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:38 pm | |
| Departure station | Zurich Hb | |
| Arrival station | Basel SBB | |
| Journey time | From 52m | |
| Distance | 46 miles (74 km) | |
| Frequency | 78 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Train and bus operators |
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).
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.
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).
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power outlets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
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.
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. |
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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. |
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.