Basel Airport to Interlaken: All Transport Options

Interlaken is a stunning lake town nestled in the countryside of Switzerland. Whether you want to hit the slopes or have a serene country escape, Interlaken won’t disappoint.

The simplest way to cover the 157-kilometer distance from Basel Airport to Interlaken is to take a Basel Airport taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. The 2-hour journey by taxi can be quite expensive, but you’ll stay nice and cosy while you’re driven directly to your door.

Alternatively, you can take a combined bus and train journey. Because you’ll need to make a connection, the journey takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, not including wait times. The train is comfortable and you can move around, so this option is ideal if you like to take in the scenery.

Or, you can enjoy a bespoke Basel Airport transfer to Interlaken with a friendly, professional driver when you lock in a competitive fixed-fare price with a top-rated company like Welcome Pickups.

*We also provide transport to other Swiss destinations such as Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Basel at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€774.40	90min	24/7
Bus + Train	€82	140min	04:32–22:56
Welcome Airport Transfer	€280	120min	24/7

How to get from Basel Airport to Interlaken by taxi

If you want to get to Interlaken in the fastest, most comfortable way possible, a Basel Airport taxi is the way to go. The journey typically takes around 2 hours in normal traffic conditions, and each vehicle can seat up to four passengers.

As long as you’re happy for your driver to charge by the meter, there’s no need to book ahead. Otherwise, you can arrange for a private transfer in advance, and secure an English-speaking driver and a competitive fixed rate fee.

How much does a taxi cost from Basel Airport to Interlaken?

Although local Basel taxis normally use a taximeter to calculate their fares, it’s more common to receive a set rate fee for long trips such as this one. For instance, if you choose to use the meter from Basel Airport to Interlaken, your taxi will cost about €774.40 (CHF 727), but this is just an estimate.

Your driver will quote you a price at their discretion, which means the amount you pay depends on your negotiation skills.

Cost

€774.40 (CHF 727)

Trip Duration

2 Hrs.

*Prices vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Basel Airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

Taxis are readily available 24/7 outside the Arrivals Hall at Basel Airport. Just be sure that you are on the Swiss side using a Swiss taxi company.

Convenience

Taking a taxi will get you from Basel Airport to Interlaken smoothly and quickly. Given it’s the only direct public transportation option, you won’t have to carry your luggage between buses or trains or suffer long wait times.

However, be mindful that some taxi drivers may refuse to take you all the way to Interlaken on demand because of the distance. Your most convenient and a more affordable option will be to pre-book a private transfer with Welcome.

Editor’s Note

Most taxis waiting at the Basel Airport only carry 4 passengers. If you need a larger taxi, we recommend booking a private transfer to accommodate your needs.

Useful Tips

Upon leaving the airport, you’ll likely cross a land border. Keep your travel documents ready for inspection in case you’re asked.

You can pay for your taxi in euros or Swiss Francs (CHF) if paying with cash.

Most Basel Airport taxis carry card machines, but we recommend checking before your ride begins. You can also book online to pay securely with a card.

Always agree on a price or ask for a price estimate before starting your ride.

Request a receipt at the end of your trip in case you leave anything behind.

Getting from Basel Airport to Interlaken by bus and train

Although there isn’t a direct Basel Airport to Interlaken train, using public transport to reach your destination is still a great way to travel, and by far the cheapest option.

You will need to first take the No. 50 bus from Basel Airport to Basel SSB train station, then take the train from there to Interlaken.

That bus takes around 20 minutes, and the train half of the journey is just over 2 hours – not including any time spent waiting or transferring between services.

How much is the bus and train from Basel Airport to Interlaken?

Since there isn’t a direct Basel Airport to Interlaken train, you’ll need to pay for your journey in two parts. First, you’ll need to purchase a one-way ticket for the No. 50 bus from a ticket machine or the counter at the airport for €7 (CHF 6.60), which is valid across 3 Zones.

Once at the train station, you can purchase a train ticket in the same way, with prices on the day usually starting at €34 (CHF 32) for a seat in second-class. In total, the price should be around €41 (CHF 38.60) per person, but if you purchase your train ticket in advance online, you can usually find tickets for half the price.

Cost

€41 (CHF 38.60)

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 20 Min.

The bus departs several times an hour during peak times, and every 20 minutes at all other times. There is a wait time of 10 minutes for the number 50 airport bus, and a wait of up to 1 hour for the Basel to Interlaken train.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

The 50 bus runs between 04:32 to 00:38. The train runs between 05:22 to 22:56.

Where do I catch the bus and train from?

The No. 50 bus route departs from outside the terminal building at Basel Airport. Follow the signs for “Ground Transportation” until you find the bus stop on the Swiss side. Once at the train station, refer to the electronic display screens to find the platform for your train.

Convenience

The combined bus and train journey to Interlaken can be slower and less comfortable than a taxi. Transferring your luggage can be tiring after a long flight, and you’ll need to arrange additional transport from Interlaken station to get to your hotel.

Nevertheless, it’s a solid budget choice, and trains usually have food and drink service on board, as well as WiFi and tray tables for those who need to work.

Otherwise, a private transfer provides a good in-between option; cheaper than a taxi but much more convenient than using public transport.

Timetables

Number 50 Bus Schedule

Basel Airport –> Basel Train Station

SBB Train Timetables and Journey Planner

Basel Train Station –> Interlaken

Editor’s Note

Not all trains are direct, which means you might need to make a transfer, even though the journey time is still 2 hours.

Useful Tips

There is limited storage space for luggage on the airport bus, so we recommend packing light.

You can purchase your train ticket from Basel to Interlaken in person at the train station or online. Booking online is simple and saves you time.

Most public transport kiosks accept both euros and Swiss francs.

Book a slightly later train or a flexible ticket if feasible to allow for flight and bus delays.

A return train from Interlaken to Basel Airport should cost the same amount.

How to get from Basel Airport to Interlaken by private transfer

If you’d rather not have to haggle the price of your taxi with your driver, you can book a private Basel Airport transfer instead. Not only can you relax knowing you’ve locked in a reasonable fee in advance, but you can also enjoy a meet-and-greet at the airport with a guaranteed on-time pickup.

All of our drivers are hand-picked and vetted, plus they speak English, so you can ask them questions about Interlaken and what to see and do during your visit along the way. They’ll also point out sights of interest, ensuring you enjoy a completely personalized travel experience.

A 24/7 customer support team will be on hand to assist with any issues, plus if your flight is delayed, up to 1 hour of free waiting time is included in the service.

How much does a private transfer from Basel Airport to Interlaken cost?

When you arrange a private transfer with Welcome Pickups, you don’t need to worry about any extra costs, as you can book and pay for your ride upfront before traveling. No hidden tolls or surcharges, you’ll receive a fully inclusive quote that won’t change on the day.

For a ride that can accommodate up to three people, you’ll pay €280 (CHF 263); otherwise, you can request a more spacious vehicle that can accommodate up to 9 passengers for €400 (CHF 375), or 12 passengers for €680 (CHF 638).

The booking process is simple and takes just 60 seconds; head to our website or download the app, enter your details and flight information, and select a time that works for you.

Cost

€280 (CHF 263)

Trip Duration

2 Hrs.

*A vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Basel Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Your driver will be waiting in the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name. After introducing themselves, you’ll be assisted with any luggage and shown to your pre-selected private vehicle.

Convenience

At less than half the price of a taxi, private transfers offer the only fully personalized and customizable transport option, with lots of extra perks such as guaranteed on-time pickups and flight monitoring, all to ensure you experience a relaxing and seamless journey.

Editor’s Note

A private transfer is ideal for day-trippers who want to make the most of their time in the mountains. Welcome can also arrange a return transfer, so that you can relax and enjoy your day without worrying about finding transport back to Basel.

Useful Tips

Check your inbox the day before you travel for an email containing all of your driver's details, including a contact number and a recent photo.

At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.

We suggest selecting a pickup time at least 40 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time to ensure you have enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Basel. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€280.0

NIGHTTIME

€336.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from the airport to Interlaken?

You can travel from Basel Airport to Interlaken in three ways: taxi or private transfer, or via public transport.

Taking a taxi is the simplest route. The trip is around 2 hours, but could cost around €774.40 (CHF 727). A cheaper alternative that is just as fast is a pre-booked private transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct train from Basel Airport to Interlaken, so if you want to take public transport, you first need to take the number 50 bus from the Basel Airport to Basel train station, and then a train to Interlaken. This should cost about €41 (CHF 38.60) per person and take upwards of 2 hours and 20 minutes.

How long is the train from Basel to Interlaken?

The train ride from Basel SBB Station in the city center to Interlaken is approximately 2 hours.

How much is the train fare from Basel to Interlaken?

The combined bus and train fare from Basel Airport to Interlaken is usually about €41 (CHF 38.60) per person, but you can often travel for less if your train ticket is booked in advance.

Train tickets purchased on the day start at around €34 (CHF 32) for a seat in second-class.

How do I get to Interlaken from the airport?

Passengers can either travel by taxi or private transfer, both of which take roughly 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

The other option is to use public transport. This requires taking a bus from the airport and switching to a train service in the city center, with a combined journey time of 2 hours and 20 minutes, excluding any time spent waiting or transferring.

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How to get from Basel Airport to Interlaken by taxi

How much does a taxi cost from Basel Airport to Interlaken?

€774.40 (CHF 727)

2 Hrs.

Taxis are available 24/7 from Basel Airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Getting from Basel Airport to Interlaken by bus and train

How much is the bus and train from Basel Airport to Interlaken?

€41 (CHF 38.60)

2 Hr. 20 Min.

The 50 bus runs between 04:32 to 00:38. The train runs between 05:22 to 22:56.

Where do I catch the bus and train from?

Convenience

Timetables

Number 50 Bus Schedule

Basel Airport –> Basel Train Station

SBB Train Timetables and Journey Planner

Basel Train Station –> Interlaken

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Basel Airport to Interlaken by private transfer

How much does a private transfer from Basel Airport to Interlaken cost?

€280 (CHF 263)

2 Hrs.

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Basel Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from the airport to Interlaken?

How long is the train from Basel to Interlaken?

How much is the train fare from Basel to Interlaken?

How do I get to Interlaken from the airport?

The best way to arrive in Basel

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