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How to get from Basel Airport to Zurich

The Swiss city of Zurich is both a global banking hub and a historic tourist honeypot. The prettiness of Old Town enchants while the glitz of the financial district seduces. So whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, Zurich has plenty to show you. The nearest airport to Zurich is Zurich Airport. However, you can travel from Basel Airport too. 

To get from Basel Airport to Zurich, you can travel by taxi or public transport. Taxis are the most efficient and convenient method. The journey shouldn’t take longer than 1 hour and 10 minutes in normal traffic conditions. Going by public transport involves a combination of bus and train journeys. You can expect it to take around 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on your route.

Alternatively, a comfortable, professional private transfer can ensure you have a relaxing ride to Zurich for a reasonable fare. Welcome Pickups can also provide transport to nearby towns like Basel city centre, Interlaken 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 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €180 70min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €150 70min 24/7
Bus + Train €45.40 100min 04:00–00:00

How to get from Basel Airport to Zurich by taxi

The only direct method of travelling between Basel Airport and Zurich is to take a taxi. The 92 kilometre trip shouldn’t take longer than 1 hour and 10 minutes in normal traffic conditions. However, travel time fluctuates drastically during peak rush hour.

Taxi fare from Basel Airport to Zurich

A taxi from Basel Airport to Zurich normally costs €150 (CHF 150), though this is at your driver’s discretion. Most local Basel taxi drivers won’t use a taximeter for a long journey like this one. Instead, they’ll quote you a set fare before your ride begins. 

For the peace of mind of a fixed fare agreed well before your Zurich holiday, why not book a private transfer?

Cost

€150 (CHF 150)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 10 Min.

Prices vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (MLH).

Where do I get the taxi from?

Luckily, taxis are abundant at Basel Airport. You can find them lined up just outside of the doors at the main terminal building.

Convenience

Taxis are the fastest and most convenient way of travelling from Basel Airport to Zurich. Your journey is around 20 minutes quicker than public transport. Plus, you won’t have to drag your luggage onto buses and trains. 

Note: A local taxi driver may be hesitant to take you all the way to Zurich without booking in advance. That’s why we recommend you book a private transfer to guarantee you and your loved ones have transport waiting when you land.

Editor’s Note

You’ll be crossing a land border on the way to Zurich, so keep your travel documents close for inspection. That includes your passport and any relevant visa documentation.

Useful Tips

All Basel taxis carry card machines.
You can pay for your taxi in euros or Swiss Francs (CHF).
Most airport taxis are standard 3-4 seater sedans. If you require a larger vehicle for your group, we recommend booking a private transfer.

How to get from Basel Airport to Zurich by public transport

Unfortunately, there is no direct train from Basel Airport to Zurich. Instead, you’ll have to get a bus to Basel train station and catch a train from there. The 50 bus to Basel SBB departs every 10 minutes, Monday to Sunday from 04:28 to 00:33. The journey time is around 20 minutes.

Once you arrive at the train station, you can catch the train to Zurich. These depart every 30 minutes and take 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Zurich station. The earliest train departs at 04:37. The latest train departs at 00:11. If you need to travel outside of these hours, consider booking a private transfer instead.

What is the Basel Airport to Zurich train price?

The bus from Basel Airport to the train station costs €4.70 (CHF 4.70) per person.
The train from Basel SSB to Zurich costs €18 (CHF 18) per person.
Therefore, the combined cost is €22.70 (CHF 22.70) per person.

Cost

€22.70 (CHF 22.70)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 40 Min.

There is a wait time of 30 minutes for the airport bus and 30 minutes for the train.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Buses run from 04:28 to 00:33 and trains run from 04:37 to 00:11 every day.

Where do I get public transport from?

Airport buses depart from outside of the terminal building on the Swiss side.

Convenience

Because there is no Basel Airport to Zurich bus or train, taking public transport is inconvenient for most travellers. You won’t have a door-to-door service so you’ll need to arrange further transport when you get to Zurich train station. Buses and trains can also be tiresome to navigate with heavy luggage. However, if you’re on a budget and travelling light, public transport isn’t a bad option. It’s quite efficient, safe, and comfortable.

Editor’s Note

Space for luggage is limited on the airport bus. We recommend packing light or taking a taxi for your convenience.

Useful Tips

You can purchase a train ticket online or at the counter at Basel train station.
If your plane is arriving in the early hours, taking a taxi or private transfer will be more convenient and safer.
You can pay for your bus and train tickets in Swiss Francs or euros.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

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

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€180.0
NIGHTTIME
€216.0
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Basel Airport to Zurich?

Taxi and public transport are the primary ways you can travel from Basel Airport to Zurich. We recommend taking a taxi because it’s faster and more comfortable. The journey is typically 1 hour and 10 minutes long. On average, it costs €150 (CHF 150). For a cheaper alternative, you can take a combination of buses and trains. There is no direct train or bus from Basel Airport to Zurich. However, there is only one transfer. The combined cost of your journey will come to €22.70 (CHF 22.70) and you can expect it to take 1 hour and 40 minutes.

What is the distance from Basel Airport to Zurich?

The distance from Basel Airport to Zurich is 92 km. By taxi or private transfer, the trip shouldn’t take longer than 1 hour and 10 minutes. There is no direct Basel Airport to Zurich train or bus but you can complete the journey with a combination of the two. Therefore, your journey will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Basel Airport to Zurich?

On average, a taxi from Basel Airport to Zurich costs €150 (CHF 150). If you’d like a fixed rate secured before your travels, consider booking a private transfer.

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