How to get from Zurich Airport to Basel

Christos Koutsikopoulos

September 13, 2023

Basel is Switzerland’s third-largest city, located on the country’s northwest side, at the border with France and Germany. It is considered to be a significant cultural centre since it boasts a wide variety of museums. Additionally, it is an important railway hub with connections to destinations in neighbouring countries.

For your transfer from Zurich Airport to Basel, there are two possible ways: train and taxi. A Zurich Airport taxi or private transfer will get you to your destination for around €150, covering the 90 km distance in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The train from Zurich Airport to Basel takes between 1 hour and 10 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the type of train and the exact changes required. A single, 2nd class ticket costs €30 on average.

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

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€150	75min	24/7
Train	€60	80min	05:00–23:45

Getting a taxi from Zurich Airport to Basel

If you’re looking for convenience and instant boarding without the slightest hassle, a taxi is the way to go for your commute from Zurich Airport to Basel. It is a pricey option compared to public transportation, but in return, you guarantee yourself door-to-door service, regardless of your flight’s arrival time. A taxi ride to Basel lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes under light traffic conditions.

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

There are many taxi companies that operate in the Zurich area and serve the airport. Although Zurich taxis are metered, drivers will likely offer a fixed rate for this transfer out of town. The price asked depends on various factors, such as each company’s deals, the vehicle type, the number of passengers, etc. Overall and on average, you can expect to pay around €150.

If you want to know the exact amount you will pay in advance and take advantage of a competitive fixed-rate fare without hidden costs, you can pre-book a private transfer to Basel with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€150

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 15 Min.

*If you don’t pre-book, prices may vary.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Zurich Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

There are taxi ranks outside both Terminals 1 and 2. As soon as you claim your baggage and exit the building, you can go to the front of the line, state your destination to the first available vehicle, and start your ride.

Convenience

A taxi is a transfer option that lets you travel to Basel in comfort and style. It allows you to leave behind the stress of scheduled train departures and take your time when you land at Zurich Airport, knowing that a private vehicle will be there for you no matter what time you land.

Editor’s Note

Zurich taxis are among the priciest ones in the world. If you are a solo traveller, the cost could be prohibitively expensive. In that case, the train might be a better option.

Useful Tips

Payment by card is common ground for all taxis in Switzerland.

Zurich taxi drivers do not expect gratuities. However, it is always a gentle gesture to round up your fare if you are satisfied with the service you got.

If your ride is metered, ask your driver to reset the taximeter before getting going.

Getting the train from Zurich Airport to Basel

There are four Zurich Airport to Basel trains per hour. They run between 05:00 and 23:45 daily. Once per hour, there is a direct line to Basel (Line IR36 – Direction Basel SBB), while all other trains pass through Zurich HB or other intermediate stations and a change will be required. Other popular combination trips include the IC5 (Direction Lausanne) or the IR13 (Direction Luzern) train, with a change to the IC3 (Direction Basel SBB) at Zürich HB.

The duration of the trip is 1 hour and 20 minutes on average – not including wait times, depending on the service.

What’s the cost of a Zurich Airport to Basel train ticket?

The prices of train tickets depend on departure times and the type of train. On average, 2nd class tickets cost €30, while 1st class tickets come at a price of €70. Children between the ages of 6 and 16 pay half price, and those below 6 travel free of charge.

Cost

€30

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 20 Min.

*The average waiting time for departures is 15-20 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Trains run from 05:00 to 24:45 on a daily basis.

Where do I get the train from Zurich Airport to Basel?

The train station at Zurich Airport is located underground. When you exit the Arrivals Hall at both terminals, you will notice a separate building across the street. Walk there and take the stairs to reach the train station level.

Convenience

The railway system in Zurich is well-organised, punctual and convenient. Trains are comfortable and easily accessible. The train is a good and reliable alternative if you don’t mind changing platforms and moving around with your luggage.

Timetables

SBB

Trains timetable

Editor’s Note

There are no trains between midnight and 5 in the morning. If your flight arrives late at night, a taxi or private transfer will be your only transport option, unless you’re willing to spend some time at the airport’s shops and restaurants - although not all of them are open at that time.

Useful Tips

Depending on the line you will board, there could be zero to two train changes.

If you book your train tickets in advance, you could get better price deals.

You can buy tickets online, at the airport’s automatic vendors or the SBB Ticket Office.

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 Zurich. 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

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Zurich Airport to Basel?

Your options for your transfer from Zurich Airport to Basel are two: taxi or train. Taxis provide a direct commute for around €150, taking 1 hour and 15 minutes to cover the route. Yet, you can secure a competitive set fare if you pre-book a private transfer with a company such as Welcome Pickups.

The train is much more cost-effective at approximately €30 per single ticket, and lines operate between 05:00 and 23:45. The average train ride time is 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on the train you choose.

What is the distance from Zurich Airport to Basel, Switzerland?

The distance separating Zurich Airport from Basel is 90 km. If roads are not congested, by car or taxi, this distance can be covered in 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Where can I find the Zurich Airport to Basel train timetable?

Zurich’s SBB has a well-structured official website with all the necessary information about trains – including trips all over Switzerland, and prices. To organise your transfer, check the SBB timetables.

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Getting a taxi from Zurich Airport to Basel

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

Cost

€150

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 15 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Zurich Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Getting the train from Zurich Airport to Basel

What’s the cost of a Zurich Airport to Basel train ticket?

Cost

€30

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Trains run from 05:00 to 24:45 on a daily basis.

Where do I get the train from Zurich Airport to Basel?

Convenience

Timetables

SBB

Trains timetable

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

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Zurich Airport to Basel?

What is the distance from Zurich Airport to Basel, Switzerland?

Where can I find the Zurich Airport to Basel train timetable?

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The best way to arrive in Zurich

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