Basel Airport To The City Center – The Best Options

basel airport to city center

Are you planning your trip to Basel and not sure how to get from the airport to to the city center?

There are quite a few options from Train, Bus, Taxi and Uber.

Let’s take a closer look….

Price From Basel Airport To The City Center

Mode of TransportPrice
Trainno direct trains from Basel Airport
BusAdult CHF 4.50
Children (6 to 16) CHF 3
TaxiCHF 45.00
UberStarts at CHF 23
Private TransferStarts at CHF 68
Car RentalVaries depending on the car type

By Bus From Basel Airport to City Center

Basel Airport to city center - Bus 50
Basel Airport to city center – Bus 50
  • Journey Time: 20 to 30 minutes
  • Departure Intervals: Average waiting time of 10 minutes
  • Journey Cost: CHF 4.50
  • Location: In front of the terminal building, look for signs
  • Timetable: Bus 50

Bus number 50 operates from Basel airport to Basel city center every day of the week, it’s known as the “EuroAirport Shuttle” and is a convenient option for travelers.

You will be dropped off at the Basel SBB railway station (Basel Hauptbahnhof), which is located in the city center.

I recommend checking the official Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB) website or using their mobile app for the most recent updates on bus lines, schedules, and fares. It’s best to have Swiss Francs (CHF) on hand for purchasing tickets from vending machines or from the driver.

By Train From Basel Airport to City Center

There are no direct trains from Basel Airport since it has no train station. There are some options from the relatively close Saint-Louis SNCF Station (France) but none of them are faster or easier than the direct shuttle bus mentioned above.

By Taxi From Basel Airport to City Center

  • Journey Time: 15 to 20 minutes
  • Journey Cost: CHF 50
  • Location: There are designated taxi pick-up points

Getting from Basel Airport to the city center by taxi is a convenient option and is available 24/7. Taxis are usually organized in an orderly manner and there are usually some airport staff present to help you out.

Keep in mind that taxi fares may vary depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and specific taxi companies.

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Pro Tip: Tipping in taxis is appreciated but not mandatory in Switzerland. You may round up the fare or leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation to the driver.

Uber From Basel Airport to City Center

Uber from Basel Airport to City center
Uber from Basel Airport to City center
  • Journey Time: 15 to 20 minutes
  • Journey Cost: Starts at CHF 23
  • Location: You may choose the pickup location

Uber is relatively cheap compared to a taxi from Basel Airport to the city center. During less busy times it ranges from 25-30 CHF for a ride.

If you’re choosing Uber, download and install the Uber app on your smartphone before your trip. Uber typically offers several ride options, such as UberX (standard car), UberXL (larger vehicle), UberBLACK (premium car), etc. Select the one that suits your needs and budget. I find UberX is always the cheapest and usually comes as recommended at the top of the App. If it does not, scroll down to find it.

By Private Transfer From Basel Airport to City Center

  • Journey Time: 15 to 20 minutes
  • Journey Cost: Starts at CHF 68.00

There are several companies that offer pre-booked private transfer services within Basel. You can arrange these services through various transportation companies or travel platforms.

Remember that prices for private transfers may vary based on factors such as the type of vehicle, distance, and any requested additional services. Better compare options and read reviews to make sure you’re choosing a reliable and suitable transfer service.

SEE PRIVATE TRANSFER OPTIONS

By Car From Basel Airport to City Center

  • Journey Time: 15 to 20 minutes
  • Journey Cost: Varies depending on the car type

Renting a car from EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg and driving to the city center provides you with flexibility and the convenience of traveling at your own pace. We suggest that you plan ahead if this is your preferred mode of transport.

Common international rental car companies include

  • Avis
  • Hertz
  • Europcar
  • Sixt
  • Budget

Just keep in mind that if you arrive during the weekend or peak hour, traffic from the airport can be busy. Also, parking in the Basel city center is not easy. I recommend you go to a parking garage if a parking spot is not provided by your hotel or Airbnb. As parking on the street in Switzerland is next to impossible in most situations (or at the very least – time-consuming!).

Written by Ashley Faulkes
As a twenty-year resident of Switzerland, I am passionate about exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, I spend my days deep in the great Swiss outdoors, and love to share these experiences and insights with fellow travel enthusiasts.

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