The Basel Card provides visitors like you with a great way to explore Basel without emptying your wallet. You get free travel on local public transport and a range of discounts at local attractions.
There are two types of city cards in Switzerland. The ones you can buy, or the ones you get when you overnight at specific places. The Basel Card is one of the latter.
So, if you are staying at a hotel, hostel or participating apartment or Airbnbs then you might be eligible for the BaselCard. All you have to do is ask your accommodation.
Now, let’s take a look at what you get with the BaselCard.
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BaselCard Benefits
The BaselCard is great for a visit to all the attractions around Basel. Here is what you get
Free Public Transport
The BaselCard allows you to ride all public transport for free which includes TNW zones 10, 11, 13/EuroAirport, 14 and 15. You can use it when you arrive and are traveling to your accommodation, for example, from the airport. However, not outside the zones mentioned above.
Also be aware, that the Basel Card does not include free use the Reigoldswil-Wasserfallen cable car, although there is a 50% discount.
Discounted Entry To Museums & Attractions
You can get 50% discount on over 40 Basel museums with the BaselCard, such as:
- Kunstmuseum Basel
- Museum Tinguely
- Vitra Design Museum
- Museums of Cultures
- Basel Paper Mill
- Fine Arts Museum Basel
- Basel Historical Museum
- Foundation Beyeler
- Schweiz. Feuerwehrmuseum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
You can get a full list of all the museums on the Basel website.
There are also other attractions you get a 50% discount on such as:
- Basel Zoo
- Theater Basel
- The sightseeing bus
- Basel Old Town tour (more info)
- River cruises
- Reigoldswil-Wasserfallen cable car
- Volta Art Fair Basel
Just be aware that you can only use your BaselCard to enter these places or attractions once. And, you cannot combine it with any other discounts you may have access to.
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Rent an e-bike
You can also get a discount on e-bike rental if you want to zoom around the streets of Basel. It will cost you only 20 CHF a day with the BaselCard. You can organise a bike on this page.
Free WiFi At Basel City Hotspots
There are around eight specific hotspots in Basel City where you can get free access with the BaselCard. All you have to do is register with your BaselCard and you will be able to log in and use the free wifi as you roam about the city.
You can find the specific location of all hotspots on this page, but below I have included a map to give you an idea of where they are.
How to Get Basel Card?
Your accommodation will issue you with the BaselCard directly. If you have not received it, please contact them directly.
Can I Buy A BaselCard?
Since 2018, the city of Basel no longer sells the Basel Card directly to the public. The reason is that if you do not stay overnight in Basel you do not contribute city tax which goes towards paying for the card.
How Can I Use The BaselCard From The Airport?
If you are traveling from the airport of main Basel train station, proof of your accommodation is enough to travel to your accommodation directly. Then you can get the BaselCard upon check-in.
Can I Get A BaselCard If I Stay At An Airbnb?
Yes, visitors who stay in Basel city with at an Airbnb are also eligible for a BaselCard. Just ask your host for your BaselCard upon arrival.
How Much Does A BaselCard Cost?
The BaselCard is free if you stay overnight at a hotel, hostel, participating apartment or Airbnb in Basel City. You can organise your BaselCard with your accommodation directly.
We shall be staying with friends in Basel. Is it possible to get a Basel Travel Card?
Unfortunately not, only people staying at least one night in a hotel or other paid accommodation can get a Basel Card.