- Must visit
Cité de la dentelle et de la mode de Calais
Major lace and fashion museum in a converted factory, explaining Calais's textile heritage through machinery, dress and design displays.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Calais
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Oct
Cheapest price on 18 Oct
£173
Average ticket price on 18 Oct
£173
Fastest journey on 18 Oct
7 h 48 m
Average journey duration on 18 Oct
7 h 48 m
Trains on 18 Oct
1
Distance
561 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Calais is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Calais will cost around £173 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £173.
Fast trains
On Sun 18 Oct, we found 1 trains from Basel to Calais, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 561 km distance in an average of 7 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 48 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
9:347h48Basel17:22Calais£1731One-way0 changes
- 9:347h48Basel17:22Calais£1731One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Calais
Switzerland
France
Trains from Basel to Calais run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £98 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:29, the last at 17:17. The fastest train covers the 561 km distance in 4h 34m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 561 km |
Average train duration 5h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £98 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 4h 34m |
First train 5:29 |
Last train 17:17 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Live departures
Basel to Calais train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Calais trains for today, Saturday 17 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 11:45 Basel | 8h54 | 20:39 Calais | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:34 Basel | 6h34 | 19:08 Calais | 0 changesdirect | |
 | 13:21 Basel | 6h47 | 20:08 Calais | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:34 Basel | 7h48 | 21:22 Calais | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 18 October | |||||
| 9:34 Basel | 7h48 | 17:22 Calais | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: SNCF | TGV Lyria, SNCF | TGV INOUI, SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187 from Basel to Calais trainsSNCF | TGV Lyria, SNCF | TGV INOUI, SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187 trains will get you between Basel and Calais from £95. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SNCF | TGV Lyria
About
TGV Lyria is a high-speed train service connecting France and Switzerland, a joint venture between SNCF (French National Railway Company) and SBB (Swiss Federal Railways). These trains operate daily, offering up to 17 return journeys between the two countries. Key destinations include Paris, Dijon, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, and Basel, with seasonal services to Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon. TGV Lyria offers three travel classes: Standard, Première, and Première Signature, each with varying levels of comfort and services like Wi-Fi and catering options.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF | TGV Lyria Duration
4h 34m
Cheapest SNCF | TGV Lyria Price
£95
SNCF | TGV Lyria frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of luggage per person
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with full meals, at-seat service in First Class, Café-bar for snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional, additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
SNCF | TGV INOUI
About
SNCF's TGV INOUI is a premium high-speed train service operating across France and to other European cities. Launched in 2017, it aims to provide an enhanced travel experience with greater comfort, connectivity, and services compared to traditional TGV services. TGV INOUI trains offer features like adjustable seats, electrical outlets, fold-down tables, and dedicated luggage spaces. Passengers can enjoy onboard Wi-Fi and access to the TGV INOUI portal for entertainment and journey information. The service also includes a \Bistro TGV INOUI\" for dining, with options for online ordering. SNCF is also introducing a new generation of TGV INOUI trains from 2026, which will be more modular, energy-efficient, and 97% recyclable."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF | TGV INOUI Duration
4h 51m
Cheapest SNCF | TGV INOUI Price
£98
SNCF | TGV INOUI frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 hand luggage + 2 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (not all trains), at-seat service in 1st class, snack bar/cafe
Seat reservation
Second class: Optional, additional fee. First class: Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers: Free. Large dogs: Paid ticket required. Guide dogs: Free
Quiet zone
SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187
About
SNCF TER (Transport Express Régional) is the regional train service operated by France's national railway company, SNCF. It provides low-cost travel within France's regions, connecting towns and areas not served by high-speed trains. Each French region independently manages its own TER network, offering various ticket types, including discount cards and special fares. TER trains are used by over 800,000 passengers daily and are a popular choice for both commuters and tourists exploring France's diverse landscapes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187 Duration
5h 57m
Cheapest SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187 Price
£182
SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187 frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one suitcase included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at train ends
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack bar or food trolley service on some routes, vending machines available
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for additional fee, included in some first-class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket, guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Calais
Things to do in Calais
Discover the best of Calais — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Calais trip today.
- Recommended
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Calais
Fine arts museum with works on Rodin, local history and temporary exhibitions, set near the town hall in central Calais.
- Recommended
Musée Mémoire 39-45
Second World War museum inside a former German naval bunker, presenting occupied Calais through objects, documents and immersive spaces.
- Must visit
Front de Mer de Calais
Long seafront promenade and beach area for walking, sea views and sunsets, popular with visitors and locals in all seasons.
- Recommended
Place d'Armes
Central square lined with historic buildings and cafés, close to the watchtower and old quarter, with a lively local atmosphere.
- Recommended
Parc Saint-Pierre
Landscaped park around the town hall and museum quarter, good for a short walk and close views of major civic landmarks.
Soupe de poissons
A hearty fish soup from the Opal Coast, made with local fish and served with rouille and bread. A classic northern seaside speciality.
- Gluten-free
Moules marinières
Fresh mussels cooked with white wine, cream, garlic or shallots. Widely eaten in coastal Pas-de-Calais and closely tied to local brasseries.
- Gluten-free
Waterzooï de poisson
A rich fish stew from nearby Boulogne-sur-Mer, made with several fish, potatoes and aromatic broth. A signature dish of the wider Côte d’Opale.
Histoire Ancienne
Refined dining room near the seafront with contemporary French cooking, attentive service and a calmer atmosphere.
Au Côte d'Argent
Established seafood restaurant by the port, known for fish, shellfish and a relaxed maritime setting.
La Tourello
Casual crêperie and cider spot offering savoury galettes and sweet crêpes, well suited to an easy meal in town.
Euro (€)
Calais is moderate by French standards, with fairly priced meals and local transport, while hotels can rise in peak ferry and summer periods.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €55+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for a coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for very good restaurant service. Taxis may be rounded up; cafés often just keep the small change.
Imag'in
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- Unknown
- Day pass
- None
To the city centre
Calais Ville -> Théâtre, Calais
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Use the official Imag'in app for real-time bus information and network alerts.
- From Calais Ville, buses 4, 5 and 8 serve central stops including Théâtre and Gare SNCF.
Best day trips from Calais by train
The most popular day trips by train from Calais are Boulogne-sur-Mer, Dunkirk and Lille. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Calais on Omio.
Day trip from Calais to Boulogne-sur-Mer by train
Why visit Boulogne-sur-Mer for the day?
Boulogne-sur-Mer is a Channel port known for its maritime heritage, walled old town and Nausicaá aquarium. The city mixes medieval streets, a working fishing harbour and a broad seafront with a direct, everyday character.
How to get from Calais to Boulogne-sur-Mer by train?
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 32 km distance in 18m.
Day trip from Calais to Dunkirk by train
Why visit Dunkirk for the day?
Dunkirk is a northern French port city best known for the 1940 evacuation in the Second World War. It pairs a broad seafront and working harbour with Flemish character, maritime history and a strong carnival tradition.
How to get from Calais to Dunkirk by train?
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 20:35. The fastest train covers the 38 km distance in 34m.
Day trip from Calais to Lille by train
Why visit Lille for the day?
Lille is a lively northern French city with Flemish character, handsome old streets and a strong student presence. It is known for the Grand'Place, Vieux-Lille and a food scene that blends French and Belgian influences.
How to get from Calais to Lille by train?
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:29, the last at 23:39. The fastest train covers the 92 km distance in 26m.
FAQs: Basel to Calais train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Calais by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Calais, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Basel to Calais can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £95, while the average price tends to be around £156.
The train journey from Basel to Calais covers a distance of 561 km and takes approximately 4h 34m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Basel to Calais is 561 km.
The first train from Basel to Calais leaves at 5:29.
The last train from Basel to Calais departs at 17:17.
Trains from Basel to Calais run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Basel to Calais.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Basel to Calais.
There is no night train service from Basel to Calais.
The train station in Basel that goes to Calais is Basel SBB, and it arrives at Calais - Fréthun.
Booking trains from Basel to Calais in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Basel to Calais offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the French countryside and the Jura Mountains, providing a pleasant and visually appealing travel experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Calais.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Calais
Most Basel to Calais trains use the Basel SBB to Calais - Fréthun station pair, with some services arriving at Calais Ville. Use this guide to compare Basel and Calais train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Basel
Arrival train stations in Calais
Which Basel station do trains to Calais leave from?
Trains from Basel to Calais leave from Basel SBB. The station is 2 km from Basel city centre at Centralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
Basel SBBCentralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland+41 51 221 22 22
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel SBB from Basel city centre
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainTer · 5m · £1 · every ~2 min
Bus50 · 4m · £2 · every ~15 min
Tram11 · 5m · £2
1, 3, 2 · 7m · £2 · every ~25 min
Basel SBB train station facilities and services
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel St Johann4056 Basel, Switzerland
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel St Johann from Basel city centre
Basel St Johann is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus50 · 8m · £2 · every ~15 min
Tram1, 21, 3, 6, 8, 6457, 8190, 8280, 8298, 8312 · 5m · £2 · every ~15 min
Basel St Johann train station facilities and services
Basel St Johann has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, WC and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Basel St Johann.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Basel St Johann.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel St Johann: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel St Johann: Bike Parking.
Which Calais station do trains from Basel arrive at?
Trains from Basel to Calais most often arrive at Calais - Fréthun. Some services arrive at Calais Ville, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Calais arrival station.
Calais - FréthunGare de Calais-Fréthun, 62185 Fréthun, France+33 892 35 35 35
City-centre transport
Getting to Calais - Fréthun from Calais city centre
Calais - Fréthun is 6 km from Calais city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainTer · 8m · £1
Bus427 · 13m · £4
6 · 22m · every ~1 min
Calais - Fréthun train station facilities and services
Calais - Fréthun has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Le Channel, Restaurant du Golf
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Calais - Fréthun. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Calais - Fréthun. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Calais - Fréthun: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Calais - Fréthun: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Calais - Fréthun: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Calais, Hotel Meurice, Hotel de la Plage.
Calais VillePlace de la Gare, 62100 Calais, France+33 3 21 96 23 00
City-centre transport
Getting to Calais Ville from Calais city centre
Bus3, 2, 6, Atc, Ts37, 13 · 2m · every ~10 min
Calais Ville train station facilities and services
Calais Ville has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Le Channel, Au Cote d'Argent
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Calais Ville. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Calais Ville. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Calais Ville: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Calais Ville: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Calais Ville: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Meurice, Holiday Inn Calais, Hotel de la Plage.
More options for your journey from Basel to Calais
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Calais and Basel
Most popular train connections to Calais
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