Basel to Cologne train with ÖBB Nightjet

Sat 06 Dec
+ Add return
ÖBB Nightjet
Deutsche Bahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
ÖBB Nightjet
Deutsche Bahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 06 Dec

Cheapest price

£133

Average price

£133

Fastest journey

6 h 30 m

Average duration

6 h 30 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

285 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Basel to Cologne will cost around £133 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £133.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Basel for Cologne every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 285 km distance in an average of 6 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 30 m .

The slowest trains will take 6 h 30 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.

Nightjet
23:236h30
Basel
05:53Koeln Hbf
£1331One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Basel to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Basel to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, and a flight costs an average of £56.

Distance: 285 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Flight

£86

Average Price

£32

Average Price

Cheapest

£94

Average Price

7h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 45m

Average total duration

10h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 15m

Average total duration

7h 15m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Basel to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Basel to Cologne trains for today, Friday 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 22:01
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
obb_nightjet23:23 Basel
6h30
05:53 Koeln Hbf0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Basel to Cologne by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Basel to Cologne

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
ItalyItaly
Icon of train

Trains from Basel to Cologne run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £26 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 13:03, the last at 13:03. The fastest train covers the 285 km distance in 6h 36m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £26
Distance
285 km
Average train duration
6h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
£50
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
6h 36m
First train
13:03
Last train
13:03
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £26

Train companies: ÖBB Nightjet, Deutsche Bahn from Basel to Cologne trainsÖBB Nightjet, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Basel and Cologne from £26. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

ÖBB Nightjet

About
ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car and a bar. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 30m
Cheapest Price
£133
ÖBB Nightjet frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats, at end of carriages, and under seats. Special storage for bikes and ski equipment.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro available on most routes. Night trains offer breakfast service in sleeper and couchette cars.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Additional fee applies. Free for certain ticket types and first class.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs need ticket (50% of 2nd class fare) and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 54m
Cheapest Price
£62
Deutsche Bahn frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

FAQs: Basel to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Cologne is typically sufficient to explore major attractions like the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Museum Ludwig, while also allowing time to enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant cultural scene.
Yes, there is a direct train between Basel and Cologne. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by ÖBB Nightjet, Deutsche Bahn.
A day trip from Basel to Cologne is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 36m. Trains run 4 times per day over a distance of 285 km.
The train journey from Basel to Cologne offers scenic views, particularly as it travels through the picturesque Rhine Valley, showcasing vineyards, castles, and charming villages along the river.
Booking trains from Basel to Cologne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Basel to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £50, while the average price tends to be around £86.
The train distance from Basel to Cologne is 285 km.
To get from Basel to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £26.
The train station in Basel that goes to Cologne is Basel SBB, and it arrives at Cologne station.
The train journey from Basel to Cologne covers a distance of 285 km and takes approximately 6h 36m. Trains run 4 per day.
The first train from Basel to Cologne leaves at 13:03.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Basel to Cologne.
The last train from Basel to Cologne departs at 13:03.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Cologne.
Trains from Basel to Cologne run approximately 4 times per day.
Yes, there is a night train from Basel to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Cologne

Basel
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Basel is Basel SBB. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Basel SBB for your trip from Basel to Cologne.
Basel SBBWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
address
Address
Centralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
10
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Da Roberto
  • Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Victoria
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
  • GAIA Hotel
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 800 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
  • Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
  • Hall 3: shopping and services area
Public transport options for Basel SBB
  • Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
  • Bus: Several lines available

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