- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Edinburgh
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£631
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£639
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
12 h 13 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
18 h 5 m
Trains on 08 Sept
3
Distance
1189 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Edinburgh will cost around £639 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £631.
Fast trains
To travel from Basel to Edinburgh you need to make at least 4 changes.
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10:5412h13Basel23:07Edinburgh£6311One-way4 changes- 19:2423h47Basel19:11Edinburgh£6311One-way4 changes
- 16:5418h14Basel11:08Edinburgh£6541One-way4 changes
- 10:5412h13Basel23:07Edinburgh£6311One-way4 changes
- 16:5418h14Basel11:08Edinburgh£6541One-way4 changes
- 19:2423h47Basel19:11Edinburgh£6311One-way4 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Basel to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Basel to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £110 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 31m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £110, while a train costs an average of £636.
Distance: 1189 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£636 Average Price | £110 Average Price Cheapest | £122 Average Price | £240 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 49m Average total duration 18h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 31m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 33h 22m Average total duration 32h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Basel to Edinburgh is a flight with an average price of £110.
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Edinburgh:
A flight is £12 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Basel to Edinburgh costing on average £122.
A flight is £526 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Edinburgh costing on average £636.
The fastest way to travel from Basel to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 31m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 19m.
Coach takes on average 32h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Basel and Edinburgh including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £636 compared to roughly £240 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-395.90. The journey takes 18h 19m versus 15h 29m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Basel to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:54 Basel | 12h13 | 23:07 Edinburgh | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Edinburgh 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.
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Edinburgh
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Trains from Basel to Edinburgh run on average 2 times per day, taking around 18h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £631 but you can travel from only £60 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 07:09, the last at 22:40. The fastest train covers the 1189 km distance in 12h 13m.
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
Flight from £60
Distance 1189 km |
Average train duration 18h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £631 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 12h 13m |
First train 7:09 |
Last train 22:40 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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
Flight from £60
Train companies: Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) from Basel to Edinburgh trainsSociété Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) trains will get you between Basel and Edinburgh from £60. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) Duration
12h 13m
Cheapest Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) Price
£631
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
- Recommended
Fruitmarket
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
- Recommended
Princes Street Gardens
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
- Gluten-free
Cullen skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
- Vegetarian
Cranachan
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
The Kitchin
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Whiski Rooms
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
The Cafe Royal
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Bus & Tram
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless works on trams with Tap On, Tap Off. Use the same card or device all day to benefit from the city day cap of £5.70.
- On trams, buy, validate or activate your ticket before boarding. If you use contactless on trams, remember to tap off when you leave.
FAQs: Basel to Edinburgh train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Basel to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £631, while the average price tends to be around £636.
The train journey from Basel to Edinburgh covers a distance of 1189 km and takes approximately 12h 13m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Basel to Edinburgh is 1189 km.
The first train from Basel to Edinburgh leaves at 7:09.
The last train from Basel to Edinburgh departs at 22:40.
Trains from Basel to Edinburgh run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Basel to Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Basel to Edinburgh.
To get from Basel to Edinburgh, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Basel to Edinburgh.
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Edinburgh is by flight, costing approximately £60.
Booking trains from Basel to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh offers diverse scenery, including views of the Swiss countryside, the rolling hills of the French region, and the picturesque landscapes of northern England and southern Scotland.
A day trip from Basel to Edinburgh is not feasible, as the travel duration is 12h 13m and the journey covers 1189 km. The frequency is 1 per day for trains.
In Edinburgh, you can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket with its pubs, shops, and street performances, or enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults. Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for beautiful landscapes. Discover hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market. Must-see sights include Edinburgh Castle, offering panoramic views and housing the Crown Jewels, Arthur's Seat for hiking and city views, The Royal Mile lined with shops and landmarks, Holyrood Palace with its stunning gardens, and the National Museum of Scotland showcasing diverse exhibits.
To fully experience Edinburgh's historic sites, cultural attractions, and local cuisine, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Edinburgh.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Edinburgh
Most Basel to Edinburgh trains use the Basel Bad Bhf to station pair. Use this guide to compare Basel and Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh
Which Basel station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?
Trains from Basel to Edinburgh leave from Basel Bad Bhf. The station is 3 km from Basel city centre at Schwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
Basel Bad BhfSchwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel, Switzerland+41 61 690 13 13
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel Bad Bhf from Basel city centre
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus30 · 11m · £3 · every ~18 min
Tram6, 1, 2 · 19m · £3 · every ~20 min
Basel Bad Bhf train station facilities and services
Basel Bad Bhf 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: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Basel
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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