The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Karlsruhe
Cheapest price
£11
Average price
£55
Fastest journey
1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 h 41 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Karlsruhe will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £11.
Of the 10 trains that leave Basel for Karlsruhe every day 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 172 km distance in an average of 1 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 41 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.
FlixTrain12:301h51Basel Bad Bhf14:21Karlsruhe Hbf£111One-way0 changes
ICE 7212:461h47Basel SBB14:33Karlsruhe Hbf£281One-way0 changes
ICE 10613:161h44Basel SBB15:00Karlsruhe Hbf£371One-way0 changes
ICE 37012:161h41Basel SBB13:57Karlsruhe Hbf£391One-way0 changes
ICE 27814:161h40Basel SBB15:56Karlsruhe Hbf£391One-way0 changes
ICE 27814:161h40Basel SBB15:56Karlsruhe Hbf£391One-way0 changes
ICE 27814:161h40Basel SBB15:56Karlsruhe Hbf£791One-way0 changes
ICE 37012:161h41Basel SBB13:57Karlsruhe Hbf£391One-way0 changes
ICE 10613:161h41Basel SBB14:57Karlsruhe Hbf£791One-way0 changes
ICE 37012:161h41Basel SBB13:57Karlsruhe Hbf£791One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Basel to Karlsruhe
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, and a train costs an average of £5.
Distance: 172 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£21 Average Price | £14 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 37m Average total duration 3h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Basel to Karlsruhe train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Karlsruhe trains for tomorrow, Monday 30 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 370 | On time 10:16 Basel SBB | 1h41 | 11:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 370 | On time 10:16 Basel SBB | 1h41 | 11:57 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 10:30 Basel Bad Bhf | 1h51 | 12:21 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
RE7 | 10:32 Basel SBB | 2h54 | 13:26 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 72 | On time 10:46 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 12:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 72 | On time 10:46 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 12:33 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 106 | Delayed 11:16 Basel SBB | 1h41 | 13:00 13:00Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 106 | On time 11:16 Basel SBB | 1h44 | 13:00 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 278 | On time 12:16 Basel SBB | 1h40 | 13:56 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 278 | On time 12:16 Basel SBB | 1h40 | 13:56 Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Karlsruhe by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
31 Mar
01 Apr
02 Apr
03 Apr
04 Apr
05 Apr
06 Apr
07 Apr
08 Apr
09 Apr
10 Apr
11 Apr
12 Apr
13 Apr
Why should you book Basel to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Basel to Karlsruhe.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Karlsruhe.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Karlsruhe.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Basel to Karlsruhe

Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Karlsruhe
Trains from Basel to Karlsruhe run on average 15 times per day, taking around 1h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 172 km distance in 1h 37m.
Distance 172 km |
Average train duration 1h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 15 |
Fastest train 1h 37m |
First train 00:06 |
Last train 23:54 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Basel to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Basel and Karlsruhe from £5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | InterCity
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
FAQs: Basel to Karlsruhe train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Karlsruhe
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
- Restaurant Da Roberto
- Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Victoria
- Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
- GAIA Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 800 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- 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
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
- Located in the main hall
- 330 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
- Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Karlsruhe
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