Essen to Basel train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,RE)

Fri 05 Dec
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Deutsche Bahn
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Great Western Rail
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West Midlands Trains
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Deutsche Bahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Basel

Showing times and prices for 06 Dec

Cheapest price

£33

Average price

£72

Fastest journey

5 h 33 m

Average duration

7 h 47 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

435 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Essen to Basel will cost around £72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Essen for Basel every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 435 km distance in an average of 7 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 33 m .

The slowest trains will take 14 h 15 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.

FlixTrain
05:0314h15
Essen
19:18Basel
£331One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
07:515h45
Essen
13:36Basel
£661One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
06:005h33
Essen
11:33Basel
£901One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
08:005h36
Essen
13:36Basel
£971One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Essen to Basel

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, and a flight costs an average of £83.

Distance: 435 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£68

Average Price

£36

Average Price

Cheapest

£218

Average Price

5h 57m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 27m

Average total duration

7h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

13h 6m

Average total duration

10h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.3 - 2.6kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Essen to Basel train times

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

Last updated at 05:43
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 921 · ICE 511 · ICE 5
Delayed
01:18 01:12Essen Hbf
7h36
08:48 Basel SBB		2 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 101 · IC 2040 · ICE 275
Delayed
05:53 05:00Essen Hbf
5h48
10:48 Basel SBB		2 changes
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain+meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus+flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain06:03 Essen Hbf
14h15
20:18 Basel Bad Bhf2 changes
Saturday 6 December
flixbus_flixtrain05:03 Essen
14h15
19:18 Basel0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Basel 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 Essen to Basel

GermanyGermany
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to Basel run on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:05, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 435 km distance in 4h 48m.

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 £21
Distance
435 km
Average train duration
5h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
14
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 48m
First train
01:05
Last train
23:23
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 £21

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Essen to Basel trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Essen and Basel from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 48m
Cheapest Price
£35
Deutsche Bahn frequency
15 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: Essen to Basel train

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

FAQs
To fully experience Basel's rich cultural scene, historic architecture, and vibrant art museums, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Basel can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £68.
In Basel, you can explore the Tinguely Museum, dedicated to Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, and his kinetic sculptures. Enjoy a Rhine River Cruise for scenic views of the city's architecture and landscapes. Discover the Old Town with its medieval buildings and vibrant markets. Visit the Fondation Beyeler for modern and tribal art. Attend Art Basel, an international art fair. Key sights include the Basel Minster, Kunstmuseum Basel, Tinguely Fountain, Basel Zoo, and Rathaus Basel.
A day trip from Essen to Basel is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 48m. The distance is 435 km, and there are 14 trains per day.
The train journey from Essen to Basel offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, featuring views of the picturesque Rhine Valley, charming German towns, and lush landscapes, making it a pleasant and scenic experience.
Booking trains from Essen to Basel in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Basel is by coach, costing approximately £21.
The train distance from Essen to Basel is 435 km.
The last train from Essen to Basel departs at 23:23.
The train journey from Essen to Basel covers a distance of 435 km and takes approximately 4h 48m. Trains run 14 per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Basel. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
The train station in Essen that goes to Basel is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Basel SBB.
There is no night train service from Essen to Basel.
The first train from Essen to Basel leaves at 1:05.
Trains from Essen to Basel run approximately 14 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Basel.
To get from Essen to Basel, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Basel

Essen
Basel
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Basel.
Essen HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
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
information
address
Address
Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
  • Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
Dining
  • Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
  • Kiepenkerl
  • Cafe Extrablatt
  • Tacos
Hotel
Hotel
  • Ambassador
  • Gästearpartment Dahl
  • WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
  • Motel One
Essen SüdWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
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
information
address
Address
Essen Süd, Rellinghauser Str.175, 45136 Essen
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
  • Haus Wilmes
  • Mana Mana
  • Karawane
Hotel
Hotel
  • Webers
Essen WestWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
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
information
address
Address
Essen West, Am Westbahnhof 1, 45144 Essen
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Pizzeria Don Camillo
  • Lindos
  • Zur Platte
  • Arman Döner
Hotel
Hotel
  • McDreams

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