The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Basel
Cheapest price
£8
Average price
£16
Fastest journey
1 h 49 m
Average duration
1 h 59 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Basel will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.
Of the 3 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Basel every day 3 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 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 8 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.






Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Karlsruhe to Basel
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Basel 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 £6.
Distance: 172 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£16 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
Karlsruhe to Basel train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Basel trains for today, Wednesday 26 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 5 | On time 06:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h49 | 08:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ECE 151 | On time 08:11 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h44 | 09:55 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 275 | On time 08:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h49 | 10:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 275 | On time 08:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h49 | 10:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 71 | On time 10:11 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h59 | 12:10 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 71 | On time 10:11 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h59 | 12:10 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
EC 7 | On time 10:49 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h44 | 12:33 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
EC 7 | On time 10:49 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h44 | 12:33 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 277 | On time 10:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h49 | 12:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 277 | On time 10:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h49 | 12:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 73 | On time 12:11 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h44 | 13:55 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 73 | On time 12:11 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h44 | 13:55 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
EC 9 | On time 12:49 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h47 | 14:36 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
EC 9 | On time 12:49 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h47 | 14:36 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 279 | On time 13:00 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h48 | 14:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 279 | On time 13:00 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h48 | 14:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 75 | On time 14:11 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h44 | 15:55 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 75 | On time 14:11 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h44 | 15:55 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
RE 7 | 14:39 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h40 | 17:19 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 371 | On time 14:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h49 | 16:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 371 | On time 14:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h49 | 16:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 77 | On time 16:13 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h42 | 17:55 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 77 | On time 16:13 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h42 | 17:55 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 16:25 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h49 | 18:14 Basel Bad Bhf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 373 | On time 17:00 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h48 | 18:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 373 | On time 17:00 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h48 | 18:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1064 | On time 17:24 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h54 | 19:18 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1064 | On time 17:24 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h54 | 19:18 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 79 | On time 18:11 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h44 | 19:55 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 79 | On time 18:11 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h44 | 19:55 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 266 | 18:55 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h05 | 21:00 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 375 | 19:00 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h48 | 20:48 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1171 | 20:12 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h52 | 22:04 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 377 | 21:00 Karlsruhe Hbf | 1h59 | 22:59 Basel SBB | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe to Basel 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.
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Karlsruhe to Basel

Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Basel
Trains from Karlsruhe to Basel run on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 13 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:02, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 172 km distance in 1h 44m.
Distance 172 km |
Average train duration 1h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 13 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 02:02 |
Last train 23:53 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity from Karlsruhe to Basel trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, FlixTrain, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Basel from £6. 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.
ÖBB | ICE
FlixTrain
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | InterCity
FAQs: Karlsruhe to Basel train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Karlsruhe and Basel
- 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
- Vesuvio
- El Taco
- Emily’s Thai Spezialitäten
- Pizzeria Steinofen
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Karlsruhe
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Basel
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