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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Basel and Essen. The average train journey from Basel to Essen takes 12 hours and 39 minutes, but some FlixTrain train trips are as short as 12 hours and 13 minutes.
| Distance | 270 mi (435 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 13m |
| Lowest price | $21.27 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Basel to Essen?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Basel to Essen. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 2 | 12h 39m | $31.47 |
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 2 daily trips to Essen from Basel. The train usually departs from Badischer Schwarzwaldallee in Basel and arrives at Train Station in Essen after about 12 hours and 39 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Basel and Essen is approximately 270 miles, or 435 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 39 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 13 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Basel to Essen are the most crowded on Tuesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Basel at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Basel twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Essen to Basel.
City Information
Basel
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Basel is bordered by France to the west and Germany to the east, with the river Rhine running directly through the city. This culture-centric destination is known for containing Switzerland's highest concentration of museums. With over 40 museums, roughly one per square kilometer, you're guaranteed to find at least one museum that fits your interests. Of course, it's got classic art museums like the Fine Arts Museum and the Jean Tinguely Museum, but you'll write home about the niche ones like Basel Paper Mill (a museum about paper and printing) and Toys Worlds Museum.
Basel's Old Town area will give you a taste of the city's history, with its cobblestoned streets and medieval churches, as well as several beautiful fountains. In the Marktplatz, or market square, check out the bold red City Hall, as well as even more museums, these ones devoted to Basel's history.
Basel is also home to Switzerland's oldest zoo, founded in 1874. Conveniently located in the heart of Basel, the zoo lets you get up close and personal with animals from the tiniest insects to the grandest elephants. Plus, you can learn more about the zoo's conservation projects.
Basel is well-situated for easy travel to other countries due to its proximity to France and Germany, as well as its transportation options. The world's only tri-national airport, EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, is only 4km from Basel. This unique airport is located on both French and Swiss territory but also serves travelers to nearby Freiburg, Germany. Basel also welcomes national and international train routes, and many European bus services stop in the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Basel?
Main departure station: Badischer Schwarzwaldallee
There is one train station in Basel.
All train stations in Basel:
Badischer Schwarzwaldallee
Where is the train station in Essen?
Main arrival station: Train Station
Essen Hauptbahnhof (Freiheit) is Essen's central bus terminal located directly outside the main train station. Buses servicing the terminal include FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus, which travel to Hamburg six times daily and make regular trips to Munich, Mannheim, and Dusseldorf. The terminal stretches along Freiheit, with various seating areas and stops for different bus companies. Although there aren't many amenities on the road near the station besides a large multistory parking garage, the nearby train station and city center have plentiful shops, restaurants, and hotels. The station also has a Starbucks, McDonald's, and a Lidl supermarket. You can also find information and tickets for major bus services in the train station, although it is advisable to book in advance online.
All train stations in Essen:
Train Station
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