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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Essen to Basel. The train trip from Essen to Basel is usually about 13 hours and 24 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest FlixTrain train can get you there in as little as 12 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 270 mi (435 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 45m |
| Lowest price | $24.46 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Essen to Basel?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Essen to Basel. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 1 | 13h 24m | $33.94 |
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 1 daily trips to Basel from Essen. The train usually departs from Essen Hbf in Essen and arrives at Basel SBB in Basel after about 13 hours and 24 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Essen and Basel is approximately 270 miles, or 435 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 45 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Essen to Basel. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Essen at 6:00pm and arrives in Basel around 12 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Basel to Essen.
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 Essen?
Main departure station: Essen Hbf
There is one train station in Essen.
All train stations in Essen:
Essen Hbf
Where is the train station in Basel?
Image credit: Rosmarie Voegtli
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Basel SBB
The bus station behind Basel SBB is the main transport station in the city. The bus stop is most frequently served by FlixBus, which travels to European cities including Prague, Stuttgart, and Lyon. Although the bus stop itself doesn't have any amenities, Basel SBB (right next door) has plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, and even a supermarket. You can also find out more about bus schedules at the ticket kiosk, although Flixbus does require you buy your tickets online rather than at the station.
All train stations in Basel:
Basel SBB
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