Route Overview
45-60min
Journey Time
€10-20
Ticket Price
Every 30min
Frequency
Cross-Border Travel Essentials
Documents You Need:
- ✅ Valid passport or EU ID card
- ✅ Visa if required (check Swiss requirements)
- ✅ Train ticket valid to Basel SBB
- ✅ No currency exchange needed for train
Border Crossing: The train crosses the border between Weil am Rhein (Germany) and Basel (Switzerland). No stops or checks, but carry documents!
Understanding Basel Stations
Basel SBB 🇨🇭
- ✅ Main Swiss station
- ✅ In Basel city center
- ✅ Connects to Swiss trains
- ✅ Most trains from Freiburg end here
- ✅ Shops, restaurants, facilities
Basel Bad Bf 🇩🇪
- • German station (Baden Bahnhof)
- • North of city center
- • Some regional trains stop here
- • Less convenient for city
- • Tram connects to SBB
Ticket Options
Single Ticket: €10-20
Buy at Freiburg station or via DB Navigator app. Valid all the way to Basel SBB.
REGIO24 Ticket: €24
Special day pass for Freiburg-Basel route. Unlimited travel both directions for 24 hours.
Perfect if you want to visit Basel and return same day!
Deutschland-Ticket: Does NOT cover Switzerland
The €49 Deutschland-Ticket is only valid in Germany. You need a separate ticket from the German border to Basel.
What to Do in Basel
Basel is Switzerland's cultural capital with world-class museums and charming old town!
Must-See:
- 🏛️ Basel Minster (cathedral)
- 🎨 Kunstmuseum (art museum)
- 🏘️ Altstadt (old town)
- 🌉 Rhine River promenade
- 🏛️ Rathaus (town hall)
Unique Experiences:
- 🏊 Rhine swimming in summer
- 🍫 Swiss chocolate shopping
- 🎭 Theater and culture
- 🌆 Three countries corner (🇨🇭🇩🇪🇫🇷)
Travel Tips
Currency
Basel uses Swiss Francs (CHF). Euros accepted but change in CHF. Use cards to avoid exchange issues.
Day Trip Timing
Leave Freiburg by 9am, full day in Basel, return by 6-7pm. Trains run until late evening.
Phone/Data
EU roaming does NOT cover Switzerland! Buy Swiss SIM or use WiFi in cafes. Expensive data rates.
Shopping
Basel is more expensive than Germany. Swiss quality but higher prices. Great for watches and chocolate!
Start from Freiburg, explore Black Forest, and use cross-border tickets.
Book Your Freiburg-Basel Journey
Find trains for this scenic cross-border trip!
Book Your Train Ticket
Book easily in English with Omio. No confusion, just clear options.
Book with OmioThe easy way to book German trains in English
Price Disclaimer: All prices mentioned on this page are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are examples only and may vary depending on booking time, route, and availability. Current and binding prices are available exclusively on the official websites of the respective providers (e.g., bahn.com or omio.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the train take from Freiburg to Basel?
Only 45-60 minutes by regional train (RE or S-Bahn). Very frequent connections throughout the day.
Do I need a passport for this journey?
Yes, carry your passport! While there are no border controls (Schengen), random checks can occur. Non-EU citizens must have valid documents.
Can I use German train tickets in Switzerland?
Yes, DB tickets are valid all the way to Basel SBB (Swiss station). The train crosses the border seamlessly.
Which Basel station should I use?
Basel SBB is the main Swiss station. Basel Bad Bf is the German station. Most trains go to Basel SBB.
Do I need Swiss currency?
For the train, no (pay in euros). In Basel city, most places accept euros but give change in Swiss Francs. Cards widely accepted.