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Train Basel Cologne

Book a train ticket Basel - Cologne

Train timetable info Basel-Cologne

Travel by train from Basel to Cologne. 4 trains run each day: choose between the first train departing Basel at 8h 34m and the last at 11h 21m, allowing you to cover the 1078 km distance in as little as 9h 02m.

Cheap train tickets Basel Cologne

How much does a train ticket from Basel to Cologne cost?

To take advantage of the best fares, plan ahead and purchase your train ticket early. When making your booking, you can adjust the dates and times of your departure to travel at the lowest price. In the "Low Prices" section, you can create an alert to stay informed about our best deals.

How long does a journey on a train from Basel to Cologne take?

On average, allow 9h 26m for a train journey from Basel to Cologne.

How long does the fastest train take to travel from Basel to Cologne?

The minimum time to travel by train between Basel and Cologne is 9h 02m.

How many trains run from Basel to Cologne each day?

Every day, 4 trains complete the Basel to Cologne journey.

Are there direct trains or connecting trains between Basel and Cologne?

It is possible to travel between Basel and Cologne on Connecting train(s).

What is the distance between Basel and Cologne by train?

The distance by train between Basel and Cologne is approximately 1078 km.

What time is the first train from Basel to Cologne?

If you’re an early riser, you can catch the Basel to Cologne train at 8h 34m.

What time is the last train from Basel to Cologne?

If you prefer to travel later, the last train departs Basel at 11h 21m.

To leave Basel, which station(s) can I depart from?

This page presents a list of trains departing from: BASEL SBB.

At Cologne, which station(s) will I arrive at?

The trains listed on this page arrive at: KOLN HBF.

Which train companies operate trains from Basel to Cologne?

You can complete your journey from Basel to Cologne on a TGV Lyria, Eurostar, TER, DB SNCF Voyageurs in cooperation, TGV INOUI train.

What services are offered on board?

On board TGV INOUI we always go further for your comfort: renovated carriages, power outlets, Wi-Fi… Everything is designed so that you have a pleasant journey. The on-board team will make your journey a moment of relaxation and well-being.

With TGV Lyria, choose the class that best suits your needs and will guarantee you the best travel experience: STANDARD, PREMIÈRE or PREMIÈRE SIGNATURE.

If you take a Eurostar, you will benefit from free Wi-Fi on all trains in the UK and Europe.

All our TER trains are equipped to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility: use the Assist'enGare service, the free station welcome and assistance service for TER trains.

How to buy a cheap train ticket from Basel to Cologne?

The price of a Basel – Cologne train ticket depends on several factors, such as the rail operator, the travel class, when you buy your ticket, the date and time of departure, and the stations you choose for departure and arrival. However, you can still save money on your train ticket from Basel to Cologne thanks to promotions or discounts: SNCF cards, national or regional subscriptions, and youth or senior fares. Find out how to buy a cheap train ticket from Basel to Cologne.

Price of a Basel – Cologne Train Ticket

On the SNCF Connect website and app, you can find various subscriptions, discount cards and special fares to get a cheap train ticket from Basel to Cologne: SNCF cards and subscriptions, (Cartes Avantage, Carte Liberté, weekly or monthly subscriptions, MAX subscriptions, TER subscription), Prem's tickets, Interrail Pass, and more.
Depending on the rail operator, you can choose a different class to travel from Basel to Cologne at the lowest fare.

Promotional Fare for Basel – Cologne

Throughout the year, you can find occasional promotions and flash sales on train tickets on the SNCF Connect website and app. The latest deals on SNCF Connect are listed on our Promotions page. Be sure to check this page regularly to stay informed about the latest offers and take advantage of them. In the SNCF Connect app, notifications also keep you up to date as soon as new deals are available.

Last-minute Basel – Cologne Train

On SNCF Connect, you can book your last-minute Basel to Cologne ticket and compare prices quickly. You can also plan and buy your train ticket several months in advance if you wish to take advantage of the best fares. During the sales events held several times per year, tickets are released for trains running months later. Depending on the rail operator and the train’s travel date, our service options allow you to reserve your seats at the current fare, hold that price for a certain period, and pay for your seats at that rate before the opportunity expires.

Direct train from Basel to Cologne and alternative routes

For your journey to Cologne, if a direct train is available from Basel, the label "Direct" will appear under your search results. Trains with connections are indicated with the label "Connection". A direct service does not guarantee the lowest price, as many factors are taken into account. Depending on the journey, alternative options (called "alternative routes") are available, including departures or arrivals from nearby stations, allowing you to choose the most convenient or economical option.

Companies serving Basel - Cologne

If you're travelling from Basel to Cologne, the following train companies offer direct lines or journeys with a changeover.

TGV Lyria

Travel from Basel to Cologne with TGV Lyria! A hassle-free trip from one town center to another. Settle down in one of the 3 classes of comfort available and enjoy a comfy trip and numerous onboard services including free Wi-Fi! Book 6 months in advance to get the best deals!

Discover

Classes of rail companies serving Basel - Cologne

To travel from Basel to Cologne, the railway companies listed below offer different classes of comfort.

TGV Lyria

TGV Lyria operates the journey between Basel and Cologne. You can choose from one of the three classes:

STANDARD 

  • A comfy reclining seat with a shared power socket
  • No luggage restrictions (weight or quantity), provided you can carry it yourself
  • Free Wi-Fi connection with access to press and entertainment content via the TGV Lyria Portal
  • Access to the buffet car       
  • Order food and refreshments online and collect them from the buffet car
  • There are 3 options if you need to change your ticket or want a refund.

PREMIERE

  • Choice of seat
  • Access to the SNCF Grand Voyageur lounge at Paris Gare de Lyon
  • A comfy, spacious 1st class seat, with individual power socket
  • No luggage restrictions (weight or quantity), provided you can carry it yourself
  • Free Wi-Fi connection with access to press and entertainment content via the TGV Lyria Portal
  • Access to the buffet car
  • Order food and refreshments online and have them delivered to your seat
  • Total or partial flexibility regarding ticket use

PREMIERE SIGNATURE

  • Choice of seat
  • Access to the SNCF Grand Voyageur lounge at Paris Gare de Lyon
  • Fast-track boarding at Paris Gare de Lyon
  • A comfy, spacious 1st class seat, with individual power socket
  • A dedicated, quiet carriage with just 38 seats
  • No luggage restrictions (weight or quantity), provided you can carry it yourself
  • Free Wi-Fi connection with exclusive access to a wide range of press and entertainment via the TGV Lyria Portal
  • A personalised welcome, with a complementary drink and a refreshing scented oshibori towel
  • Dedicated on-board staff throughout the journey
  • A hot meal created by our Michelin-starred chefs, plated and served at your seat
  • Complimentary drinks
  • Flexible access to the day's trains
  • Total flexibility regarding ticket use

All on-board services provided by companies operating Basel - Cologne

Discover the on-board services provided by various carriers operating the Basel to Cologne route, either directly or through connections. Click on the carrier to view associated services.

TGV Lyria

  • Your train, more flexible

    With 17 daily return trips between France and Switzerland, you can leave and arrive directly in the heart of cities, at your own pace. TGV Lyria is practical and smooth, for a worry-free journey without compromises.

    Our destinations
  • Your train, more responsible

    By travelling with TGV Lyria, you can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 40 times less CO2 than a plane journey.

    Find out more
  • Your train, more fun

    Enjoy free access to Wi-Fi and our entertainment portal: films, press, games and much more. More than 150 content options available to make your journey even more enjoyable and exciting.

    Discover all our services
  • Your train, for gourmets.

    A creative, local, and seasonal food selection to delight you at any time at the Bar or served right to your seat.

  • Travel at high-speed

    Only 3-4 hours between Paris and 5 top cities in Switzerland.

  • Wifi onboard

    An internet connection available to all

  • A comfortable journey

    A new fleet of double-decker trains with all the comforts

  • Arrive in the city center

    Don't waste any time, arrive directly in the heart of the city.

  • Best rates

    Doubt no longer and leave from €29 to discover Switserland!

  • Many destinations

    Explore Switserland and choose your destination between Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, Basel, …

  • On board catering

    "La Table", refined and inventive menus in BUSINESS 1ERE. "The Deli", new catering concept in the bar coach.

  • Prepare your journey

    Book your tickets up to 6 months in advance

  • Travel with your pet

    Dogs accompanying disabled or blind persons can travel free of charge. Small animals carried in a closed bag or basket can travel on TGV Lyria trains for €7 and muzzled dogs on a lead for €20.

  • Access SNCF Grand Voyageur lounge in Paris Gare de Lyon railway station

    Access reserved for PREMIERE SIGNATURE and PREMIERE customers, holders of the SNCF Carte Liberté and the Grand Voyageur Plus/Le Club card.

  • Family and nursery space

    Book a space of 4 places face to face and isolated by a glass partition. You will find a nursery nearby with changing table and bottle warmer.

  • Disabled acces

    In coach 1 or 11, a Première seat is specially reserved for people in wheelchairs.

  • Transport your bike

    You can take your bike for free and without reservation in the luggage space on the TGV Lyria train.

  • Leave in group

    Among friends, with other people ... Enjoy the Hi Five offer to discover Switzerland at reduced prices!

    I discover
Train timetables Basel-Cologne Saturday 23 May 2026
Departure Arrival Duration Carrier
8h 34m 18h 23m 9h 49m TGV Lyria, EUROSTAR
Booking
  • Basel Sbb
    TGV Lyria 9206
  • Mulhouse
  • Belfort - Montbeliard Tgv
  • Paris - Gare De Lyon - Hall 1 & 2
  • 2h09
  • Paris Nord
    EUROSTAR 9447
  • Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid
  • Liege-Guillemins
  • Aachen Hbf
  • Koln Hbf
9h 21m 18h 23m 9h 02m TER, DB SNCF Voyageurs en coopération, TGV INOUI, EUROSTAR
Booking
  • Basel Sbb
    TER 96218
  • Saint-Louis
  • Mulhouse
  • Colmar
  • Selestat
  • Strasbourg
  • 10 min
  • Strasbourg
    DB SNCF Voyageurs en coopération 9576 - TGV INOUI 2356
  • Paris Est
  • 1h12
  • Paris Nord
    EUROSTAR 9447
  • Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid
  • Liege-Guillemins
  • Aachen Hbf
  • Koln Hbf
10h 34m 20h 23m 9h 49m TGV Lyria, EUROSTAR
Booking
  • Basel Sbb
    TGV Lyria 9210
  • Mulhouse
  • Dijon
  • Paris - Gare De Lyon - Hall 1 & 2
  • 2h13
  • Paris Nord
    EUROSTAR 9459
  • Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid
  • Liege-Guillemins
  • Aachen Hbf
  • Koln Hbf
11h 21m 20h 23m 9h 02m TER, TGV INOUI, EUROSTAR
Booking
  • Basel Sbb
    TER 96222
  • Saint-Louis
  • Mulhouse
  • 22 min
  • Mulhouse
    TGV INOUI 6704
  • Belfort - Montbeliard Tgv
  • Besancon Franche-Comte Tgv
  • Dijon
  • Montbard
  • Paris - Gare De Lyon - Hall 1 & 2
  • 45 min
  • Paris Nord
    EUROSTAR 9459
  • Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid
  • Liege-Guillemins
  • Aachen Hbf
  • Koln Hbf