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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 get the best price for a train ticket, we recommend booking several months in advance. Save on the cost of your journey by staying flexible with the date and time of your departure. Be the first to know about good deals with alerts from the "Low Prices" section.

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

You should allow an average of 9h 26m to travel by train from Basel to Cologne.

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

The fastest train can complete the journey from Basel to Cologne in 9h 02m.

How many trains run from Basel to Cologne each day?

4 trains run on the Basel to Cologne journey each day.

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

You can reach Cologne from Basel via Connecting train(s).

What is the distance between Basel and Cologne by train?

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

What time is the first train from Basel to Cologne?

Depart from Basel on the first train at 8h 34m.

What time is the last train from Basel to Cologne?

If you prefer a later departure, take the last train leaving Basel at 11h 21m.

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

On this page, you will find trains departing from: BASEL SBB.

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

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

Which train companies operate trains from Basel to Cologne?

Travel on a train operated by TGV Lyria, Eurostar, TER, DB SNCF Voyageurs in cooperation, TGV INOUI for your journey from Basel to Cologne.

What services are offered on board?

If you take a TGV INOUI, your young children and you can enjoy the nursery area. Don’t forget that we will happily warm your bottles in the TGV INOUI bar carriage.

You can travel on TGV Lyria with your bike for free and without making a reservation in the luggage areas. Make sure your bike is folded or the wheels are removed and store your bike in a cover (maximum size of 130 cm x 90 cm).

If you feel a little hungry, enjoy access to the bar carriage, where you can choose from a wide selection of hot or cold drinks as well as savoury or sweet dishes and snacks. What would you like today?

If you travel frequently on TER, discover TER subscriptions and enjoy discounts for travel in each region (excluding Île-de-France). Subscribe in just a few clicks via SNCF Connect.

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

We may offer occasional promotions or flash sales on train tickets from Basel to Cologne throughout the year. Discover the current SNCF Connect Deals and feel free to subscribe to our newsletter to receive promotional offers. Notifications in the app also let you know as soon as new deals become available on our website.

Last-minute Basel – Cologne Train

The best way to pay less for your Basel to Cologne train ticket is to book it in advance, for example during sales events. Train tickets are usually released for sale several months ahead. If you are unsure about your travel dates, depending on your route and the rail operator, you can select the option to hold the fare you have found for a set period. Even for a last-minute ticket from Basel to Cologne, find the lowest price using our train ticket search tool, which displays fares for the next five to seven days at a glance.

Direct train from Basel to Cologne and alternative routes

Some services may be operated by direct trains as well as trains with connections. Likewise, different rail operators may provide all or part of a journey with different offers. To get a cheap ticket, we recommend checking the best prices shown after a search on SNCF Connect. A direct train does not necessarily guarantee the cheapest fare for Basel - Cologne. On certain journeys, we also offer alternative routes, or trips to or from nearby stations, allowing you to compare times and prices.

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.

  • 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!

  • On board catering

    "La Table", refined and inventive menus in PREMIERE SIGNATURE. "The Deli", new catering concept in the bar coach.

  • Many destinations

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

  • 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!

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