Travelers who prefer to combine their vacation with visits to several cities in Switzerland often travel from Zurich to Basel. The distance between the cities is 85 kilometers, which will not be difficult to overcome if you use the services of local carriers. To do this, it is enough to know basic information about the main routes and modes of transport.
From Zurich to Basel by bus
The Zurich bus depot is distinguished by modern buses, equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable trip. Air conditioners, comfortable chairs, folding tables, TVs and toilets are all included in the ticket price.
The most popular carrier is Flixbus, as the buses of this company run regularly and without delays. Tickets are traditionally purchased through electronic machines, on the Internet or at the bus station ticket offices. The cost of one trip is fixed and amounts to 10 euros. Sometimes carriers arrange sales, which allows you to buy a ticket at a lower price. Sale times are in the summer and fall, when the flow of tourists is reduced and the carrier's goal is to sell as many tickets as possible.
On the way from Zurich to Basel, you will spend approximately 40-50 minutes. It is also worth considering the objective circumstances by which the bus may be late.
On the way, drivers make several stops, after which they arrive at the central bus station in Basel. From here you can reach anywhere in the city by taxi or public transport.
From Zurich to Basel by train
Trains are also a very popular means of transportation in Switzerland, enjoyed by both tourists and locals. Several trains run to Basel on the day, some of which are of a higher level of comfort. Basically, all trains are high-speed and this fact significantly reduces the duration of the journey.
To travel by train, you must purchase a ticket in advance. You can find out the schedule and route details on specialized Internet resources or check with the train station employees at the ticket office. The station also has an electronic board on which information about the route and the availability of tickets is displayed half an hour before the departure of the train.
Tickets for a child under the age of 16 will cost you 14 euros one way, and for an adult you will pay about 33 euros. If you have a transport card, you can significantly save on ticket prices. However, it is worth buying such a card only if you are in the country for a long time.
As a rule, trains travel directly to Basel, making several short stops. There are options with connections in different Swiss cities. Such offers are not in demand due to the fact that they take a lot of time and are more expensive than direct ones.
From Zurich to Basel by car
Moving by car across the expanses of Switzerland is not only a great opportunity to organize your trip yourself, but also a chance to enjoy the amazing landscapes that you will see on the road. Most often, tourists pre-rent a car online or contact the relevant companies located in Zurich.
In order for your trip to be successful, it is worth considering the following nuances:
- You must be at least 19 years old at the time of renting a car. Drivers under the age of 24 will have to pay an additional amount.
- Be sure to prepare an international driver's license for such a trip.
- Before booking a car, carefully read the description of the vehicle and the rental conditions.
- You can take a car in Zurich and return it in any city in the country. However, this information must be immediately communicated to the employees of the company where the car is rented.
- Remember that most roads in Switzerland are toll roads. To travel freely on them, you will need to purchase a vignette.
- For traffic violations, high fines are expected, so be extremely careful on the roads.
- The rental price always includes insurance to ensure the safety of the car during your trip.
- Be sure to inspect the car before renting. If you find any scratches or damage, immediately contact a company employee.
- After you take the car, a certain amount will be frozen on your credit card, which will be automatically unblocked when you return the vehicle.
It should be noted separately that the road surface on the autobahn between Zurich and Basel is of perfect quality. Convenient markings have been applied along the entire length of the route, payment machines have been installed, and there are food and refueling zones.
The car is rented with a full tank and you must return it in the same condition. The cost of gasoline in the country reaches 2 euros per liter. Do not forget to include the amount of fuel in the rental price.
From Zurich to Basel by taxi
If you are not on a budget, then you can afford a taxi ride. The car you need can be ordered on the website by selecting the desired parameters. First, you fill out the car booking form, which includes the class, cost and conditions of the order. After that, the reservation is paid and the date and time of the car delivery is set.
All taxis in the country are official, so you don't have to worry about your safety. In addition, the driver makes stops where you see fit. However, this service is paid additionally. You also have to pay for boarding separately.
Taxi prices are calculated in Swiss francs and range from 4 francs per kilometer. A counter is installed inside the car, which records the number of kilometers and the final price for the trip.
From Zurich to Basel by plane
The distance between these cities is quite small, so planes do not fly directly on this route. Plane tickets can only be purchased with connections in Barcelona or Madrid. Such trips are very tiring and lengthy. This is one of the main reasons why airplanes are rarely considered by tourists as a means of transportation from Zurich to Basel.