travelchat

Any advice/info appreciated on the process of getting from Zurich Aurport to Basel via the Airtrain. Time frame? I have limited mobility issues. Wonder if there would be assistance available from the airline/airport staff to get me from the arrivals to the train departure area. I understand there are direct trains, just not as frequent as those requiring a change.

Thanks!

mokka4

For handicap services such as you describe, best to go through the airline you have chosen to land in Europe. Alert everyone from ticket purchase to check-in and gate attendant. Remind the flight attendant to have someone waiting when you land to assist with transfer to the trains. (This is simply across a covered outdoor passage, then downstairs.)
Train schedules can be found at sbb.ch/en (or if not exact, you should be directed). This is in English.
Put in Zurich Flughafen (airport) as your origin.
Will you be able to transfer-walk and climb steps or an incline at the train station?
Perhaps someone can advise re: assistance THERE.

mokka4

In the mornings, there is a direct train from the airport to Basel at :43 and :56 (43 and 56 minutes after the hour).
Otherwise, there are 2-3 trains per hour which require you to change in Zurich HB (main station, in the city).That can be a hassle as there are many tracks.

lincasanova

I assume Switzerland also has assistance for the mobility challenged for the trains, too, as Spain does ( my only direct experience). You may need to advise in advance.

travelchat

Mokka4 and lincasanova:
Thank you so much for your very helpful replies. I can walk short distances and inclines are a great convenience, not so hard on my wonky knees as stairs. I'll be sure and let the airline know and ask for help to get to the train area once I deplane.
Relieved to know there are frequent direct trains to Basel from the airport.

Thank goodness for Fodorites!

swandav2000

Hi travelchat,

In addition to notifying your airline, you can and should notify the Swiss rail service folks (SBB). Yes, they do have a service to help mobility challenged passengers -- here is the link:

http://www.sbb.ch/en/station-service...-impaired.html

Since you can walk a bit, you may not need them, but it might just be worthwhile having their help just in case. It looks like you just call them in advance (I'd email from home) and let them know when you think you'll be at the station. At the very least, they'll be there to help you with your luggage.

Have fun as you plan!

s

lincasanova

sometimes the distances are more than you HOPE.. like at Madrid airport ..

mokka4

It looks like the :43 and :56 timing of direct trains persists into the afternoons, except for some odd reason, NO 11:43 a.m. direct train.
You also know that Basel has TWO
train stations, SBB main and ? Bad. Be sure you know at which to disembark!

PalenQ

Basel SBB is the main station in Switzerland - I think Basel Bad is on the German side of the Rhine

but no doubt you want Basel SBB-doubt if there are direct trains Zurich Airport to Basel-Bad Bahnhof.

No need to buy train tickets in advance - just buy at Zurich Airport train station and consider going first class where there are typically fewer people and more empty seats - easier to move around and stow luggage - no need to reserve in either class - the train probably starts at the airport so you will have the choice of seats when boarding (not sure it originates there but in first class you are almost always guaranteed a choice of many empty seats.

Check www.sbb.ch for fares and confirm schedules others above have kindly looked up- for general info on Swiss trains also check www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Is that your only train trip in Switzerland - if not what are you other plans - a Swiss Pass of some type could be a good deal if traveling around Switzerland though it seems this is not the case with you.

PalenQ

Curious as to what you mean by the Airtrain? TMK there are no special Airtrains just regular trains from the airport to many places. Or is it something new?

travelchat

Swandav2000
Thank you! I have made note of your very helpful info. I love the planning almost as much as the trip, true of most serial traveler's, I'm sure. It's the anticipation that keeps me going between journeys - this time it's a Tauck river cruise Basel to Amsterdam.

mokka4:
Duly noted! Thanks again.

lincasanova:
The unknown distances in airports both domestic and international, make wheelchair assistance in my case a no brainier so as to prevent wonky knees giving out at the beginning of travel. I learned my lesson the hard way connecting through Heathrow a few years ago. That transfer from Terminal 5 to Terminal 1 caused major hobbling for two weeks through a five country tour.

PalenQ
While researching literature for the river cruise I'm planning I saw the term "Airtrain" used in connection with travel from the Zurich Airport to Basel, can't remember exactly where at this point. Thanks for your input - appreciate it very much.

PalenQ

While researching literature for the river cruise I'm planning I saw the term "Airtrain" used in connection with travel from the Zurich Airport to Basel>

OK - just don't look for any Airtrain but regular trains serving the airport to Basel- maybe a term for all trains from the airport?

anyways have a nice time!

Sue81

Hi Travlechat, I am doing the opposite direction of the Tauck cruise next Summer. I think the term Air/train by Tauck meant that they will get you to your airport or Train or wherever you get on the ship, ask your travel agent to be sure. That is how I interpreted it. I am bringing a son along which will be a big help with luggage. Tauck is a great cruise, did London/Paris/Normandy area with them in the past.

Dukey1

You KNOW this is a Tauck tour and not a Viking River Cruise, Sue81??????

Sue81

Dukey, Yes I do know that it is a Tauck Tour, but since it leaves from Basel, I think it is on the river. Sue

PalenQ

Dukey - do you KNOW that Tauck Tours have river tours? (I guess unless Sue81 is really taking a Viking River Cruise and don't know it?)

travelchat

Sue81
Thanks for your response. I believe you are absolutely right about the Tauck Air/train reference. In my research I did discover there is train service direct from the Zurich Airport to Basel.

However, from Fodorites most helpful input plus just simple practicality, I am coming around/resigned to a necessary plane connection in Zurich for arrival in Basel as the best scenario.

This would be my third Tauck adventure.The first was a Paris/Provence city/river cruise combo. The second a ground tour Week in Spain, not for the feint of heart, involving coach, train and an inter country flight. Both tours were the top of the line in terms of content, amenities, 5 star hotels and Tauck tour guides.

I have compared several other similar river cruise itineraries and this 13 day Basel/Amsterdam jaunt looks to cover most of what I have in mind to see. I am very much looking forward to it.

How lovely that your son is accompanying you on your cruise with the added bonus of helping with luggage schlepping. Enjoy and please write a TR so we know how it all went.

Thanks, PalenQ!

PalenQ

Enjoy and please write a TR so we know how it all went.>

You too!

Sue81

Hi Palen Q, Yes I know what tours I have been on and this is a Tauck tour, the river is somewhere near Basel..not sure how close but it is a river tour/Rhine and Moselle I think. My drop off is in Basel, probably by van/bus etc. I've been on Viking tours/Russia/Xmas markets, but I agree with travelchat above that Tauck is extra special. Have a great trip Travelchat. this is my second Tauck tour, first was London/chunnel to France/Normandy and river to Paris.Sue

PalenQ

The Rhine runs right thru Basel - I'd say you'll be let off right in town and a lovely part of town - downtown Basel being really delightful.