I need to change a train at Basel. I am coming from the Olten direction. The www.bahn.de shows the train arriving at Basel SBB.

My next train departs Basel SNCF in 13 minutes.

This does not seem like an easy connection.

Does it make difference if I get off the train at the head of the train or at the tail of the train at Basel SBB?

13 minutes is plenty of time since it's the same station. You just have to let them glance at your passport if they feel like it.

Greg:

Please quote the precise trains ypou are taking. Many of the trains leaving from Basel SNCF are actually starting at Basel SBB.

I wil be able to find out, what platforms your trains are arriving at and leaving from, and give you precise directions.

Enjoy your trip

Phil.

there are so many Olten-Basel trains why not just take one a half hour earlier and give yourself a bit more cushion

13 mins yes should be fine but the train could be late - yes Swiss trains do not always run clocklike IME and then since you do have to go thru Customs before entering the French station there could be a pause there

But did not Switzerland join the Schengen countries this Jan - i wonder if there indeed still are passport controls?

Switzerland implements Schengen a little later this year.

"But did not Switzerland join the Schengen countries this Jan"

No. Well, it might have done, but its immigration system doesn't get lined up with the rest of Schengen till the end of the year. So there's still passport checking.

In fact, since Frau Merkel is threatening to veto Lichtenstein's membership if it doesn't sort out its tax evasion rules, Switzerland might have to choose between having immigration officials on its Lichtenstein border or having them on its borders with the EU countries.

November 1, 2008 is currently the official date for Switzerland to implement Schengen.