I have been researching how to get from Frankfurt to Basel on Thursday. It seems that there are trains that run pretty frequently for about a 3 hour trip. I just wanted to make sure I had the right Frankfurt stop though, are these direct trains, the ICE, the ones that leave from the airport station? Since we will have luggage I would like to minimize transfers. Also, I am finding that it is $65 each one way. Does anyone know if there is a way to get cheaper tickets? or is that the going rate? Should we buy them in advance or will we be fine getting them on the platform there? Thanks for all your help!

Cusack, Frankfurt to Basel is not a short run, although I have not taken the train to Basel, it seems right, time-wise and cost-wise.

If you are arriving at Frankfurt fughafen, you will need to take the train to Frankfurt hauptbahnhof or main train station, downtown. It's easy to do and a short trip (maybe 20 minutes). The one transfer is all you should need.

When you select the trip to Basel, you'll need to specify whether you want first-class or second-class and either a direct or a 'local' train that makes frequent stops. Sounds like you want the direct and cut down on travel time.

I'd also buy the tickets at the station.

thanks for your help. I just wanted to clarify that the station at the airport is Frankfurt Fughafen? I just don't want to be confused looking at the timetables. Thanks!

Cusack,

There are trains that go from the Airport directly to Basel, but not all of them. Go to http://mercurio.iet.unipi.it/misc/timetabl.html and use the Swiss website to check the time that would work best for you. The trains leave every hour on the :54. Every other train is direct. The cost should be $87 for 1st class and $58 for 2nd. This is as cheap as they get. Buy the tickets there and have a good trip.

Greg

Just another small piece of advice, maybe you already know...the train will stop at the German station in Basel. To get to the Swiss station you need to take a tram (right outside the station, cheap and easy) or a taxi. If you're staying in Basel, the tram is handy to take you to the more attractive IMO Swiss side of town.

Directs trains run from 7.54 am to 7.54 pm every 2 hours.

In Frankfurt airport, go to the "Fernbahnhof", NOT to the "Regionalbahnhof"!

ALL the trains are direct to Basel Bad Bf (German Station) AND Basel SBB (Swiss Station). From both stations it's a 5 minutes tram ride to the city centre.

Don't bother getting off on the German side if you really want to go to the Swiss side...try to get a train that goes through...rather than fooling around with the public transport.

Cusack: Your companions' fares should be half price - this policy applies to all fares in Germany. Kids under 15 are free with parents. Get 10% off of the total price by purchasing a day or more in advance.

You need to specify Basel (Ch) to get to the Swiss Basel station.

I appreciate everyone's help. We will be going to the Swiss side as a friend will pick us up there. Thanks again!