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Hi,
I’m looking to book a train schedule from Interlaken West to Paris via Basel for March.
I used the SBB and looking at this route: Interlaken West 08:35 -> Basel SBB 10:29 (Platform 6) then Basel SBB 10:34 (Platform 5) -> Paris 13:40. But thinking is there sufficient time to change from Platform 6 to Platform 5? What if there is a delay in arriving Basel SBB?
Or should I book the 2 route separately and chose Interlaken West 08:05 -> Basel SBB 09:59. At least there’s half an hour spare time. But the problem I encountered is that I can’t reserve the seat while booking this timing. The 1st schedule I’m able to reserve the seat to Basel.
Any advise? Thanks in advance.
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Hello Joy4usg,
Welcome to MySwissAlps.
Generally speaking the trains are very punctual in Switzerland and the 5 minutes should be enough to change the trains, providing there’s no delay and no change in platform. There is no guarantee.
I think it’s worth considering just taking an earlier train from Interlaken to Basel as you don’t need a reservation on this train. If you miss the train to Paris, on the other hand, you will need a new seat reservation.
Here two helpful links:
http://www.myswissalps.com/tr aintickets/France
http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/reservations
I think like that you will be able to travel relaxed.
Best,
Steph
Hi Steph,
Thanks for your advise.
I’m just curious, lots of ppl says we don’t need a seat reservation on train. But is it sure that we will get a seat cause some route is like 1-2 hours journey? Also, is there a luggage storage in the train? Or we can just leave it along with us.
Hi Joy4 usg,
Well, there is never a guarantee, but normally a reservation is not needed. If you of course feel more comfortable having a chosen seat for your journey don’t hesitate.
Details on prices etc. can be found here: http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/reservations
The trains usually have enough storage area for luggage in each carriage as well as overhead compartments to store smaller items, so this shouldn’t be a problem.
Best,
Steph
No reservations are available on Swiss inter city trains – they are not needed as the train service is very frequent, so it doesn’t matter what train you choose to get to Basel.
As such, personally I would allow a bit more time in Basel, especially if the station is unfamiliar to you.
So yes, I’d get the 08.05 (IC962) from Interlaken West
I’m very familiar with Basel SBB and have been travelling on Swiss trains for 58 years, and even I would allow a bit more time, if only to stock up on food at the Migros supermarket in the station (my favourite Swiss shop – have been shopping there since before I can remember!)
1960 man – Swiss railway expert, photographer and author
Thanks for the info.
When I input Basel as the destination, I saw Basel SBB and Basel (CH). Are they the same? I guess Basel SBB is the correct one right?
You can choose either of them, Basel SBB makes sense though.
Just a quick correction about reservation on InterCity trains in Switzerland. Although normally not needed you CAN reserve seats on those trains too, apart from the very early resp. very late connections.
In the timetable you should see the letter R in the legend stating “reservations possible”.
http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable
But as said, there’s normally no need.
Best,
Steph
Thanks, Steph.
Appreciate your advise.
Basel SBB is the main station in Basel, served by Swiss, French and German trians.
technically Basel CH is the railway operators’ ticketing point reference for Basel, but is essentially the same thing
I inadvertantly typed Inter City when I meant ‘long distance/express’ trains (changing phraseology over time sometimes makes it less easy to make things clear – when I was a boy there were ‘express’ and ‘local’ trains and that was it!) .
Officially, reservations are available on SBB Inter City trains (but not any trains ‘below’ the level of Inter City (ie IR, RE)
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