Train vs bus from Zurich to Basel
A traveler is planning to travel from Zurich to Basel, where they will start an Avalon river cruise. They are asking whether to take a train or a bus for the journey, and if the train ride is more scenic and safe. They appreciate the advice shared by the community for their trip.
- Taking the train is quicker, more comfortable, and generally safer and more scenic for long distances in Switzerland.
- If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel for free during its validity period.
- Although trains are often preferred, consider the bus option with Flixbus for a cheaper fare, especially if you're traveling without a pass.
AI-generated summary-
Hello! Please, give us an advise regarding traveling from Zurich ( we’ll stay at the hotel) to Basel ( Avalon river cruise ll start there). Train vs bus ( does train ride more scenic & safe)? Thank you in advance
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Hi Lana,
Trains are the way to travel for longer distances in Switzerland. There are no buses being offered on such routes, not as regular public transport anyway (perhaps Flixbus has buses on that route). So you won’t see the timetable (http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable) offer buses. Trains are quicker, more comfortable and safer. In general more scenic as well, though Zurich to Basel is not in the Alps and ok but not overwhelmingly scenic.
You can take a tram or taxi from the Basel train station to your boat dock. Avalon should be able to give you the exact location to go to.
Thank you so much! Just such a big difference in price; train cost around $60-90 p/p while bus around $9
You’re welcome! The trains are CHF 34 maximum per person, and less or free if you have a rail pass or buy well in advance. Please see:
- http://www.myswissalps.com/tr aintickets/switzerland
- http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/ticketspasses
I’d definitely go by train!
Hello,
Are you sure about that huge price difference ? If you are already going to be traveling with an STP, there will be no charge (as Arno has mentioned) if you go by train during the validity period of your pass.
Not to argue, but I would not rule out going by bus. I looked around and see that you can do the trip with Flixbus for CHF 10 and the trip will take 1 hour 20 minutes. Please note that Swiss bus drivers are extremely competent, the autoroutes between the two cities are super smooth, and also the buses are very modern, well-maintained, and comfortable. I attach a photo of a few of the buses used by Flixbus. If you get up front of one of those double-deckers the view is quite fun. You are looking straight ahead and also off to each side rather than out sideways as you do on a train. I found the price and the time of the bus trip on a site called Omio.com. This site also gives a price of CHF 34 by train (SBB) between the two cities and a travel time of 58 minutes.
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Thank you for such detailing response. We ll not have passes, because we’ll take tours with Viator for 3 days & than travel to Basel. So it’ll be the only time when we travel alone & it’s doesn’t make cense to buy a pass for 1 trip. Again, thank you, I your response was really helpful
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