Your driver will meet you at your address in Basel.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 10 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Zurich.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
88 km1 h 10 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Basel to Zurich
How long is the train journey from Basel to Zurich?
You can be in Zurich from Basel in about one hour without any transfer. Trains leave every 15 minutes from Basel’s main train station throughout the day, making this a very quick and manageable trip for spontaneous trips. Tickets start at 36 USD one way.
Can you commute from Basel to Zurich?
Yes, trains leave every 15 minutes between Basel and Zurich, and the commute is one hour each way. Tickets cost about 20-30 USD one way, but for residents of Switzerland, there are options for slightly cheaper commutes depending on your ticket tariff. This distance is completely doable as a commute, depending on what you consider to be far from home.
How many days should I spend in Zurich?
2 to 3 days is enough time in Zurich to see all the major sites without feeling like you are rushing to see everything. A day trip out of Zurich to one of Switzerland’s many hiking trails is a great way to spend your time once you have seen everything in the city.
What currency is used in Switzerland?
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc. 1 Swiss Franc is about the same as 1 EUR or 1 USD, so doing the conversion math is a breeze! Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted, but having some cash on you is always recommended.
How much is a train ticket from Basel to Zurich?
Train tickets between Basel and Zurich start at 36 USD and go up in price depending on how close to departure you purchase and if you want economy or first class. Some discounts are available for children, the disabled, and the elderly.
Is there a direct train from Basel to Zurich Airport?
Yes. SBB operates direct trains between Basel and the Zurich Airport (ZRH) daily. The trip is about 90 minutes and costs between 20 and 40 USD. Trains leave once per hour from Basel’s main train station. Book ahead of time and check timetables online to avoid missing your flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Your trip from Basel to Zurich could be a day trip, the next leg of your vacation, or heading to your departure point at the Zurich airport (ZRH). Whatever your reason may be, Daytrip is ready with a variety of services to fit your needs. With a private car service, you can have all the flexibility and freedom of a rental car without the need to return the car after a long day of sightseeing.
If you’re heading to the airport, a private driver is the fastest way to get to ZRH on schedule. You can be at the check-in desk for your terminal in 1 hour and 10 minutes.
However, if your plan is to see what makes Switzerland such a popular destination, add some of our curated sightseeing stops to enhance your trip. Stop by Hallwyl Castle to see one of the best examples of a moated castle or have a spa day in Baden before arriving safely in Zurich.
About Zurich
Zurich is a moderately sized city with about 400,000 inhabitants in the city center and about 1.5 million in the entire metro area. Many people travel from Basel to Zurich daily because it is the largest city in Switzerland (but it is not the capital- that title is reserved for Bern). It began as a Roman customs station called Turicum, but over the centuries, Zurich became a prominent medieval city, and eventually, the financial hub we know it as today.
### Neutral to their core
Zurich, and Switzerland in general, has the advantage of being in the mountains and difficult to attack, so it has developed a distinctive culture from the rest of mainland Europe. You will find this in the mentality of the Swiss people to always remain neutral. They are not a part of the EU, although they share strong trade relations with their neighbors and are part of the Schengen zone.
There are four official languages in Switzerland (perhaps they were too neutral to pick a favorite?): French, German, Italian, and Romansch. English is widely understood, and there is a large population of foreign workers who speak other languages.
### Zurich as a worldwide destination
Today, about 4 million people visit Zurich each year. Many visit for the close access to some of the best ski resorts and luxury shopping in the world.
From Basel to Zurich: travel tips
Follow these tips to make your trip from Basel to Zurich the best part of your vacation!
### Dress in layers
Zurich has a high elevation and is by a large body of water, so the weather can change on a dime. Warm, sunny days can quickly turn much cooler in the shade or evening times. Wear layers so you are always comfortable inside or outdoors!
### Have comfortable footwear
Switzerland is a mountainous country, so sturdy and comfortable shoes are a must for all the steep streets and trails. Break in your shoes before starting your vacation and wear thick socks to prevent blisters.
### Be punctual for reservations
If you’ve booked any restaurant reservations, tours, or excursions, make sure you are a few minutes early. The Swiss value punctuality and like to stay on schedule. Remember that old adage "if you're not early, you're late"? The Swiss live it. This also applies to public transportation, which is accurate to the posted departure and arrival times.
How to get from Basel to Zurich
The route from Basel to Zurich is among the most popular in Switzerland, so there are frequent and fast transportation options between them.
### Basel to Zurich by private car service
With Daytrip, it’s not just about the destination but also the journey. The drive to Zurich takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes and is directly connected via the A3 highway. This distance is a good length for a day trip to Zurich and seeing the many castles and Roman ruins that dot the countryside.
Your private driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Basel and take you to all the sightseeing stops you want to see before getting you safely to Zurich. If you are staying overnight in Zurich, your driver will take you right to your hotel and help with your bags.
Daytrip takes the guesswork out of car rentals and driving in foreign countries. Our drivers speak English and our fleet of vehicles are insured, so you can have peace of mind while on your vacation.
### Basel to Zurich by train
Direct trains leave Basel every 15 minutes for Zurich and take about one hour to arrive at Zurich’s main train station. Tickets start at 20 USD for economy class and you do not have to purchase tickets ahead of time due to the frequency of the trains.
### Basel to Zurich by bus
Buses to Zurich start at about 10 USD and take about 90 minutes. They tend to be a reliable, on-time, and clean method of transportation. Check the timetables early to get the best price and departure time. If you have a flight from ZRH, it is also possible to book a bus straight to the airport without a transfer.
Things to do when you get to Zurich
Once you’ve made it from Basel to Zurich, get acquainted with Switzerland's largest city by adding these top things to do to your itinerary!
### Go out on Lake Zurich
In Zurich, you’re never too far from nature. During the short summers, locals take to Lake Zurich to do watersports, picnic on the shores, and walk along the promenade. Take a boat cruise tour for panoramic views of the shore and to learn more about the area.
### Visit a swanky bar in Zurich West
Zurich West is a trendy and vibrant district known for its contemporary art galleries and hip cafes made out of converted warehouse spaces. Be sure to stop by the Schiffbau Cultural Center and the Viadukt market hall for Instagramable industrial chic photo ops and inspiration.
### Shop til you drop on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is among the world's most exclusive luxury shopping districts. Browse the many designer boutiques and department stores from around the world within walking distance of each other. Check out the wide array of jewelry, clothing, and, of course, Swiss watches.
### Take a hike
Once you’ve seen all Zurich has to offer, take a short train or car ride outside the city to Uetliberg Mountain. Here you will find hiking trails leading you to breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and Zurich. With views like these, you can see why the Swiss love the outdoors and hiking so much!
The trails are open year-round, even in winter, so come prepared with a water bottle, comfortable shoes, and layered clothing appropriate for the season.
When is the best time to visit Zurich
Zurich is a year-round destination thanks to its close access to winter sports and mild summers. This is true of all parts of Switzerland, from Bern to Basel to Zurich.
The high altitude of Switzerland means great snow and mountains for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. If you get too cold, heat up with some roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and other traditional winter foods.
Summers in Zurich are quite cool compared to other parts of Europe, with highs of around 75F (25C). With this in mind, the best time to visit Zurich is whenever you want!
Visit these sights on the way
Vitra Design Museum
Nearly every major design school is represented in this exhaustive collection of furniture and interior design exhibits. Chronicling Good Taste
Augusta Raurica
Amongst the well-preserved ruins and ongoing excavations, Roman life is brought to light through artefacts and events. Do as the Romans Do
Olten
Olten’s 19th century covered bridge marks the river crossing that has defined the town’s identity since Roman times Bridging the Centuries
Hallwyl Castle
Well-preserved and completely surrounded by water, this is one of the finest moated castles in all of Switzerland. Floating through Time
Baden
This ancient town’s mineral-rich springs have been helping people relax since Roman times. The Richest Baths
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”
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traveler Daydream20046758137
“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”
“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”
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traveler Omar
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
