What is the fastest way to get from Paris to Basel?
The fastest way to get from Paris to Basel is usually by train. A high-speed train can take about three hours, while a regional train will take four to five, similar to taking a flight, making the train the fastest way to travel.
Is there a high-speed train from Paris to Switzerland?
There is a high-speed train from Paris to Basel in Switzerland. The TGV Lyria operates daily direct trains from Paris to major Swiss cities like Base. Prices are higher than regional trains, but the trip is more comfortable, and more amenities are available to ensure an enjoyable travel experience.
How long is the TGV from Paris to Basel?
The TGV takes about three to three and a half hours on average to travel from Paris to Basel because it is a high-speed train. This means that it is usually appropriate for those who want to visit Basel on a day trip.
Is the train from Paris to Basel Scenic?
The train journey from Paris to Basel is quite scenic. As the TGV Lyria travels from France into Switzerland, passengers can enjoy picturesque views of the French countryside, rolling hills, charming villages, and, as it approaches Basel, the stunning landscapes of the Jura mountains and the Rhine Valley.
How do I get from Paris to Basel, Switzerland?
There are several ways to get from Paris to Basel in Switzerland, including taking a bus, train, flight, or driving with Daytrip. Your transportation will depend on your specific needs, but Daytrip is often the most beneficial in terms of time, money, and sightseeing.
What is the easiest way to get from Paris to Basel?
The easiest way to get from Paris is not by flight but by private car with a door-to-door service like Daytrip. Flying can be a hassle, especially with airport security and customs, so driving with a car service that can pick you up and drop you off based on your travel needs is far easier.
Most people know Paris as the most romantic city in the world. It also has some of the world's most famous sights, which are constantly featured in movies, magazines, and works of art. So it's understandable that you might not want to ever leave, but Basel is another place worth visiting that is not too far away. A car trip from Paris to Basel with Daytrip promises untold adventures with exciting sights along the way and a city unlike any other awaiting your explorations.
Along the way, before you get to Basel, you can see how the kings and emperors of yesteryear lived in the lap of luxury at the Palace of Fontainebleau. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest chateaus in France and is worth a tour if you would like to imagine yourself in an alternate reality where you are royalty.
Afterward, you can stop at the moody and immaculately Gothic Sens Cathedral, which took four centuries to build, before visiting the medieval city of Troues, which has beautiful timbered houses and knitwear. Then, let's not forget about the Notre Dame du Haut chapel, the Belfort Square with its huge giant statue and citadel, and the Alsace Ecomuseum. The latter is perfect for history lovers since it gives visitors an authentic look into what life was like in rural France during the 19th and 20th centuries.
With all these places and more along the way, you're spoilt for choice, and your private English-speaking Daytrip driver won't mind accommodating your sightseeing requests. So what are you waiting for? Book with door-to-door car service Daytrip today to see these sights and Basel in Switzerland, with its rich mix of history, art, culture, and nature, offering an experience unlike any other.
About Basel
If you look at a map, you will see that Basel is a city in Switzerland. Basel is well known as the country's oldest university city, and as such, you can expect to see lots of students flitting from one place to the next most of the year. It's also a historically interesting, culturally beautiful, and architecturally wondrous city.
Like many other European cities, Basel can trace its history back to Roman times when it was used as a fortification city. During the medieval period, Basel became a widespread trade and cultural center, which allowed the city to grow and flourish, leading to the development of universities like the University of Basel in 1460 â which is the oldest university in the city. Nowadays, the city is a major cultural and pharmaceutical hub and sees millions of visitors every year.
Some of the city's most fascinating historic landmarks include the large market square, which is home to a late Renaissance Gothic-style cathedral and a decorative red sandstone town hall. Then there's the Old Town, which is itself a historic hub. A stroll through the Old Town will take you past quaint antique bookshops, small boutique storefronts, modern design stores, and many restaurants. One restaurant you shouldn't miss is Lackerli Huus, which has scrumptious traditional Basel honey cakes!
Culturally, some must-visits include any of the more than 40 museums throughout the city, like the Basel Art Museum, the Museum of Cultures, and the museum devoted to the famous iron sculptor Jean Tinguely. There are also several playhouses and galleries worth exploring, not to mention that the city is home to a symphony and chamber orchestra that puts on international productions.
If staying within city limits is not on your agenda, the Basel countryside is picturesque and worthy of your exploration. The charming countryside is home to cherry trees in the spring, lots of hiking trails, and a beautiful display of blooms when in season. It also doesn't hurt that the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains are only a stone's throw away from Basel itself.
From Paris to Basel: travel tips
Traveling from Paris to Basel is an opportunity you won't want to miss, considering the Swiss city is a beautiful blend of modern architecture and medieval old town buildings and flair. The trip itself offers sightseeing destinations you won't want to miss.
So it's essential to ensure your travel commences without any setbacks, and part of ensuring this is the case is keeping in mind a few helpful travel tips. Let's take a look at what you need to know below:
### If traveling by train, book regional trains
Many find themselves with an almost rabid desire to cast their eyes upon the moving scenery when completing a Paris to Basel transfer, and we can't blame them. This trip offers some of the most beautiful views, but if you take a high-speed train, these views can come at a steep price point.
If driving isn't your style, we respect your decision to travel by train, but we recommend booking a regional train instead. Regional train travel offers similar stunning views and saves money on travel fares.
### Book accommodation with perks
Switzerland is a costly travel destination, so you can expect your pocketbook to feel dented after a trip to Basel. However, you can get more bang for your buck if you book your accommodation in advance and choose a hotel with perks.
The distance from Paris to Basel is about 324 miles (521 km), and depending on how you travel, it can take anywhere from three hours to eight and a half hours. This means you might want to stop along the way and stay somewhere. If you do, book accommodation with a kitchen to save big on food costs.
You should also look for stays in smaller villages outside big towns and resorts to enjoy cheaper per-night costs. It wouldn't hurt to look for freebies, including WiFi and meals. When you get to Basel, keep these tips in mind, too, to save.
### Be prepared for the tourist tax
If you haven't heard of it already, we're sorry to be the ones to bring you the news, but Switzerland and, thus, Basel have a tourist tax. The Swiss tourist tax is usually paid per person and can cost between two and seven Francs per night.
So when you get to Basel, be prepared to pay this to stay overnight. Unfortunately, there is no way around it unless you stay over in one of the nearby cities, which you are in the unique position to do, considering Basel is close to two other European countries. If you're unsure where to stay, ask your Daytrip driver for a few recommendations.
How to get from Paris to Basel
So, how do you get from Paris to Basel now that you know it's a region worth visiting? You'll be excited to learn that there are quite a few travel options available.
From taking a flight or enjoying scenic views from a train or bus seat to exploring sightseeing destinations while driving with a private door-to-door service, finding the right fit can be challenging. That's why we've shared what to expect with each transportation option below:
### From Paris to Basel by Bus
Flixbus is the most popular option for those who want to travel from Paris to Basel by bus. These buses are known to provide reliable services with a few onboard amenities like bathrooms, charging outlets, and WiFi to make life easier.
Bus travel's biggest downfall is usually its length; this route is no different. If you book with Flixbus or a different bus line, expect the trip to take between seven and nine hours. However, cost-wise, it's cheap. On average, a ticket costs $20 to $40 (âŹ19-âŹ37), and multiple trips are offered daily.
### From Paris to Basel by train
Those who want to travel by train have two choices: a regional or high-speed train. The regional train is cheaper than the high-speed train but takes longer.
Regional trains will take four to five hours to travel from Paris to Basel, while high-speed trains like TGV Lyria will take about three hours.
Additionally, a regional train costs between $50 and $100 (âŹ47-âŹ93) one way, while a high-speed train costs between $100 and $150 (âŹ93-âŹ140) or more, depending on whether you travel first or second class.
You should note that traveling by high-speed train is often more comfortable and luxurious than a regional train, but both offer the same scenic views.
### From Paris to Basel by private car transfer service
Often, a private car transfer service is one of the best ways to travel the route from Paris to Basel. It might not be a cheap optionâor at least the cheapestâwith booking prices beginning at $182 (âŹ170) per seat per way, but it offers many benefits.
First and foremost, the booking fee will include all fuel and tolls. Secondly, you will have a private English-speaking driver who knows the route and can get you to Basel safely. Thirdly, you can sightsee along the way in places like Troyes if you want to explore before beginning your adventure in Basel.
Driving with a private car service like Daytrip will also mean you will get to your destination in only five and a half hours, and you won't need to worry about uncomfortable seating and crowded cabins. It is also a far less tiring way to travel, and if you feel like doing so, you can chat with your driver to pick their brain for travel tips.
### From Paris to Basel by flight
Flights are also an option if you want to complete a day trip to Basel and get to the city quickly. Air France and EasyJet often offer trips from Paris to Basel multiple times daily, and the flight only takes about an hour and a half.
However, you need to account for travel time to and from the airport, which can increase the travel time to about four hours, making a train faster. Price-wise, flights can be cheap if you book in advance, but you can budget between $50 and $150 (âŹ47-âŹ140) per way.
Flights are quick, but they involve airport hassle, and there is no opportunity to visit places like Belfort, Troyes, Notre Dame du Haut, or the Palace of Fontainebleau along the way.
Things to do when you get to Basel
With a Paris to Basel transfer on the horizon, it's time to decide where to visit when you get to this atmospheric city, home to more than 40 museums and a captivating old town.
Now, we know you likely have a few things picked out already, but we thought you might want to have a look at a few of the best things to do in Basel when you visit:
### Zoologischer Garten
Families traveling with young children will love the opportunity to visit the Zoologischer Garten, Switzerland's oldest and biggest zoo. Locals affectionately refer to this zoo as the 'zolli', and it's a place you'll want to explore, considering it has been named one of the fifteen best zoos in the world.
Founded in 1874, the Zoologischer Zoo has some of the world's most exotic species. From mammals and predators to primates, birds, reptiles, and aquatic life, you'll see some of the world's best and little-known animals in one place. The zoo's highlights are its monkey, lion, and elephant enclosures, each featuring unique habitats.
### Basler MĂŒnster
It might not be what it once was, but that doesn't mean Basler MĂŒnster isn't a church you should explore when visiting Basel. This church is easily spotted and recognizable thanks to its brightly patterned roof tiles and prominent spires.
After being nearly completely destroyed by the Protestants in 1529, much of the church was rebuilt, and some of its most precious treasures survived. Many of these treasures were hidden in the church's sacristy vaulting, and you can see some of them in the historical museum.
### Paper Mill Museum
With more than 40 museums to choose from when visiting Basel, we understand that it can be difficult to narrow down which are worth your time. But if we had to recommend just one, we would choose the old Paper Mill Museum because of its uniqueness.
This museum is nestled upon a medieval canal. It once was a paper mill that was operational thanks to a still-operating waterwheel. Nowadays, the museum demonstrates how paper was made and showcases the art of writing, printing, and papermaking.
When you visit, you will learn all about the printing and papermaking processes with working machinery from years ago! You'll also get to see how laborious making paper by hand used to be and why it was such a rare commodity until modern times.
When is the best time to visit Basel?
Visiting Basel should be on everyone's bucket list, but when is the best time to travel from Paris to Basel? The answer to this question will depend on who you ask; however, most people agree that May through September is ideal.
During these months, the summer temperatures are delightful during the dayânot too hot or too muggy. However, if you visit in July or August, be prepared for sweltering weather and hot evenings since it's the peak summer season. Also, pack an umbrella and raincoat, as summer showers are not unheard of in Basel.
Additionally, if you do not like summer, there is always winter. If you visit during the winter months, be prepared for freezing weatherâbut with little to no snow.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Palace of Fontainebleau
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the largest chateaus in France, was home to the countryâs most decadent kings and emperors. The House of AgesÂ
Sens Cathedral
The painstaking construction of this immaculate Gothic cathedral started in 1140 and lasted for four centuries. Art Complicated with HistoryÂ
Troyes
This medieval city is the national capital for half-timbered houses and knitwear. A Medieval OutletÂ
Notre Dame du Haut
Le Corbusierâs legendary UNESCO-listed chapel is one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. Divine DesignÂ
Belfort
A giant lion statue, and even larger citadel watch over the peaceful squares and colorful buildings of this ancient city. The Bold and the BeautifulÂ
Alsace Ecomuseum
Franceâs largest eco-museum gives an authentic look at rural life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Culture in a NutshellÂ
