Your driver will meet you at your address in Basel.
You’ll travel in comfort for 5 h 40 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Paris.
Paris seems to take the spotlight in every history book, romance novel, and biographies of famous artists and thought leaders- and for good reason! This historic capital of Western Europe has had a profound influence on global politics, fashion, and commerce for nearly a thousand years, extending its reach far beyond the ancient city walls. It is where numerous prominent figures have lived and worked, and today, Paris is home to over 11 million people.
The city of Paris, originally known as Parisii by the Celts, was captured by the Romans in 52 BC and renamed Lutetia. By the 4th century AD, it was again referred to as Paris.
Throughout the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, Paris became widely accepted as a cultural, religious, and political hub. It was the center of the French Empire and the French Revolution, both of which dramatically reshaped France’s political landscape and the international map.
In the 19th century, Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann redesigned Paris with the grand boulevards and buildings we know today, but not without sparking debate.
The effects of the French Empire are still prominent in Paris. You’ll notice the multi-ethnic population, restaurants with flavors from every corner of the world, and the many international companies that choose Paris as their headquarters.
French is a major international language with over 320 million speakers, most of whom live outside of France. Even the phrase lingua franca, meaning “the common language,” comes from a period when French was the language of trade. Today, French takes on many Creole forms and dialects, but Parisian French is still the textbook standard.
Over 40 million people visit Paris each year- including you! Paris’s museums are treasure troves of priceless art, so much so that the art spills out into the city at sites like the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower. For French students, it is the ultimate test of fluency.
Paris is a city that must be experienced firsthand to truly appreciate its magic! What are you waiting for? Bon voyage!
Map out a general idea of the places you’d like to see in Paris ahead of time so a small oversight doesn’t leave you frustrated! Follow these travel tips so your Basel to Paris transfer is as smooth as a glass of French wine.
Paris is a top travel destination, so secure your tickets for well-known attractions and dining spots ahead of time! This small bit of planning can save you from long waits and potential disappointment, especially during peak seasons, holidays, and weekends.
If your favorite museum is fully booked, don't worry! With Paris's many museums and galleries, you'll find another great one to explore, or even better, another reason to return to this magnificent city.
Many museums in Paris offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month or on select days throughout the year. Check the museum's website in advance to see if your trip aligns with a free entry day.
Keep in mind that free museum days tend to draw large crowds, so it’s wise to leave your hotel early. Also, look out for discounted tickets if you are a student, have a disability, or are of retirement age.
The route from Basel to Paris doesn’t have to be daunting! We've outlined the most popular transportation options so you can easily compare their advantages and disadvantages.
Hiring a driver is a great solution for travelers who want to see the smaller cities and sites in France without waiting all day for regional trains. Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel in Basel, and the direct journey takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to take a break and stretch your legs. France is more than just Paris! Enhance your journey by making a few stops to explore towns like Belfort and Troyes.
Once your driver safely delivers you to Paris, you won’t need to worry about immediately figuring out public transportation or dealing with a rental car return. You’ll be dropped off directly at your hotel in Paris, with assistance for your luggage. The perfect way to arrive in Paris!
TGV trains are the high-speed option for traveling through France. Five direct TGV trains leave the Basel SBB station daily, starting at 8:34 AM. After a brief 3-hour ride, you will arrive at Paris’s Gare de Lyon station.
Tickets can be bought online from Deutsche Bahn (DB) or SNCF, and prices vary. For second-class seats, expect to pay between $60 and $192 (€56-€179), and for first-class tickets, $91 to $230 (€85 to €215).
According to its online timetable, Flixbus has one direct bus per day that leaves Basel’s SBB station at 11:50 AM. After an 8-hour ride, you will arrive at Paris’s Bercy Seine station at around 8:00 PM. Ticket prices vary, but the average is around $53.50 (€50) for one passenger and one piece of luggage.
AirFrance has one daily flight to Paris that leaves Basel at 6:40 PM. Tickets range from $192 to $220 (€179-€205), and the flight is 1 hour and 15 minutes long. They also occasionally offer morning flights but on a less consistent basis.
Paris is an endless city that can be visited time and time again without growing old, so don’t worry if you can’t see everything on your list this time! It’s the perfect excuse to plan another visit next year! As you prepare for your transfer from Basel to Paris, make sure to add these must-see spots to your itinerary for when you arrive!
The Catacombs, an underground ossuary, contain the remains of millions of Parisians and let you step into the intriguing and somewhat haunting past. Tickets for the tour can be bought online 7 days before your desired date.
It's advisable to book ahead to avoid waiting in line for a limited number of same-day tickets. The booking system is a little confusing, but the website walks you through booking the time you’re looking for.
No visit to Paris is complete without exploring the Louvre! As the world’s most famous art gallery, it offers one of the largest and most remarkable collections. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the museum’s extensive range of artworks and artifacts, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, always leaves a lasting impression. Given its popularity, it’s wise to book your tickets in advance to avoid lengthy queues.
What is the Paris skyline without the Eiffel Tower? Today, it is beloved and the most frequented paid attraction in Europe, but it wasn’t always popular with Parisians. For the best views of Paris, make your way to the multiple viewing platforms and telescopes at the top. To minimize waiting time, it's best to purchase your tickets in advance.
It sounds cliche, but the perfect time to make your trip from Basel to Paris is whenever you wish! Paris has been a beloved travel destination for centuries, and each season provides fresh reasons to adore this romantic city.
The most popular time to visit Paris is in the summer when school has ended, and work vacations are more easily planned, but the spring and fall have the most comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. If your calendar allows for it, definitely aim for a springtime trip to Paris when the balcony flowers are in bloom, and the summer heat hasn’t quite made it out yet.
For a cozy experience, explore “The City of Lights” in the weeks leading up to Christmas to see it beautifully illuminated with extra festive lights, trees, and markets. Paris has many museums, galleries, and theaters to escape from the cold, and the snow adds a romantic sheen to panoramic photos.
France’s largest eco-museum gives an authentic look at rural life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Culture in a Nutshell
A giant lion statue, and even larger citadel watch over the peaceful squares and colorful buildings of this ancient city. The Bold and the Beautiful
Le Corbusier’s legendary UNESCO-listed chapel is one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. Divine Design
This medieval city is the national capital for half-timbered houses and knitwear. A Medieval Outlet
The painstaking construction of this immaculate Gothic cathedral started in 1140 and lasted for four centuries. Art Complicated with History
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the largest chateaus in France, was home to the country’s most decadent kings and emperors. The House of Ages
“I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas”
lakekariba
Dec 4, 2024“We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!”
pgh1125
Dec 3, 2024“Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.”
James B
Nov 9, 2024“Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.”
LuckyTraveler01
Nov 1, 2024All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
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 are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
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).
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.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
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.
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