Words & Pictures by Shaun Troke
Before arriving into Basel for the first time, and, after browsing information online, at the glance, the transportation system appeared easy to use…
However, a real life experience was much more informative.
Arrival
Welcome to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg…
Basel’s Airport is actually located in France! And, is almost 3 miles from the city of Basel.
But, we’ll discuss that more in the next section…
Arriving into Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg was quite a lengthy process:
For some reason, there were long queues in the lead up to border control…
So, I’m uncertain if this is an ongoing issue, or, if my flight had just arrived at the same time as other flights (this was 9:30pm/10pm, so I was quite surprised by these queues)…
So yeah, perhaps be ready for some queuing!
Once you’ve been improved entry into Switzerland (or France…I’m still confused by this!), it’s time to make your way to your destination city, that’s only 3 miles away: Basel.
I was aware that it was Route No.50 that would transfer me to the city in under 20 minutes…
But, because Basel is renowned for its trams, I was quite surprised to discover that the journey on Route 50 would NOT be by bus.
Buses, not trams!
Yes, because I’d learned the Basel transportation system mostly involves trams, I assumed – and expected – a tram…
But, the No.50 isn’t a tram…
It’s a bendy bus.
A long bendy bus!
What compensates for this vehicular disappointment is that the buses on Route 50 are VERY frequent (like, every 8 minutes!)…
Though, because buses seem to be the only mode of city transport from the airport (excluding taxis), these buses can be rammed full of people when leaving the airport.
The plus side? If you’ve booked a stay at a Basel hotel, then you’ll be entitled to ride this bus all the way to Basel’s SBB railway station for free (contact your hotel for more details about this).
In the city
Free ride!
At your hotel, you should receive your complimentary BaselCard at reception. This card will allow you free use of Basel’s public transport during your stay in the city!
The ticket is easy to use:
You don’t need to show it – or scan it – on the trams…
However, it’s still worth keeping your ticket in your wallet/purse, just in case (trust me, this is based on experience after being fined in European cities!)
Exploration
If sightseeing is high on your agenda, boats are available to take you up & down the Rhine River in the summer (note: your BaselCard excludes boat travel costs)…
Unfortunately, I visited Basel in November, when many of the boat trips weren’t operational.
However, all year round, trams are still the most efficiently comfortable way to get around the city!
And, with journey details screened on LED monitors in the trams carriages, you’re never stressing & trying to figure out where you’re supposed to get off.
I’d have liked a few more days to use the trams…
Mostly because they allow you to explore many different pockets in Basel, that are OFF the tourist map…
At no extra cost!
I thoroughly enjoyed using the transportation system in Basel…
Perhaps because, for a country renowned for being so expensive, it’s nice to have something for free in Switzerland!
Departure
So, you’re heading back at the Basel’s Airport in France…
And, if you choose to catch Bus 50 again, it’ll depart from where you got off (at Basel’s SBB railway station)…
And, you’ll find that the bus isn’t as crowded when heading back to the airport.
In the winter month of November, it took under 3 minutes to go through security & border control…
And, the airport was like a ghost town (well, ghost airport!)
The silence & relaxed atmosphere was lovely, and I never felt rushed or hassled when reaching my departure gate (Manchester Airport needs to take note from these chilled European airports!)…
My only issue with EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is that, much like the rest of Switzerland, prices are still shockingly high (around 5Fr – £3.90/€4.40 – for a coffee…served on its own!)
You can find out more about Basel in our series GOING SOLO, available to watch here on YouTube!