Basel,without a car.

Exploring on foot

Basel’s Old Town is compact and best explored on foot. Most sights in the centre are within walking distance of each other.

The lanes around Spalenberg, the Marktplatz, the Münster and the Rhine are all part of the same historic centre. Some lanes are steep and cobbled, so comfortable shoes help. Crossing the Mittlere Brücke brings you to Kleinbasel and its riverside promenade.

A short Old Town walk links the main sights.

Trams & buses

Basel has a dense tram and bus network, run within the city mainly by BVB. It connects the Old Town with Basel SBB, Messe Basel and the outer districts.

Plan journeys with the official BVB timetable, which shows current lines, stops and any disruptions. For museums outside the centre, such as the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen, check the route on the day.

From Basel SBB

Basel SBB is the city’s main railway station. From there, the Old Town is reached by tram or on foot.

Enter the station and your Old Town destination into the BVB timetable to see current connections. With luggage, a tram into the Old Town is usually easier than walking up its slopes.

Barfüsserplatz and Marktplatz are the most useful central tram stops for the Old Town.

From EuroAirport

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is connected to Basel SBB by bus 50. From Basel SBB, continue to the Old Town by tram.

Check departure times for your arrival, especially for late flights. The airport sits in France, with a Swiss sector; follow the signs for the Swiss exit.

To Messe Basel

Messe Basel is on Messeplatz, on the Kleinbasel side of the Rhine, with its own tram stop.

For Art Basel and other fairs, check the entrance given by the organiser and allow for busy trams at opening and closing times.

What does the BaselCard include?

According to Basel Tourism (checked in September 2026), the BaselCard includes free public transport in Basel and the surrounding area for your whole stay, up to 30 days, and 25% off many museums and attractions, such as Basel Zoo. It is the city’s guest card, and your hotel, hostel, B&B or apartment gives it to you when you stay overnight in Basel.

Your booking confirmation for a hotel or an Airbnb in Basel also counts as a ticket for the first journey from the station or EuroAirport to your accommodation. The card is not valid for trips to the Vitra Design Museum or into France. Benefits can change, so check the official page before you rely on a particular discount or journey.

Transport information checked against the linked official sources on 25 September 2026. Timetables change; always check current services before travelling.