Basel is the gateway to the Swiss rail network - the world’s densest rail network. All major Swiss towns can be reached with ease from Basel within three hours at the most. And finally: the successful public transport companies, which make such an essential contribution to the excellent urban and local transport infrastructure, are considered exemplary by many city authorities.

Everywhere in 3 hours
At the national level road and rail are the principal means of transport. Practically every town in Switzerland can be reached by rail - Switzerland has the densest railway network in the world. Towns and villages in remoter areas are served by excellent public transport bus, ship or mountain railway services. Switzerland also has one of the world’s best-developed road networks. In fact, all major Swiss towns can be reached by road from Basel within 3 hours.
Regional traffic

Public transport
Basel has a public transport network with excellent coverage which is characterised by punctuality, short waiting times and modern vehicles. The simple and affordable monthly public transport ticket, the so-called "Umweltabonnement" (environmental ticket), introduced in 1984 was the first of its kind in Europe. This enables the holder to use all the city’s public transport - bus, tram, "Regio-S-Bahn" (regional urban railway) - at a favourable price, and has proven to be an excellent way of encouraging the use of public transport throughout the entire region. The proportion of commuters who do not use their cars, and who thus contribute towards the high quality of life in Basel, is also very high in comparison to other cities. The inhabitants of Basel are emotionally attached to their public transport system, and the city is proud of its green trams. Public transport also plays an important role when it comes to leisure opportunities, as this can take people quickly to the beautiful surrounding countryside and cultural monuments, parties and leisure facilities both within and outside the city. The regional, international Regio-S-Bahn serves in particular commuters who work in Basel and who live within the agglomeration. This network is steadily being expanded.
Automobile, parking management system
The well-developed road network keeps traffic moving smoothly. A ring-road channels motor traffic around the city centre. A parking management system and a network of 13 car parks with a total of 6′000 parking spaces situated around the edge of the city centre means drivers can quickly find a space to park.
Bicycle city
Basel is considered one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Europe. A clearly-marked network of bicycle routes and paths criss-cross both the city itself as well as the surrounding region. The use of e-bikes (bicycles with electric auxiliary motors) is also promoted. Inline skates, skateboards, kickboards and scooters can also frequently be seen; dedicated rinks and parks are available for keen users. Special route maps are also available for cyclists.
Taxis & car rentals
A large fleet of taxis, specially composed to meet the needs of the international exhibitions in Basel, provides personal transport services around the clock. In addition, all the major car rental firms maintain branches in the region.
Coach operators
Coach operators cover innumerable regional, national and international routes in all directions. Particularly popular destinations include the region’s thermal springs, the Swiss Alps and warmer southern regions of Europe.

Links

Basler Verkehrsbetriebe

Parking management system Basel

Bus-Parking Basel

Baselland-Transport AG

Regio metro rail network

Swiss Federal Railways

Tarifverbund Nordwestschweiz

Taxi Zentrale Basel

Transport information for the whole of Switzerland (traffic congestion, train/airline delays etc.)