Eurovision Song Contest: Navigate Basel Like a Pro
Reaching Basel: An Optimal Route to Navigate - Attend Basel, it's advisable
It's time to don your glitter and get ready for the annual Eurovision Song Contest (ESC)! In 2025, the music bonanza will take place at the captivating St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland. The first semi-final is on May 13, the second on May 15, and the grand finale on May 17. Join the fun not only during the shows but also at the Arena Plus and EuroClub! But how to reach Basel and smoothly navigate within the city?
Car, Train, or Plane—Which is Best?
Though paid parking spots are available within the city, and there will be a "Park & Ride Eurovision" offer on May 17 from Kaiseraugst with a shuttle service, the canton of Basel-Stadt strongly discourages traveling by car due to limited parking options in the city and surrounding areas.
For those looking to avoid the traffic hassle and parking woes, consider taking a flight to Basel. The EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is about 7 kilometers from the city center. A bus runs frequently and takes around 20 minutes to reach the city center, operating until 00:30.
A more eco-friendly and canton-recommended option is traveling by train. Train stations Basel SBB, Basel Badischer Bahnhof, and Bahnhof Basel SNCF are easily accessible from numerous European cities, such as Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, or Hamburg, often without the need for additional changes. Plus, ESC ticket holders can enjoy a 20 Swiss franc discount on public transport journeys within Switzerland.
Is That Free Public Transport You're Talking About?
The canton encourages using public transport for getting to the venues. ESC fans might be able to take advantage of this for free, as ticket holders for official events or those with a BaselCard are eligible for free travel in the Nordwestschweiz (TNW), Regio Verkehrsverbund Loerrach (RVL), and Distribus areas. These tickets cover travel to the event locations on the day itself and the return trip until 5:00 a.m. the following morning. Visitors staying in hotels, apartments, hostels, or bed and breakfasts in the canton will automatically receive a BaselCard. In addition to free public transport, this card also offers numerous discounts, such as half-price museum entrances, Zoo Basel visits, and more attractions in the city.
The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) will supply additional trains for a round trip during the ESC and will also reinforce regular trains. From May 11 to 17, there will be ESC Nightlines to ensure the party can continue late into the night. Alternatively, taxis or rental bikes can be utilized.
Fun Facts:
- Enjoy the scenic route by taking direct trains from Zurich or Strasbourg to Basel.
- Consider staying in nearby towns like Liestal, Rheinfelden, or Olten in Switzerland or Mulhouse in France, as they offer good rail connections to Basel.
- Book accommodation early to avoid the rush, and explore the well-organized public transport system in Basel when you arrive.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft budget for the European Union, considering the increased costs due to the Eurovision Song Contest. Meanwhile, to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while traveling to Basel, take advantage of the public transport discounts offered to ESC ticket holders and visitors with a BaselCard, which provides free travel in the Nordwestschweiz, RVL, and Distribus areas.
