Any ideas on how I could get there earlier than the first train? It reaches the airport at 06:40 am.
I am going to Basel airport early in the morning this weekend. But just realised that the train from Zurich HB doesnt reach early enough
Check out http://www.sbb.ch/en/ or spend the night before with a friend.
Taxi... if you're very very rich. Otherwise Mobility? If that doesn't work, then you're either relying on a friend with a car, or staying overnight in/near Basel.
( The train gets to Basel at 6:22. Then the bus gets to the airport for 6:37 ).
1) can you stay in Basel the night before?
2) what time do you need to actually be there?
3) can you check in to your flight in advance, so no airport check in needed?
I am guessing that at such an early time, you are flying easyjet. That being the case you can checkin and allow 30 minutes to get to your flight from the airport (via taxi) - literally taxi door to aircraft door.
Your best bet, though, would be to go the night before and stay in Basel. Plenty of cheapish hotels on the way. Alternatively, stay in a cheap hotel in France and come "back in" to CH at the airport and onto the flight.
Not sure what time you are going but generally the car-sharing folks are quite accommodating. This link is the search for car shares between Zurich and Basle this weekend:
I think an ideal time to reach the airport would be 06:00. I can check-in online, but wouldn't I still have to go through baggage check etc. And if there happens to be queue there, I've missed my flight.
That carpool link is nice - didn't know such a thing existed. But I dont see anyone leave early morning. All leave in the evenings
If you are the kind if traveller who worries - no disrespect, some people just do - then go the night before. Stay in the casino hotel and go early in the morning.
Note there are to luggage check points in Basel. The one by the Easyjet check-ins (used to be the old way up to the flights) and the new one above the main entrance hall. This latter one is seldom used as most of the Easyjet flock go to the one closest to them. You can usually see which one is least crowded and head for it.
last time we had to do that, the only way (other than staying at a hotel over night or taking a taxi for 350 Fr.) was picking up a rental car in Zurich and dropping it off in Basel.
Peter
Any updates since 2010.
I have a flight leaving from Basel Airport either sunday or monday at 6.15am, which makes me have to leave Zurich around 4am. Anyone know a private driver that would drive us for a reasonable price ?
Thanks guys
how many people?
hotel or all-nighter in Basel is cheaper....or sleep in airport: http://www.sleepinginairports.net/europe/basle.htm
if you sleep in the airport just aim for the last connection there.
and another consideration if there is an "us" is to drive and pay for parking.
There is (or at least used to be) a night bus from Zurich to Basel that will get you there. I did it a few years ago, I think it left from Cental (opposite the hotel) at around 3-4am. A google search might find it, or the SBB website maybe.