Groovin' to Eurovision: A Guide to Gracing Basel
To reach Basel, follow these steps: - Attend Basel: Admonition Issued
It's the moment we've all been waiting for—Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is right around the corner! This year's musical spectacle will take place at the St. Jakobshalle in the lovely city of Basel, Switzerland. The preliminaries are set for May 13 and 15, while the grand finale unfolds on May 17. Alongside the shows, party animals can revel in the Arena Plus and EuroClub. But how do you make your way to this Swiss gem, ensuring a hassle-free journey?
By Land, Air, or Rail?
Although there are paid parking spots within the city, the Canton of Basel-Stadt urges against traveling by car due to limited parking options in the city and the region.
Fret not, car-averse spectators! Flying to Basel might just be the solution you're looking for. The EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is a mere seven kilometers from the city center, according to the canton, and a bus runs frequently from the arrival hall, even operating until 00:30, delivering passengers to the city center in around 20 minutes.
For those who prefer a more eco-friendly voyage, or wish to sidestep the traffic, traveling by train is the way to go—and it's a preferred mode of transport recommended by the canton. The Basel SBB, Basel Badischer Bahnhof, and Bahnhof Basel SNCF stations are easily reachable from many European countries. You can secure Intercity or EuroCity connections from cities like Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, or Hamburg, sometimes even without needing a transfer. An added perk for all Eurovision enthusiasts: those with a valid ticket for one of the official events can snag a 20 Swiss franc discount on public transport fares within Switzerland.
Hopscotching Basel on the Cheap with the BaselCard
To get around the venues, the canton highly recommends utilizing public transportation. For many Eurovision fans, this could even be a free ride, as visitors with a valid event ticket or BaselCard can travel for free in the Nordwestschweiz, Regio Verkehrsverbund Loerrach, and Distribus areas. Tickets for the official events at the St. Jakobshalle, Arena Plus, or EuroClub include travel to the locations on the event day and the return journey until 05:00 the next morning. If you're staying in a hotel, apartment, hostel, or bed and breakfast in the canton, a BaselCard will be provided, granting you a pass to free public transport, as well as a slew of discounts, such as 50% off museum admission, Basel Zoo, and other attractions in the city.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) will offer additional trains for a round trip during the Eurovision Song Contest, fortifying regular services. From May 11 to 17, so-called ESC Nightlines will keep the music soaring late into the night. Alternatively, taxis or rental bikes can be employed.
Additional Insights:
- Traveling by Train: The canton recommends obtaining your Eurovision ticket as early as possible, as the competition draws large crowds each year.
- Staying in Basel: If you're planning on spending more time in Basel, consider seeking accommodations elsewhere owing to costly hotels within the city during the event. Towns like Liestal, Rheinfelden, and Mulhouse in France offer more affordable options and have good rail connections to Basel.
- Flight Options: Check airline websites for the latest flight deals and promotions to Basel Airport (EAP), Zurich Airport (ZRH), or Strasbourg Airport (SXB).
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft budget for the European Union, considering the increase in expenditure for travel and lifestyle during the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel. Despite the urging against traveling by car due to limited parking options in Basel, flying to the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is a convenient solution, with frequent bus services running from the airport to the city center.
