Best 7 towns for a day trip from Basel

Basel’s unique location at the meeting point of Switzerland, France, and Germany makes it a perfect base for short day trips. Within easy reach are storybook towns, cultural cities, and scenic landscapes, each offering something distinct. Charming villages dot the region around Basel, making for a great place to spend a day trip from Basel, full of old history, interesting sights, and beautiful nature.
 

The following are 7 Of The Best Small Towns For A Day Trip From Basel–

1. Lucerne – Lakeside scenery and classic Swiss charm

Lucerne is one of the most beautiful towns. The views of the beautiful lake, the charming old town, and other attractions are all amazing to see during the spring months. Many people who go to Lucerne for just a little while prefer to take an Airport transfer service instead of taking a train because they would have to change trains many times before reaching their destination.

Key Highlights:

  • Iconic wooden Chapel Bridge
  • Scenic Lake Lucerne promenade
  • Colorful Old Town squares
  • Mountain views surrounding the city 

2. Colmar – Fairytale streets and wine lovers

Colmar feels like stepping into a storybook, making it perfect for slow walks and photography. Travelers heading to Colmar from Basel often choose a private Basel chauffeur service, especially for smooth cross-border travel into France.

Key Highlights:

  • Half-timbered Alsatian houses
  • Colorful canals and bridges
  • Flower-lined cobblestone streets
  • Traditional wine bars and cafés

3. Bern – History and architecture

Bern’s Old Town is compact yet rich in history. Cobblestone streets and river walks make it perfect for a one-day visit. Families and time-conscious travelers often rely on Bern Limousine service to explore Bern from Basel comfortably within a limited schedule.

Key Highlights:

  • UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town
  • Zytglogge clock tower
  • Arcaded shopping streets
  • Scenic Aare River viewpoints

4. Zurich – Urban culture and shopping

Zurich offers a lively contrast to Basel with its blend of tradition and modern lifestyle. A day trip allows time for culture, shopping, and lakeside relaxation. Choosing the Zurich limousine transfer service from Basel to Zurich gives travelers flexibility and comfort throughout the day.

Key Highlights:

  • Historic Old Town lanes
  • Art and history museums
  • Lake Zurich waterfront
  • Cafés and boutique shopping

5. Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany – Old-town charm and relaxed walks 

Freiburg’s sunny streets and youthful vibe make it a delightful cross-border day trip. Many visitors prefer private limousine transfer hire when traveling from Basel to Germany, ensuring a direct and comfortable journey.

Key Highlights:

  • Gothic Freiburg Cathedral
  • Bächle water channels
  • Lively market square
  • Black Forest backdrop

6. Strasbourg, France –  Fairytale old towns, history, Franco-German culture

Strasbourg is one of the most charming day trips from Basel, blending French elegance with German influences. Its historic centre feels like a postcard, especially around Petite France, where canals and half-timbered houses create a romantic atmosphere. Travelers visiting Strasbourg for a single day often prefer a chauffeur transfer, as it offers a smooth cross-border journey.

Key Highlights:

  • Strasbourg Cathedral (Notre-Dame)
  • Petite France canals and timber houses
  • Cobblestone streets and bridges
  • Riverside walks along the Ill River

7. Interlaken, Switzerland – Nature lovers, alpine scenery

Interlaken delivers breathtaking scenery even on a short visit. Due to longer travel routes and multiple viewpoints, many travelers opt for limousine transfer hire to enjoy a relaxed journey while taking in Switzerland’s natural beauty.

Key Highlights:

  • Turquoise alpine lakes
  • Snow-capped mountain backdrops
  • Scenic viewpoints and walking trails
  • Classic Swiss landscapes

CONCLUSION 

Basel is an excellent place for exploring some of Europe’s most charming towns within a single day. From lakeside cities and medieval old towns to cross-border cultural gems, each destination offers a unique experience without long travel. Choosing limousine transfer hire from Basel adds comfort, flexibility, and time efficiency to these day trips. With thoughtful planning, every town can be explored smoothly and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Limousine Transfer Hire takes care of transfers to various destinations from airports such as Zurich (ZRH), Paris Orly Airport (ORY), Airport Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Sion Airport (SIR), Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Girona Airport (GRO), Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU), Memmingen Airport Transfers, and Innsbruck Airport (INN).
The final price will vary according to distance which vehicle is used and extra services required. You can estimate the fare with our online quote before you confirm your reservation.
To book your vehicle securely and with no fuss, we suggest doing so at least a day before your reservation. On request, late bookings are accepted if there is room available.
Yes. Limousine Transfer Hire picks you up and takes you right to your door. You will be transported to or from your hotel, home, or fixed address.
On arrival, your driver will hold a name sign for you in the arrivals hall. Before departing, you will receive information about the meeting point via email and SMS.
No. All fees appear when you make the booking. Your final price includes all the taxes, fees, and monitoring.
On arrival, your driver will hold a name sign for you in the arrivals hall. Before departing, you will receive information about the meeting point via email and SMS.
All you need to do is enter your address, decide which car you want to take, and pay to get your airport transfer from Limousine Transfer Hire.
You can choose from different transfers with Limousine Transfer Hire, including picking up at the airport, using luxury cars, being driven in a stretch limo, and climbing aboard a van or SUV for group rides.
Yes. Limousine Transfer Hire uses real-time flight tracking. Your chauffeur will be instructed, and your pickup time will be changed at no additional expense.
You may change your order up to 24 hours before the pickup. You can contact us or make the changes yourself on the booking page of your account dashboard.
Yes. At Limousine Transfer Hire, you can get chauffeurs for as long as you need, plus premium airport transfers that work well for meetings and tours.
Each transfer you book with Limousine Transfer Hire is a private service. No one else will be in your reserved vehicle, only you and your group.
You will not be charged if you cancel your ride before 24 hours. After that deadline, cancellations may have an associated fee.
Yes. You can ask if you need child or booster seats in advance. When you make your reservation, indicate your child’s age so we can give them the right seat.
If you don’t see your driver, call our support team immediately. We will direct you to your chauffeur or give you other directions.
We offer a premium fleet including Mercedes-Benz E-Class, S-Class, V-Class, EQE, Mercedes Sprinter, and VW Passat/Golf or similar. All vehicles are chauffeur-driven, well-maintained, and equipped for luxury, business, and airport transfers.
Yes, we specialize in professional chauffeur services tailored for business meetings, conferences, and corporate travel. Our drivers are punctual, discreet, and well-versed in navigating major Swiss cities to ensure a seamless travel experience.