Basel's River Boat Dock: Where To Find It

Basel, Switzerland, is a popular destination for river cruises along the Rhine River. The city is located at the meeting point of Switzerland, France, and Germany, and its river cruise port terminal attracts many travellers. There are three possible docking locations for cruise ships in Basel: St Johann, Klybeck, and Dreiländerecke. The latter two are in the docks, further downstream and on the opposite side of the river, while St Johann is the original docking location, by the city gate of the same name. Most cruise ships dock at the Dreiländereck port, which is a 40-minute tram ride from the city centre.

River cruise docks in Basel

River cruises in Basel usually begin or end in the city. There are several piers where ships dock, including St. Johann, Klybeck, and Dreiländerecke. St. Johann is the original location, by the city gate of the same name. Klybeck and Dreiländerecke are in the docks, further downstream and on the opposite side of the river. Some ships are docked at St. Johannspark (Sankt Johann, 4056 Basel) or near the Dreirosenbrücke, or Three Roses Bridge, in close proximity to the airport, train station, and hotels. The main operator is Viking Cruises. Most vessels from Avalon Waterways dock at Klybeckdock, located along the Uferstrasse. Many ships also dock at the Dreiländereck port on the border with France and Germany, which is about 40 minutes from the city centre by tram.

Basel is divided into two main areas, separated by the Rhine: Grossbasel (or Great Basel), the historic medieval town on the south bank, and Kleinbasel (or Little Basel), situated north of the river, where most of the nightlife is. The cruise port terminal is easily accessible from both areas, as well as from the SBB train station and the Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport.

To get to the ship docks from the SBB train station, you can take tram 8 or 11 to Schifflände, which takes about 10 minutes. The cruise ships dock on the side of the river opposite Kleinbasel. It’s a short tram ride from outside the SBB railway station, and there are several lines to choose from. Basel is a small city, so it's quite easy to get around.

If you are taking a taxi from the airport to the docks, it will be cheaper to go via the Dreirosen Bridge on the motorway. The taxi trip is around 50 USD. You can also take bus number 50 and then tram number 8 to Kleinhüningen, but there will be a 10-minute walk involved.

Viking Cruises dock locations

Viking Cruises typically dock at the Dreiländereck port in Basel, which is situated on the border with France and Germany. This port is approximately 40 minutes away from the city centre by tram, with the number eight tram from Kleinhüningen being the most direct route.

However, Viking Cruises have also been known to dock at St. Johann, Klybeckdock, and Klybeck. St. Johann is the original docking location, situated by the city gate of the same name. Meanwhile, Klybeck and Dreiländerecke are in the docks, further downstream and on the opposite side of the river.

If you are travelling to the port by taxi, it is recommended that you do not dismiss the driver until you know that your ship is at the dock. Viking Cruises may provide a list of ship telephone numbers, which could be useful in this situation.

Basel is a city located in the northwest of Switzerland, where the Swiss, French, and German borders meet. The city is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and charming atmosphere. The historic Old Town, stunning Gothic cathedral, and vibrant arts scene are just a few of the city's many attractions.

Transport from airport to docks

Basel Airport is located just 6km from the city centre, with the river cruise docks located a little further out. There are a few transport options to get from the airport to the docks, depending on your budget and how much time you have.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel to the docks. It will take around 15 minutes and cost approximately €45. Taxis are readily available 24/7 outside the terminal building. You can pay by credit card, but it's recommended to check with your driver first.

Public Transport

For a cheaper option, you can take the number 50 bus from the airport to the city centre, and then a tram to the docks. The bus costs €4.70 one-way and takes around 20 minutes. Once you arrive in the city centre, you can take tram number 8 or 11 to the Kleinhüningen stop, and then walk for about 10 minutes to the docks. This is a much more affordable option, but it will take a little longer overall.

Private Transfer

If you want to book in advance, you can arrange a private transfer with a company such as Basel Port Transportation. They offer transfers to and from all three Rhine River cruise terminals in Basel: St. Johann, Klybeck, and Dreiländereck. They provide private transfers with limousines, vans, SUVs, and minibuses, and you can book in advance by card. A transfer from Basel Airport to the Rhine River Cruise Dock costs CHF 90.

Shuttle Bus

There is also a shuttle bus from the airport to Basel SBB station, which runs every 7.5 minutes and takes about 15 minutes. From the station, you can take tram number 11 to St. Johanns-Tor, where the boat station is located across a park.

Dreiländereck port

Basel, located in the northwest of Switzerland, is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city is situated at the meeting point of Switzerland, France, and Germany, a region known as "Dreiländereck". This unique location makes Basel an ideal hub for transportation, especially for riverboat trips along the Rhine River.

The Dreiländereck port is one of the main riverboat docks in Basel. It is located on the border with France and Germany, approximately 40 minutes from the city centre by tram (take number eight from Kleinhüningen). The port is easily accessible from the SBB train station and the Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport, making it a convenient gateway for travellers.

Dreiländereck is one of three possible docking locations for cruise ships in Basel, the others being St. Johann and Klybeck. St. Johann is the original location, situated by the city gate of the same name. Meanwhile, Klybeck and Dreiländereck are located in the docks, further downstream and on the opposite side of the river.

The Dreiländereck port is a popular starting or ending point for river cruises. From this dock, passengers can explore the historic Old Town of Basel, admire the stunning Gothic cathedral of Basel Minster, or visit world-class museums such as the Kunstmuseum Basel. The port's proximity to the airport, train stations, and hotels makes it a convenient choice for travellers.

Basel is divided into two main areas: Grossbasel (Great Basel), the historic medieval town on the south bank of the Rhine, and Kleinbasel (Little Basel), north of the river, known for its vibrant nightlife. Both areas are easily reachable from the Dreiländereck port, offering a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Basel's Old Town

Basel, located at the point where Switzerland, France, and Germany converge, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and charming atmosphere. The city is divided into two main areas, separated by the Rhine: Grossbasel (Great Basel), the historic medieval town on the south bank, and Kleinbasel (Little Basel), situated north of the river, where the nightlife comes alive.

The Old Town is easily accessible from the cruise port terminal, the SBB train station, and the Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport. The bus and tram network in Basel is excellent, making it quick and convenient to travel between the Old Town and other parts of the city.

Basel is an ideal starting point for riverboat trips and Rhine River cruises. Ships often dock at three different piers: St. Johannspark, Dreiländereck, or Klybeckquai. Dreiländereck, located on the border with France and Germany, is a common port of call, about 40 minutes by tram from the city centre. St. Johann, by the city gate of the same name, is another option, along with Klybeck, which is further downstream and on the opposite side of the river.

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