Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport, also known as EuroAirport, is an international airport serving three cities: Basel (Switzerland), Mulhouse (France), and Freiburg (Germany). It is unique in its binational status, located in France but co-managed by both France and Switzerland, making it one of the few airports in the world to serve multiple countries.
IATA code: BSL (for Basel), MLH (for Mulhouse)
ICAO code: LFSB
Location: 6 km northwest of Basel, Switzerland; 22 km southeast of Mulhouse, France; and 70 km south of Freiburg, Germany.
EuroAirport is a popular hub for both leisure and business travelers, offering flights to many European cities as well as select destinations in North Africa and the Middle East.
Terminals and Facilities
The airport consists of a single terminal divided into Swiss and French sectors. These sectors are clearly marked throughout the terminal. Passengers can switch between the sectors by following designated paths, depending on which country they are traveling to or from.
Some key services and facilities available include:
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal for passengers.
- Lounges: Both business and leisure travelers can access lounges such as the Swissport Skyview Lounge, which offers comfortable seating, refreshments, and charging stations.
- Duty-Free Shopping: Duty-free stores are available in both sectors, selling a range of goods from cosmetics and electronics to luxury items.
- Food and Dining: A variety of restaurants, cafes, and fast food outlets cater to diverse tastes, with options on both sides of the terminal.
- Children’s Play Areas: For families traveling with young children, EuroAirport provides dedicated play areas to help keep children entertained.
- Travel Assistance: The airport offers assistance for travelers with reduced mobility. It is recommended to request these services in advance of your trip.
Public Transportation to and from EuroAirport
EuroAirport is well-connected by various modes of transport to Basel, Mulhouse, and Freiburg.
- Bus Services
- To Basel (Switzerland): Bus line 50 operates frequently between Basel SBB (main train station) and the airport. The journey takes around 20 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at the airport or online.
- To Mulhouse (France): Bus line 11 connects the airport to Saint-Louis train station, with onward connections to Mulhouse. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes.
- To Freiburg (Germany): There are direct coach services between the airport and Freiburg, run by FlixBus and other operators. The trip takes about 1 hour.
- Train Services While there is no direct train station at the airport, bus services provide easy connections to nearby train stations (Basel SBB, Saint-Louis, and Freiburg), from which you can catch trains to other destinations across Europe.
- Taxi Services Taxis are readily available at the airport. Make sure to choose the appropriate taxi stand for your destination—whether in Switzerland or France. Taxi rides from the airport to Basel cost around CHF 50-60, while to Mulhouse it can cost around €50.
- Ride-Sharing Services Platforms like Uber are available in the Swiss sector of the airport. However, availability can vary, and you should book ahead during peak travel times.
Car Rental Services
Several international and local car rental companies have counters at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, and Europcar. These can be found in both the French and Swiss sectors, and it’s important to rent from the appropriate side, depending on your destination. Pre-booking is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
Currency Exchange and ATMs
Since the airport serves both Switzerland and France, currency exchange services are available for Swiss francs (CHF) and euros (EUR). Travelex and other providers have exchange counters, and there are ATMs on both sides of the terminal.
- Swiss Francs (CHF): If traveling to Switzerland, it is advised to carry CHF, though euros are sometimes accepted in Swiss stores (change will be given in CHF).
- Euros (EUR): For travelers heading to France or Germany, euros will be necessary.
Local Transport Cards
Depending on where you are heading, there are various local transport passes that might be useful:
- Basel Card (for Basel, Switzerland): This card provides free public transport within Basel and discounts to local attractions. Some hotels in Basel offer it for free to their guests.
- Alsace Pass (for the Alsace region, France): Offers unlimited travel on buses and trams, as well as discounts to various attractions in the region.
For longer stays or multiple trips within Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass provides unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout the country.
Mobile Connectivity
Staying connected is easy at EuroAirport. The airport offers free unlimited Wi-Fi, which can be accessed throughout the terminal. For those needing local mobile service, several SIM card kiosks and vending machines are available at the airport. Popular providers include:
- Swisscom (Switzerland)
- Orange (France)
- Sunrise (Switzerland)
You can purchase prepaid SIM cards for mobile data and local calls. These kiosks typically accept both euros and Swiss francs, depending on which side of the terminal you are on.
Taxi Services and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are available on both sides of the airport (Swiss and French). Make sure to choose the correct taxi based on your destination, as taking a taxi from the Swiss side to France or Germany could result in higher fares.
Uber is also available at EuroAirport, but it primarily operates on the Swiss side. Availability may vary, especially during busy travel times, so booking in advance is recommended.
Car Hire
A wide range of international and local car hire companies operate at EuroAirport, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt. These can be accessed on both the French and Swiss sides of the terminal. Be sure to rent a car from the appropriate side depending on your destination, as crossing the border with a vehicle rented in the other country may incur additional charges.
Local Tips and Hidden Gems
- Swiss vs. French Side: Be mindful of which sector of the airport you are in (Swiss or French) because the currency, phone service providers, and even transportation options may differ. You can switch between the two sectors via a designated passageway.
- Border Control: EuroAirport straddles two countries, and while the Schengen Agreement allows for seamless travel within Europe, you may still need to go through customs and border control depending on where you’re flying from or to.
- Day Trip to Switzerland, France, or Germany: EuroAirport’s central location makes it an excellent starting point for day trips. You can easily visit Basel, with its medieval old town and art museums, or explore the Alsace wine region in France, famous for its scenic vineyards and charming villages. Freiburg is also a popular destination with its Black Forest charm.
- Winter Sports and Nature: If you’re flying in during winter, the nearby Alps offer world-class skiing, while the summer brings opportunities for hiking and exploring Switzerland’s stunning natural landscapes.
- Baggage Storage: The airport provides left-luggage services, allowing travelers to store their bags while exploring the surrounding areas, making it a great hub for short stopovers or day trips.
Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport offers a seamless travel experience, bridging multiple countries and cultures. Its convenient transportation options, modern amenities, and accessibility to three different regions make it a popular airport for both leisure and business travelers.