Basel Trams - Switzerland - Brian Garrett Photography

Basel Tram Network

It's hard to find the words to describe the transport system in the city of Basel, using the typical efficacy we have all come to expect from the Swiss, the country has built a reliable, extensive, integrated, affordable, efficient network which links not only the city of Basel with its outlying districts, but also with France, Germany and the rest of Europe. The system boasts integrated light rail and bus routes, and consults with its customers on the design and future of the 'their' trams! Residents of Switzerland can enjoy half price travel by purchaseing the special 'Halbtax' card for CHF 165 per year and then get half-price tickets. Visitors to the city who book hotels are gifted with a free travel pass for the duration of their stay. I can't think of many other cities which offer such a welcome to its tourists. Free Travel extends to the use of the No.50 Airport Bus from Basel Airport to the city by means of showing your hotel reservation. It's is no wonder that Trams, Bikes and Buses replace the majority of cars in the city and surrounding area proving that the investment in an integrated system will allow the movement of people quickly and without delay. The system also hosts two operators BVB and BLT, both of which who have services which converge at Basel SBB Hauptbahnhof. The extensive route network can be downloaded from the BVB and BLT websites, but is also provided below for reference.

2026 IMAGES:

The BLT Be 8/10 "TINA" (Tramlink) is a new generation of low-floor articulated trams introduced by Baselland Transport AG (BLT) for the Basel tram network built by Stadler. Tram No.4214 arrives at Peter-Merian with a Route 10 service to Rodersdorf on the 16th March 2026.

The BLT (Baselland Transport) Be 6/10 "Tango" is a series of low-floor articulated trams (numbers 151–191) operated in the Basel area, built by Stadler Rail. Introduced around 2008, these 44.89-meter-long, 1000mm-gauge trams are designed for high capacity, offering 101 seats and a maximum speed of 80 km/h. No.171 arrives into Peter-Merian with a Route 11 service to Saint-Louis Gare (France).

The BLT (Baselland Transport) Be 6/10 "Tango" is a series of low-floor articulated tram No.187 descends from Peter-Merian, to Basel SBB on the 16th March 2026, operating route 11 to Saint-Louis Gare (France).

A comparison of tram types and operators at Basel SBB on the 16th March 2026. On the left, BLT Be 8/10 No.4221 built by Stadler, operating for Baselland Transport (BLT), and on the right Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB) No.5008 Bombardier Flexity Tram.

BLT Be8/10 Stalder Tram No.4221 enters Basel SBB Station Stop on the 16th March 2026, operating route 10 to Donach Bahnof.

BVB No.498 is a four-axle tram, specifically a motor coach (Be 4/4) operated by the Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB) in Basel, Switzerland, which was built in 1986–1987. No. 498 is pictured arriving at Basel SBB with No. 491 on an empty service on the 16th March 2026.

BVB Tram No.5035 Bombardier Flexity Tram arrives into Basel SBB tram stop on the 16th March 2026.

A general scene at Basel SBB on the 17th March 2026. BLT Stadler Tram No. 4217 is pictured alongside BLB trams 301 and 302.

BVB 5033 is a Bombardier Flexity 2 Be 6/8 tram operated by Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB) in Basel, Switzerland. It is a modern, low-floor tram, part of the fleet designed to enhance accessibility and comfort in Basel. No.5033 is pictured on the approach to Kirschgarten stop.

BVB Tram No.306 approaches Kirschgarten on the 17th March 2026 in Basel, while operating Route 1 to Drierosenbrücke via Basel SBB.

BVB Bombardier Flexity Tram No.5044 is pictured at Kirschgarten on the 17th March 2026, operating a No.1 line service to Bahsel Bad Bahnof.

BVB Bombardier Flexity Tram No.5044 is pictured at Kirschgarten on the 17th March 2026, operating a No.1 line service to Bahsel Bad Bahnof. Tram No.314 is pictured heading toward Basel SBB.

Bombardier Flexity BVB Tram No.6012 crossed Brücke Münchensteinerstrasse on the 20th March 2026, operating Route 15 to Bruderholz.

Basel BVB Tram 486 and trailer 1493 cross Brücke Münchensteinerstrasse on the 20th March 2026, operating route 15 to Brunderholz.

Baselland Transport (BLT) operates a fleet of Stadler trams in the Basel metropolitan area, featuring 25 TINA trams and 38 Tango trams. These distinctive yellow and red trams serve BLT's suburban and cross-border routes. Tram No.152 arrives into Münchensteinerstrasse on the 20th March 2026.

Taken from the Garten der Alten Universität, a BVB Bombardira Flexity Tram passes over Mittlere Brücke in advertising livery on the 20th March 2026.

A Basel BVB Bombardier 300 series tram passes over the Mittlere Brücke heading into the city on the 26th March 2026, taken from the Garten der Alten Universität.

Taken from the Garten der Alten Universität, a BVB Bombardier Flexity Tram passes over Mittlere Brücke in BVB livery on the 20th March 2026.

Taken from the Garten der Alten Universität, a BVB Bombardier Flexity Tram passes over Mittlere Brücke in BVB livery, passing a more traditional Basel tram on the 20th March 2026.

Nestled in amongst the quaint streets of Basel, a BVB Bombardier Flexity tram is pictured on the 20th March 2026 heading into the city.

A Siemens Combino tram No. 321 crosses Mittlere Brücke, heading into west Basel, on the 20th March 2026, operating Line 8 to Neuweilerstr.

A Siemens Combino tram No. 302 crosses Mittlere Brücke, heading into west Basel, on the 20th March 2026, operating Line 8 to Neuweilerstr.

A pair of Bombardier Flexity BVB trams cross Mittlere Brücke, heading into west and east Basel, on the 20th March 2026.

Bombardier Flexity BVB Tram No.6007 is pictured at Basel Shifflande on the 20th March 2026 heading into the city operating Route 15 to Brunderholz.

Bombardier Flexity Tram No.6015 passes zum alten Stöckli on the 20th March 2026 operating Line 14 to Pratteln.

Siements Combino Tram No.327 (Complete with Googly Eyes), passes zum alten Stöckli on the 20th March 2026, operating Line 8 to Neuweilerstr.

Bombardier Flexity BVB tram No.6004 is pictured on the 20th March 2026 at Barfüsserplatz.

The BLT (Baselland Transport) Be 1/10 is a specific class of bi-directional low-floor tram that operates on the Swiss public transit network, primarily serving the suburban routes of Basel (such as Line 10 and 11). Built by Stadler Rail, these "Tango" light-rail vehicles are recognized for their accessibility and modern design. No.159 is pictured at Barfüsserplatz in Basel on the 20th March 2026.

Bombardier Flexity BVB Tram No.6013 passes along Steinenberg on the 20th March 2026, operating Route 15 to Bruderholz.

Bombardier Flexity BVB Tram No.5011 passes along Steinenberg on the 20th March 2026, operating Route 8 to Neuweilerstr.

Stalder Build BLT tram Be 8/10 No.4216 passes Basel Theatre on the 20th MArch 2026.

BVB Tram No.481 with Trailer No.1466 passes Basel Theatre on the 20th March 2026, operating Route 16 to Bruderholz.

2016 IMAGES:

While Basel has a large fleet of modern Citidas Trams, the overall fleet comprises of trams dating back to 1967. The older trams operate alongside their modern derivatives throughout the city and are kept in immaculate condition for their age. Some older trams have also been modified by having specialy built centre cars added to provide low floor access. The city also has a small fleet of heritage trams which date back to the 1900's, these heritage vehicles can often found operating circular dining trips around the city.

Basel has a wealth of historic buildings and streets which can all be explored either on foot, or by tram (or a combination of both) the networks are extensive and cover a vast area. The historic buildings are complimented by the modern trams passing quietly through the narrow and winding streets of the city. I certainly recommend taking a couple of days to explore this amazing city as there are plenty of things to see and do along the way!