In this guide
1. It is an airport for three countries 2. After baggage claim, it is very important to choose the correct exit 3. If you accidentally exit on the wrong side, do not worry 4. There is an internal passage between the French and Swiss sides 5. New scanners allow up to two litres of liquids 6. Parking is often cheaper on the French side 7. Flights from Basel can be very cheap 8. The airport is compact and convenient 9. You do not need to arrive too early 10. When booking a transfer, always provide your flight number SummaryIf you are flying through Basel Airport (EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg) for the first time, this guide will help you avoid the most common mistakes.
We regularly meet passengers at this airport and know its special features well. Over the years, we have noticed that many travellers face the same questions: which exit to use, where parking is cheaper, why the airport is considered both French and Swiss, and how to save a lot on flight tickets.
Here are 10 useful things to know before your trip.
1. It is an airport for three countries
EuroAirport is one of the most unusual airports in Europe.
Physically, it is located in France, but it serves three countries at once: Switzerland, France and Germany.
That is why passengers from several countries use it every day, and the airport itself has two sectors: French and Swiss.
2. After baggage claim, it is very important to choose the correct exit
This is the most common mistake among passengers arriving here for the first time.
After baggage claim, you will see two options: Swiss Exit, which leads to the Swiss side, and France Exit, which leads to the French side.
Main rule: If you are travelling to Switzerland and have booked a transfer, make sure you leave through Swiss Exit. If your final destination is in France or Germany, the French exit is usually used.
Choosing the correct exit helps you avoid unnecessary walking and saves time.
3. If you accidentally exit on the wrong side, do not worry
This happens much more often than many travellers expect.
If you have booked a transfer and accidentally end up on the wrong side of the airport, simply call your driver.
Drivers who regularly work at Basel Airport know the terminal layout very well. They can come to the exit where you are, meet you there and, if needed, guide you through the airport to the correct part of the terminal.
Do not waste time trying to find the way by yourself. In most cases, one phone call solves the problem much faster.
4. There is an internal passage between the French and Swiss sides
Many passengers do not know this.
There is an internal passage between the French and Swiss sectors of the airport, located on the second floor of the terminal.
This passage allows you to move from one side of the airport to the other.
5. New scanners allow up to two litres of liquids
Basel Airport is gradually installing modern security scanners.
If you pass through a new security line, you may be allowed to carry liquids with a total volume of up to 2 litres, including drinking water.
The rule depends on the security line: At the moment, the airport has both new and old security lines. The rule depends on which line you use. If you are directed to a new scanner, the new rule may apply. If you pass through an old line, standard liquid restrictions may still be used.
6. Parking is often cheaper on the French side
If you are driving to the airport, make sure you compare parking prices.
There are parking areas on both the French and Swiss sides of the airport.
In many cases, parking on the French side is noticeably cheaper, especially if the car stays there for several days.
Before booking, consider which sector will be more convenient for entering the airport and returning after your flight.
7. Flights from Basel can be very cheap
EuroAirport is considered one of the best airports in the region for budget travel.
easyJet is based here, and there are also many flights operated by Wizz Air and other low-cost airlines.
During sales or when booking early, ticket prices for some European routes can start from just 10 to 20 euros one way.
That is why the airport is popular not only with people living in Switzerland, but also with residents of nearby regions in France and Germany. Many travellers specifically choose to fly from Basel to save significantly on airfare.
8. The airport is compact and convenient
Despite the number of passengers, the airport is not huge.
Most gates and areas are only a few minutes apart on foot, and the navigation is intuitive even for first-time visitors.
Inside the terminal, you will find cafes, restaurants, Duty Free shops, free Wi-Fi, seating areas and charging stations for mobile devices.
9. You do not need to arrive too early
For most European flights, arriving about two hours before departure is enough.
If you have already checked in online and travel with hand luggage only, this is usually more than enough time.
Of course, during school holidays or in summer, the airport can be much busier, so a small time buffer is always useful.
10. When booking a transfer, always provide your flight number
If you book a transfer in advance, always provide your flight number.
This allows the driver to track possible flight delays and arrive at the right time.
And if you have any questions after landing, for example if you accidentally leave through the wrong exit, simply contact the driver. This is the fastest way to meet without stress or wasted time.
Summary
Basel Airport is modern, convenient and truly unique. Its main feature is that it serves three countries at once, which creates a few details that are better to know in advance.
Choosing the correct exit, understanding the difference between the French and Swiss sectors, comparing parking prices and knowing that very cheap flights are often available can make your journey much more comfortable.
We hope these tips are useful and that your first experience at Basel Airport is as smooth as possible.
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Book a transferFAQ
Which exit should I use at Basel Airport?
If you are travelling to Switzerland or have booked a transfer to Switzerland, use Swiss Exit. For France and often for Germany, France Exit is usually used.
What should I do if I exit on the wrong side of the airport?
Contact your driver or the person meeting you. There is a passage between the sectors, and experienced drivers know both exits well.
Is there a passage between the French and Swiss sides of EuroAirport?
Yes. There is an internal passage between the French and Swiss sectors on the second floor of the terminal.
Where is parking cheaper at Basel Airport?
In many cases, parking on the French side can be cheaper, especially if the car stays there for several days.
Why should I provide my flight number when booking a transfer?
Your flight number helps the driver track delays and arrive at the actual landing time.