EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is a truly unique transport hub, the only one in the world jointly managed by two countries: France and Switzerland. The airport is located on French territory but effectively serves as the aerial gateway for three nations, including Germany. Thanks to its special status, it allows travellers to begin their European journey with a choice: head to the French Alsace, Swiss Basel, or the German Black Forest, as all these destinations are in immediate proximity.

An atmosphere of international cooperation and comfort prevails here. The terminal is designed to ensure maximum convenience for passengers crossing Schengen Area borders. It is an ideal starting point for those wishing to encompass maximum cultural experiences in a single trip while enjoying the compactness and efficiency of a modern air hub.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main highlight of EuroAirport is its strategic location. It sits at the junction of three borders, making it incredibly convenient for transnational travel. Upon exiting the terminal, you can reach the centre of Swiss Basel by bus in minutes, or take a train or taxi to French Mulhouse. German Freiburg is also just an hour's drive away, significantly expanding your travel geography without the need for long transfers.

The airport is notable for its compactness and clear navigation. Despite a substantial passenger flow, the massive queues typical of capital hubs are rare here. All necessary services, from car rentals to cafes, are located logically and accessibly. Previously, the terminal was strictly divided into French and Swiss sectors, but with Switzerland's entry into the Schengen Area, movement within the building has become completely free, although a formal division of responsibility zones remains.

A distinct advantage is the architecture and views. During take-off and landing, passengers are often treated to breathtaking panoramas of the Rhine Valley, the Vosges mountains, and the foothills of the Alps. Furthermore, the airport is actively developing, offering modern business lounges and convenient parking facilities divided into French and Swiss sides, allowing you to choose the most favourable option depending on your currency and destination.

• Official Airport Website: www.euroairport.com
• Information Desk Phone: +33 (0)3 89 90 31 11 (from the French side), +41 (0)61 325 31 11 (from the Swiss side).
• Airport Address: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, B.P. 60120, F-68304 Saint-Louis Cedex, France (the airport is located on French territory).
• Email: General inquiries can be sent via the contact form on the website.
• Social Media: The airport is present on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube (links are available on the main page of the official website).
• Lost & Found:
  • If items were left on the plane: contact your airline directly.
  • If items were left in the terminal: contact the Service Center (Arrivals Hall, Level 2). Opening hours: daily 06:00 – 23:00. Phone: +33 (0)3 89 90 31 11.
• Passenger Support Service: The Information Desk (Service Center) is located in the Arrivals area (Level 2), open daily from 05:30 to 00:00.

Getting from Mulhouse to the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg air hub is quite simple, as the city and airport are connected by a convenient network of French roads and public transport. Since the airport is located on French territory, you will not need to cross national borders to travel from Mulhouse, simplifying logistics.

Public Transport: Train + Bus

The most popular and budget-friendly method is the combined "train + shuttle" route. There is no direct rail link to the terminal, but the transfer scheme has been perfected over years:

• Train (TER): From Gare de Mulhouse station, take the regional TER express train heading towards Basel (Bâle). You need to alight at Saint-Louis station. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Trains run frequently, with intervals of 30–60 minutes.
• Bus (Shuttle): Right at the exit of Saint-Louis station is the stop for the Distribus No. 11. This shuttle will take you directly to the Departures area (French sector) in 10–15 minutes.

The total cost of the trip will be approximately 7–10 Euros per person. Tickets can be purchased at station machines (a combined "Alsa+" or "Train+Bus" ticket is often available).

Taxi and Transfers

For those who value comfort or are travelling with heavy luggage, a taxi is the optimal choice. The drive from central Mulhouse to the airport takes about 25–30 minutes (traffic permitting). As the distance is around 25–30 km, the metered fare usually varies from 50 to 70 Euros during the day. At night, as well as on weekends and public holidays, the rate may increase by 20–30%.

Pre-booked transfer services are also popular. A driver will meet you at your hotel and assist with luggage. This is particularly convenient for groups or families with children.

Personal Car and Rental

If you are driving your own or a rented car, the route from Mulhouse is extremely simple:

• Follow the A35 motorway towards Basel (Bâle).
• Take Exit 36 (Sortie 36), specifically marked with a plane icon and the sign "EuroAirport".
• You must follow signs for "Secteur France" (French Sector). This is critically important: if you accidentally enter the Swiss parking area, rates will be in Swiss Francs and generally higher, and exiting may require passing through a customs point.

If you plan to return a rental car at the airport, verify in advance which sector your rental company's office is located in (usually for rentals in France, this is the French sector, Level 2, Hall 1).

Airport Parking

Separate parking lots are provided for travellers from France in the French sector, marked with the letter F (e.g., F1, F3, F4, F5, F6). They are divided into short-term and long-term zones:

• Short-term (Minute drop-off): Convenient for quickly dropping off passengers right at the terminal.
• Long-term: Car parks F5 and F6 are located slightly further from the terminal but offer more favourable rates for long holidays. It is recommended to book a spot online in advance, which can save up to 20-30% of the cost.

Important Recommendation: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, and there are no more tickets from Mulhouse, note that the region has a developed airport network. For example, Strasbourg Airport is about an hour away by train, and Zurich Airport is a major international hub accessible via Basel.

Structure: A Unified Terminal for Two Countries

The main feature of EuroAirport is that it consists of one large terminal building, rather than several scattered structures. This significantly simplifies navigation, as you do not need to use trains or shuttles to move between gates. However, internally, this unified space is nominally divided into two zones of responsibility (sectors): French and Swiss. This division is most noticeable in the public area ("Landside") before passing security control.

The building has distinct levels to help with orientation:

• Level 2 (Arrivals): The arrival zone. Baggage claim belts and exits to the city (separately to France and Switzerland) are located here.
• Level 3 (Departures): The departure zone. Check-in counters and security entrances are located here.
• Level 4 (Gates): The departure zone after security ("Airside"). Boarding takes place from here.

Navigation Map and Y-Shaped Pier

After passing security, passengers enter the "secure area," which is unified for everyone (except for passport control for non-Schengen flights). The boarding area is designed in the shape of the letter Y. It is a long corridor-pier branching out at the end:

• The central part and the base of the "Y" contain Duty Free shops, cafes, and business lounges.
• The "branches" lead to the distant gates.

Navigation is intuitive: there are signs in three languages (French, German, and English) everywhere. Walking time from the security zone to the furthest gate usually does not exceed 10–15 minutes at a leisurely pace, but it is worth factoring this in if your boarding gate is at the end of the pier (gate numbers in the 60s-80s).

Departure Zones: Sector Specifics

When arriving at the airport for departure, it is crucial to know which sector you need to enter, although inside the building you can move freely between them on foot on Level 3 (the passage between France and Switzerland is in the centre of the hall).

• French Sector: Serves Air France flights and most charters from French tour operators. If you arrived by bus from Mulhouse or Saint-Louis, you will arrive here.
• Swiss Sector: Serves SWISS flights, easyJet (partially), and other international airlines focused on Basel. Bus No. 50 from Basel arrives here.

After passing pre-flight security, the division disappears — all passengers, regardless of which sector they entered through, meet in a common waiting hall with shops and restaurants. The exception is flights outside the Schengen Area (e.g., to London or Istanbul) — for these, an additional passport control zone is provided.

Arrival Zone: The Golden Rule

The most critical moment for arriving passengers comes after collecting luggage. In the baggage claim hall, there are two different exits:

• Exit to France (Sortie France): Follow this if you are travelling to Mulhouse, Colmar, Strasbourg, or rented a car in the French sector.
• Exit to Switzerland (Sortie Suisse / Ausgang Schweiz): Follow this if your journey lies towards Basel, Zurich, or German Freiburg (via Basel).

Be attentive: if you exit into the wrong country, you cannot return to the baggage claim hall. You will have to go up a floor and pass through the public corridor between sectors, which can be tiring with heavy suitcases.

Time and Procedures

EuroAirport is renowned for its efficiency. Procedures usually take less time than in giant hubs:

• Check-in and Baggage Drop: It is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure. During peak seasons (summer, Christmas holidays), it is better to allow 2.5 hours.
• Security: Usually takes 10–20 minutes. However, during morning peak hours (from 06:00 to 08:00), queues can be longer.
• easyJet Feature: Since this is one of the base airlines, their Bag Drop zone operates in an automated mode and is very fast, but requires prior online check-in.

Additional Amenities

For comfortable waiting in the "secure area," the award-winning Skyview Lounge is located on Level 4. It is accessible not only to business class passengers but to anyone for a fee. Its main feature is a huge glass dome and a panoramic terrace offering a magnificent view of the runway. It is an excellent place to relax before a flight.

The history of EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is not just a chronicle of runway construction, but a remarkable example of how geographical proximity and a desire to cooperate helped overcome post-war borders. Conceived back in the 1930s, the project was frozen due to the Second World War, but it was precisely the war that ultimately pushed France and Switzerland to create a unique shared airspace.

Birth of a Symbol of Cooperation (1946–1949)

The idea to build a joint airport was revived immediately after the war ended. Swiss Basel needed an airfield, but dense urban development prevented its expansion. France provided the territory, and events developed rapidly. In May 1946, construction of a temporary airfield began. Remarkably, the first runway and wooden structures were erected in just two months. The official opening of the temporary airport took place on 8 May 1946, receiving its first civil flight from Paris.

The legal foundation was laid later: on 4 July 1949, a historic Franco-Swiss agreement (State Treaty) was signed in Bern. It established the unique status: the land belongs to France, but Switzerland has the right to use it under special conditions. From that moment, the airport officially became bi-national.

Era of Expansion and Modernisation

With the development of jet aviation in the 1950s and 60s, serious reconstruction was required. Temporary structures could no longer cope with the load.

• 1970: Opening of a new passenger terminal with a capacity of up to 1 million passengers per year.
• 1978: The main runway (North-South) was commissioned, extended to 3900 metres, allowing it to accept any type of aircraft, including the giants of that era.
• 1987: The airport received its current marketing name — EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, to emphasise the importance of the German city of Freiburg for the development of the transport hub, although legally Germany is not an owner.

The New Century and the "Y"-Terminal

At the turn of the millennium, the airport underwent its most massive transformation. In 2002, the expansion of the terminal and the construction of the famous Y-shaped pier (Finger Dock) were completed. This architectural solution significantly increased the number of gates and improved passenger comfort by providing direct access to aircraft via airbridges. By 2005, the terminal acquired its modern glass-and-steel appearance.

Entry into Schengen: The Fall of Internal Walls

A crucial milestone in recent history was Switzerland's accession to the Schengen Area. Until March 2009, the terminal was physically divided by a partition into two isolated parts. Passengers could not simply walk from the French sector to the Swiss one. With the agreement coming into force, partitions in public areas and waiting halls were dismantled. This event symbolically and practically united the airport space, making it truly unified.

Interesting Historical Facts

• Road Without Borders: Before Switzerland joined Schengen, to access the airport from Basel without passing French border control, a special "Customs Road" (Route Douanière) was built. This is a fenced road 2.5 km long, along which Swiss buses and taxis could travel through French territory "in transit" directly to the Swiss sector of the terminal. It still exists and is used today, although controls have become less strict.
• Record Construction Speed: The construction of the first temporary airfield in 1946 was carried out around the clock by French engineering troops, allowing flights to launch in record time.
• "Concorde" Visits: Thanks to the long runway, EuroAirport repeatedly hosted the legendary supersonic airliner "Concorde," which became a grand event each time for residents of the three countries gathering at the airfield fences.

EuroAirport's infrastructure is designed to satisfy the needs of passengers from three countries. Thanks to its unique bi-national status, you can find services and goods here characteristic of both France and Switzerland. Although the terminal is not a giant hub, it offers a full range of modern amenities for a comfortable wait for your flight.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shopping

The airport's gastronomic zone reflects its geographical position: here you can drink coffee with a French croissant or have a snack with a hearty German-style sandwich. Food outlets are located both in the public area (before security) and in the secure departure zone.

• Food and Drink: Popular chain bakeries (such as Paul and Brioche Dorée) operate in the airport, where fresh pastries are always available. For a more substantial meal, self-service restaurants and cafe-bars are available. The majority of establishments are concentrated on Level 3 (Departures).
• Shops: The main attraction is the Dufry Duty Free zone, running through the central part of the terminal. It features a wide selection of perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, and tobacco. A special feature of local shops is the excellent selection of Swiss chocolate (Lindt, Sprüngli) and regional Alsatian souvenirs. There are also shops for press and travel accessories (Hudson, Relay).

Lounges and VIP Service

The pride of the airport is the Skyview Lounge, which has repeatedly been recognised as one of the best in Europe and the world among independent lounges. It is located on the upper level in the Y-shaped pier.

• Uniqueness: The lounge is situated under a huge glass dome, providing plenty of natural light and a sense of spaciousness.
• Terrace: This is one of the few business lounges in the world with access to an open terrace offering a stunning view of the airfield and taking-off aircraft.
• Access: The lounge is open to business class passengers, holders of Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and Diners Club cards, as well as anyone for a one-time fee (entry can be paid at the reception desk).

Communication and Finance

Given the specific nature of the airport, financial services are particularly relevant here, as two currencies are in circulation.

• Wi-Fi and Charging: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal (network "Free EuroAirport WiFi"). Charging stations for gadgets (sockets and USB ports) are located in sufficient numbers in waiting areas near the gates.
• Banks and Currency: ATMs are located on all levels. Important: pay attention to the ATM markings — some dispense only Euros (EUR), others Swiss Francs (CHF), and some allow you to choose the currency. Currency exchange points (Travelex) are found in departure and arrival zones.

Medical Services and Safety

The airport cares about passenger health and is prepared for emergencies.

• First Aid: A first aid service operates in the terminal. If you feel unwell, contact any airport staff member or the information desk to summon medics.
• Defibrillators: Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are placed in public areas of the terminal and marked with green heart signs.
• Pharmacy Goods: There is no full-service pharmacy in the sterile area, but essentials, hygiene products, and basic non-prescription items can be found in Relay and Hudson press shops.

Services for Families and Passengers with Reduced Mobility

EuroAirport pays great attention to environmental accessibility and the comfort of young travellers.

• For Children: Kids Corners are equipped in the departure zone to brighten up the wait for boarding. Rooms for changing and caring for infants are available in all main toilet blocks.
• For Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The airport is fully equipped for wheelchair movement (lifts, ramps, wide aisles). The assistance service (Service PMR) operates free of charge, but a request for help must be made via your airline at least 48 hours before departure. Call points are located in car parks and at terminal entrances.

Hotels

There are no capsule hotels or sleeping rooms directly inside the transit zone of the airport. However, comfortable options are located within walking distance or a few minutes away by shuttle:

• Airport Hotel Basel: Located a 5-minute drive away (shuttle provided), on the French side (Saint-Louis).
• Ibis and Novotel: Located in the town of Saint-Louis; they can be reached by taxi or bus in 5–10 minutes.
• If you have an early departure or late arrival, it is most convenient to choose hotels in Saint-Louis (France) or Basel (Switzerland), depending on your further route.

Business Services

For business travellers, the EuroAirport Business Center operates on Level 5 of the terminal (French sector). This complex includes 10 conference rooms of various capacities (from 2 to 100 people). The rooms are equipped with all necessary equipment for presentations and negotiations. The business centre offers catering services and has direct access to parking, which is convenient for holding meetings without needing to go into the city.

The gastronomic map of EuroAirport is a kind of culinary crossroads where French baking traditions meet German heartiness and Swiss quality standards. Although the airport is not a huge hub, there are enough places here so you won't go hungry. Passengers have access to both quick snacks and establishments for a full meal overlooking the runway.

Public Access Zone (Landside)

If you have arrived at the airport early or are seeing off loved ones, you can visit a cafe before passing security. Establishments here are concentrated on Level 3 (Departures) and Level 5.

• Restaurant des Trois Pays (3 Länder Restaurant): The main gastronomic point of the public zone, located on the 5th floor (southern part of the terminal). This is a full-service restaurant with table service. It offers dishes of French and Alsatian cuisine, and the windows offer a panoramic view of the airfield. An ideal place for a farewell lunch in a calm atmosphere.
• Bert’s: A modern cafe in the centre of the check-in hall (Level 3). A good option for breakfast or lunch: they serve toast, hot dishes, salads, and desserts. The interior is conducive to relaxing before a flight.
• Paul: A famous French bakery in the departures area. Go here for classics: crispy baguettes, croissants, and coffee. Convenient for those who want a quick snack "on the go".

Departure Zone (Airside)

After passing security control (Level 4), the choice expands. The food court is located in the central part of the terminal and along the Y-shaped pier.

• Trib’s: One of the key establishments in the "secure" zone. The concept is built on the freshness and quality of products. Here you can find soups, salads, hot dishes, and desserts. A convenient format allowing for both a quick snack and a more substantial lunch before boarding.
• Puro Gusto: An Italian corner in the heart of the airport. It specialises in quality espresso, refreshing beverages, and snacks (focaccia, panini). Great for those who want to relax.
• Paul (Airside): Outlets of this chain exist after control as well. The assortment often includes not only pastries but also hearty quiches (open pies) and large sandwiches.
• Grab & Go (Relay / Hudson): If there is no time for a cafe, press shops have fridges with ready-made sandwiches, salads, drinks, and yoghurts.

Local Specialties: What to Try

Being in Alsace, it is worth paying attention to regional features available on cafe menus:

• Mauricette: This is not a brand name, but a type of local pastry that has become a gastronomic symbol of the region. It is a sandwich made from pretzel dough (salted pretzel) with various fillings: turkey, cheese, tuna, or chicken. The salty, soft dough combines perfectly with the filling. The best places to find these sandwiches are at Paul bakeries or Trib’s cafe.
• Alsatian Pretzel: A classic pretzel sprinkled with coarse salt or baked with cheese. An ideal light snack.
• Pastries: French croissants and "pain au chocolat" (chocolate rolls) are usually very fresh here.

Dietary Options

The airport offers basic options for passengers with specific preferences:

• Vegetarian: Cafes Trib’s, Bert’s, and Paul always have cheese sandwiches (e.g., "Tomato Mozzarella"), vegetable quiches, and various salads.
• Vegan: Selection is limited. In Grab & Go zones (Relay shops), you can find fruit slices, nuts, and simple vegetable salads. In cafes, it is recommended to check the composition of dressings.
• Gluten-free: There is no specialised menu, but you can choose salads without croutons or fruit desserts.
• Halal: Certified Halal kitchens are absent, but most establishment menus feature options with fish, vegetables, or chicken (it is best to check the preparation method with staff).

Prices and Payment

Prices at the airport are above average, due to the proximity of expensive Switzerland.

• Coffee (espresso/cappuccino): 3.50–5.50 Euros.
• Sandwich or salad: 6–10 Euros.
• Hot dish or set lunch: 18–25 Euros.

Important: Most points accept both Euros (EUR) and Swiss Francs (CHF), as well as bank cards. However, if you pay in cash, change may be given in the sector's currency (usually Euros), at the establishment's internal exchange rate. Paying by card is the most favourable and simple option.

Opening Hours

Food establishments are oriented towards the flight schedule. Opening occurs approximately one hour before the first departure (around 04:30 – 05:00 AM), and closing occurs after the last flights depart (around 21:00 – 22:00). Please note: hot kitchens in restaurants (e.g., in 3 Länder Restaurant) may operate on a strict lunch and dinner schedule, closing earlier than the establishment itself.

Recommendations for Tourists

• For a quick snack: Grab a "Mauricette" and coffee at Paul — it is filling, fast, and conveys local flair.
• For a full lunch: If you have time before passing control, go up to the 5th floor to Restaurant des Trois Pays. In the "secure" zone, the best choice for a hot lunch would be Trib’s.
• Water: To save money, an empty bottle can be brought through security and filled at drinking fountains located near the toilets in the departure zone.

Travelling through EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg has its unique nuances due to its bi-national status. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, we have gathered proven tips to help avoid common mistakes and save time.

Optimal Arrival Time

Although the airport is considered compact, morning hours (from 05:00 to 07:30) can be extremely busy here, as this is when the "first wave" of low-cost carrier flights departs. During this period, it is recommended to arrive at the terminal at least 2.5 hours before departure. In the daytime and evening, when passenger flow subsides, arriving 1.5–2 hours in advance is sufficient.

Check-in and Sector Choice

A key point that confuses newcomers is choosing the right entrance. Before your trip, verify which sector your airline departs from:

• French Sector (Halle 1, 4): Usually serves Air France and flights to French cities.
• Swiss Sector (Halle 2, 3): Base for easyJet (most flights) and SWISS.

If you arrive at the wrong sector, do not panic: you can freely walk from one part to the other inside the building on Level 3 (Departures); it takes just 3–5 minutes on foot.

Security Checks and Hand Luggage

Safety rules here are standard for the European Union, but checks are thorough.

• Liquids: Containers no larger than 100 ml must be packed in a single transparent 1-litre bag.
• Electronics: Laptops, tablets, and power banks must be removed from bags.
• Footwear: If you are flying in winter wearing high boots, be prepared to be asked to remove them for scanning.

Life Hack: If you see a long queue for security in the central part, check adjacent checkpoints. Sometimes passing through control in the "neighbouring country" (adjacent sector) can be freer, and they lead to the same secure area.

Customs Nuances (Important!)

This is the most important point for EuroAirport. Switzerland is part of Schengen (no passport control) but is not part of the EU Customs Union. This means that customs limits on the import/export of goods (luxury items, tobacco, expensive electronics, cash) for France and Switzerland differ.

• When leaving the arrivals area, strictly follow the signs. If you exit via "Sortie France," you fall under French customs jurisdiction. If via "Ausgang Schweiz," under Swiss jurisdiction.
• Crossing the sector border inside the airport with goods subject to declaration means you are formally crossing a state border.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

Lovers of beautiful views should take care of a Window seat in advance. Upon take-off or landing in clear weather, breathtaking panoramas open up:

• Seats on the right (when taking off south): Often allow you to see the historic centre of Basel and the bend of the Rhine.
• Seats on the left: Open a view of the Black Forest mountain range (Germany) and the Vosges (France).
• In clear weather, snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps can be seen on the horizon.

Tips for Transit Passengers

If you have a transfer at this airport (often happens on easyJet flights), the process is simplified to the maximum. You do not need to leave the transit zone. The airport consists of a single terminal, and moving from gate to gate takes no more than 10–15 minutes. However, note that if you have two separate tickets (not a single booking), you will have to collect luggage, exit to the general hall, and pass check-in and security again.

Saving Money and Time

• Water: Do not buy water before passing security. Take an empty bottle with you — in the secure zone near the toilets, there are drinking fountains where you can fill up with water for free.
• Parking: If you are driving, compare rates. Parking in the French sector is often cheaper than in the Swiss sector, even considering exchange rates. Booking a spot online 2 weeks before departure can save up to 30% of the cost.
• Boarding Passes: Be sure to print your boarding pass or save it in the mobile app in advance. At the airport, printing a pass at a low-cost carrier counter can cost a significant sum (around 50 Euros).

In Case of Flight Delay

Since the airport is located on French territory, all departing flights are covered by EU Regulation No 261/2004.

• If the delay is more than 2 hours, the airline is obliged to provide you with drinks and food (vouchers).
• For long delays or cancellations, demand written confirmation of the reason — this will be needed to claim compensation.
• Free Wi-Fi in the terminal will help you stay connected and track flight status promptly via the airline's app.