Basel Mulhouse-Freiburg EuroAirport

Imagine an airport where you land in France but can walk straight out of the terminal into Switzerland without even crossing a street. EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg is a unique transport hub, physically located on French territory but possessing a bi-national status and serving three countries simultaneously. It is the perfect starting point for a journey through the Rhine Valley: just 20 minutes after arrival, you can be enjoying views of Old Basel, tasting Alsatian cuisine in Mulhouse, or strolling through the Black Forest.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main highlight of EuroAirport is its bi-national structure. The terminal is physically divided into two sectors: French and Swiss. This means that upon arrival, you can choose the appropriate exit and find yourself in the jurisdiction you need without additional border complexities, making it the only fully integrated international airport of its kind in the world.

The airport's location makes it incredibly convenient for tourists. You can reach the centre of Basel in just 15–20 minutes via Bus No. 50, which runs with impressive regularity. This is one of the fastest transfers from the aircraft steps to a city's central square in Europe.

Despite the high passenger flow, the airport is renowned for its compactness and clear navigation. Travellers often note the speed of pre-flight procedures and the cosy atmosphere, which helps avoid the stress typical of giant aviation hubs. Furthermore, the observation terrace offers an impressive view of the runway against the backdrop of the Vosges mountains and the Black Forest.

• Official Airport Website: www.euroairport.com
• Information Desk Phone: +33 3 89 90 31 11 (from France and international), +41 61 325 31 11 (from Switzerland)
• Airport Address: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, BP 60120, F-68304 Saint-Louis Cedex, France (the airport is located on French territory)
• Email: information@euroairport.com
• Airport Social Media: Official pages are available on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube (accessible via the airport website)
• Lost & Found Information: Airport Service Center, Terminal, Level 2 (Arrivals). Phone: +33 3 89 90 31 11. Opening hours: daily from 06:00 to 23:00
• Passenger Support Contacts: Information desks are located in the arrival zones (Level 2), open daily from 05:30 to 00:00

Thanks to its unique location at the junction of three borders, getting to the city from this airport is very simple, but it is important to determine your direction immediately. Since the airport is divided into two sectors — Swiss and French — your route begins with the correct exit from the arrivals area. If you are heading to Basel, follow the signs for "Sortie Suisse / Ausgang Schweiz" (Exit to Switzerland).

Public Transport: Bus and Train

There is no direct rail link to the terminal, but excellent bus connections are established with the region's main railway stations. The most popular and convenient way to get to the centre of Basel is Bus No. 50 (operated by BVB).

• Route: Airport (Swiss Sector) — Basel SBB Station (Main Railway Station).
• Travel Time: Approximately 17–20 minutes.
• Frequency: Every 7–10 minutes on weekdays and every 10–15 minutes on weekends.
• Cost: A 3-zone ticket costs about 6.10 CHF. Tickets can be purchased at machines at the stop (accepting cards, Euros, and Francs).

Important Tip for Tourists: If you have a confirmed hotel booking in Basel, you can use public transport (including Bus No. 50 from the airport) for free on the day of arrival. Simply show your booking printout or confirmation on your smartphone during ticket checks.

If you need to go to France or Germany, use the French exit and Bus No. 11, which will take you to Saint-Louis station, from where trains depart for Strasbourg and Mulhouse.

Taxi and Transfers

Taxi ranks are located at both exits. A taxi ride to the centre of Basel takes about 15 minutes but is not cheap — expect a fare of around 50–60 CHF. Night tariffs may be higher. Ensure you board a taxi on the Swiss side to avoid confusion with border crossings and currency.

Car Rental

This is one of the most crucial nuances of EuroAirport. Car rental desks exist in both the Swiss and French sectors. When booking a car, it is critically important to check which side you are supposed to collect it from.

If you collect a car in the French sector and return it in the Swiss sector (or vice versa), you may be charged a substantial fee for returning it to the wrong location, even though the car parks are only a hundred metres apart. For trips to Basel and travelling around Switzerland, it is more convenient to rent a car in the Swiss Sector (Swiss Side), as cars there are usually already equipped with a vignette for Swiss toll roads.

Parking

The airport offers several parking zones, also divided by nationality. On the Swiss side, there are short-term and long-term car parks (S1, S2, F1, F3, etc.). It is recommended to book a space online in advance, as this is often cheaper than paying on the spot.

Alternative Airports

If your flight is delayed or you are planning a complex route through the region, it is useful to know about neighbouring transport hubs. The country's largest hub, Zurich Airport, is located approximately 80 km away in a straight line, but the train journey will take just over an hour. For travel through French Alsace, a convenient alternative could be Strasbourg Airport, located 105 km to the north.

The uniqueness of EuroAirport (BSL) lies in the fact that technically it is a single building functioning as two independent terminals under one roof. There is no standard division into "Terminal 1" and "Terminal 2" in the classical sense. Instead, the airport is divided into two sectors: French (Secteur France) and Swiss (Secteur Suisse / Schweizer Sektor).

Understanding this structure is key to a stress-free start to your journey. A mistake in choosing the side could cost you extra time running between sectors, although they are connected.

Zoning and Level Navigation

The terminal building has an elongated shape and several levels serving different functions:

• Level 2 (Arrivals): Passengers exit here after collecting baggage. This is where the physical separation of flows occurs. Leaving the "secure zone", you must choose the correct exit (to France or to Switzerland), as outside the building, the roads lead to different countries separated by fencing.
• Level 3 (Departures): Check-in counters are located here. The French sector is in the southern part of the building, and the Swiss sector is in the northern part.
• Level 4: Airline offices, additional services, and the crossing point between sectors.

Sector Features

Although it is one building, the atmosphere and logistics in the sectors differ slightly:

• Swiss Sector: Usually busier. This is the base for the easyJet hub and serves Star Alliance airlines (including Swiss and Lufthansa). There are more shops and cafes here, and this is where the exit to the Basel bus is located.
• French Sector: Serves domestic flights within France (e.g., Air France) and many charter destinations. Car rental desks for trips around Alsace are also located here.

Transfers Between Terminals

If you accidentally enter the wrong sector, there is no need to panic. Inside the building, in the public area (before security), there is a crossing point between the French and Swiss sides. It is located on Level 3 (Departures area). The crossing point is marked by a customs post. Since Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, passport control is usually absent here, but customs officers may selectively check luggage.

Departure Zone (Airside)

After passing security control, borders disappear. Most passengers enter a unified "secure zone" shaped like the letter Y. This is the so-called Y-Dock, where the boarding gates are located.

However, it is worth remembering passport control:

• For flights within Schengen, you go straight to the gates and Duty-Free shops.
• For non-Schengen flights (e.g., to the UK or Turkey), you will need to pass an additional passport control inside the "secure zone" before reaching the gates.

Recommendations on Time and Procedures

The airport is compact, but due to its popularity with low-cost carriers, queues can occur.

• Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2–2.5 hours before departure. During morning peak hours (from 05:30 to 07:30), security queues can be long.
• Fast Track: A Priority Lane service is available in the Swiss sector, which can be purchased online or accessed via airline status.
• Main Tip: Before leaving for the airport, be sure to check your ticket to see which sector check-in takes place in. Although the building is one, the car parks and access roads for the French and Swiss sides are different. Moving suitcases between car parks on foot can be inconvenient.

The history of EuroAirport is a rare example of how geographical limitations were turned into a unique diplomatic and engineering advantage. The need for a new aviation hub arose in Basel back in the 1930s, as the old "Sternenfeld" airfield became too cramped, and there was nowhere to expand due to dense urban development and a power station on the Rhine.

Birth of a Unique Project (1940s – 1950s)

The solution came from the neighbours: France offered territory for the construction of an airport that would serve the Swiss city. Negotiations began immediately after the war, and events developed rapidly:

• 1946: In just two months, a temporary airfield with a metal runway was built. The first civilian aircraft to land was a Swissair Douglas DC-3 arriving from London on 8 May.
• 1949: A historic international treaty was signed between France and Switzerland. It enshrined the airport's unique status: the land belongs to France, but the Swiss side has the right to its own customs zone and a direct road to the terminal.
• 1950: The official opening of the permanent airport with paved runways took place.

Era of Growth and the "German Trace"

In the following decades, the airport was constantly modernised to accommodate larger liners. A significant milestone was 1970, when the current main terminal building was opened. Initially designed for 1 million passengers, it laid the foundation for modern infrastructure.

In 1987, the airport officially changed its name to "EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg". Although Germany is not a co-owner of the airport, the inclusion of the city of Freiburg in the name highlighted the hub's importance for German travellers from the Black Forest region. Since then, German consultants have also been present on the board of directors.

Architecture and Modernity

By the late 1990s, the old infrastructure ceased to cope with the flow of tourists. The most massive reconstruction in recent history was the construction and opening of the new Y-shaped dock (Y-Dock) in 2002–2005. This expansion allowed for:

• An increase in the number of boarding gates.
• Separation of Schengen and non-Schengen flight flows.
• Comfortable service for up to 8–10 million passengers per year.

Interesting Facts and Records

Over its history, EuroAirport has accumulated quite a few surprising features that make it a landmark in itself:

• Three codes for one place: It is one of the few airports in the world to have three IATA codes: BSL (Basel, Switzerland), MLH (Mulhouse, France), and EAP (EuroAirport, international code). When searching for tickets, you can enter any of them — you will arrive at the exact same point.
• Road without borders: To connect the city of Basel with the airport, a special "Customs Road" (Route Douanière) was built. It runs through French territory but is fenced off and is effectively considered a Swiss corridor, allowing you to reach the terminal without passing French border control.
• Unique geography: The airport runway is positioned such that aircraft taking off in a southerly direction almost immediately find themselves in Swiss airspace after flying just a few kilometres over France.

EuroAirport offers passengers a wide range of services designed to make waiting for a flight comfortable and productive. Thanks to its unique bi-national status, you can find a variety of brands and services here, oriented towards both Swiss and French quality standards.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

Dining and retail zones are located both in the public area (before security) and in the "secure" departure zone. It is important to remember: the selection of establishments may differ depending on which sector (French or Swiss) you are in before passing control.

• Shopping: In the departure zone (after security), a large Dufry store operates. Here you can purchase cosmetics, perfumes, and, of course, famous Swiss chocolate. There are also newsagents and travel goods stores (Hudson, Relay) in the terminal.
• Food and Drink: Bakeries and coffee shops such as Paul (a famous French chain with excellent pastries) or Bert’s are suitable for a quick snack. If you have more time, you can visit restaurants with a full menu. Many spots offer a panoramic view of the airfield.

VIP Lounges and Comfort

The pride of the airport is the Skyview Lounge. This is an architectural landmark of the terminal, located in the Y-shaped dock.

• Features: The lounge is famous for its huge glass dome, which fills the space with natural light, and a spacious terrace overlooking the runway.
• Access: The lounge is open to all passengers with a valid boarding pass (regardless of the airline) for a fee, as well as for Priority Pass holders and status passengers of certain airlines.

Wi-Fi and Device Charging

The airport provides free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. To connect, select the "Free-Airport-WiFi" network. USB ports and power sockets are provided for charging mobile devices, mostly located in waiting areas at gates and in cafes.

Banks and Currency Exchange

Since the airport serves two economic zones, the question of currency is particularly relevant here. ATMs and currency exchange points (Travelex) are available in both sectors.

• Tip for Tourists: Pay attention to the dispensing currency at ATMs. On the Swiss side, ATMs dispense primarily Swiss Francs (CHF) and Euros, while on the French side, they dispense Euros (EUR). Card payments are accepted everywhere, and terminals accept both currencies, but it is better to withdraw cash in the currency you will need at your destination.

Services for Passengers with Children

For travelling families, amenities are provided to ease the wait:

• Baby changing rooms are available in most toilet blocks.
• Small children's play corners are equipped in the departure zone where young passengers can entertain themselves before the flight.
• Airport strollers can be used until boarding the aircraft (please check at the information desk).

Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

EuroAirport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). The escort service is provided free of charge, but it must be booked through your airline at least 48 hours before departure. Special assistance call buttons are located in the car parks and at terminal entrances.

Medical Services

There is a first aid point in the terminal for emergencies. If you feel unwell, contact any airport staff member or the information desk to summon medics. Pharmacy kiosks where you can buy basic medicines are located in the public zone.

Hotels

There are no hotels directly inside the transit zone (sleeping in the terminal is not permitted; it closes for several hours at night). However, there are several accommodation options in the immediate vicinity of the airport:

• Airport Hotel Basel: Located just a 5-minute drive away (on the Swiss side), offering a free shuttle.
• Hotels in Saint-Louis (France): The nearest options, such as Ibis or Hotel F1, are located literally 1–2 km from the terminal. You can reach them on foot (if you have little luggage) or by a short taxi/shuttle ride. This is often a more budget-friendly option than hotels in Basel itself.

Business Services

For business travellers, the EuroAirport Business Center operates on the 5th floor of the terminal (French sector). The centre offers rental of conference rooms of various capacities (from small meeting rooms to halls for 100 people). The premises are equipped with modern technology, and catering can be organised.

The gastronomic experience at EuroAirport is a kind of continuation of a journey through three countries. Thanks to its unique location, here you can start the morning with a French croissant, have an Alsatian "Mauricette" for lunch, and wash it down with an Italian espresso or Swiss water. The choice of establishments here is decent, although oriented more towards high-quality fast food and cosy coffee shops than fine dining.

Public Access Zone (Landside)

If you arrive at the airport early or are meeting guests, you can have a snack before passing security. It is important to remember the terminal division here: establishments are located in different sectors, although you can walk from one to the other inside the building.

• Swiss Sector (Level 3): The famous bakery PAUL dominates here. This is the ideal place for breakfast: fresh pastries, baguettes, and coffee. The aroma of fresh bread is noticeable as soon as you enter the terminal. It is a classic choice for those who want a quick bite before check-in.
• French Sector (Level 3): Here it is worth visiting Poulaillon. This is a bakery chain famous in Alsace, renowned for its regional pastries. This is the best place to get acquainted with local fast food before departure.

"Secure" Departure Zone (Airside)

After passing security control (usually on Level 4), all passengers enter a unified space where borders disappear. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the central part and in the Y-shaped dock (Y-Dock).

• Bert’s: A modern cafe with a healthy eating concept. They offer sandwiches, fresh salads, and toasts in a calm atmosphere. An excellent option for those watching their figure even while travelling.
• Starbucks: A classic for travellers that was previously missing from this airport. A familiar menu with coffee drinks and desserts, convenient for those accustomed to international standards.
• Puro Gusto: A corner of Italy in a Swiss-French hub. It is worth going here for excellent espresso, warm panini, and focaccia. A good choice for those looking for hot, filling food.
• Trib’s: A "fresh food" concept. They offer a wide selection of salads, soups, hot dishes, and desserts. The format is convenient because you see the food in the display case and can quickly assemble a lunch (Grab & Go).
• PAUL: Another outlet of this chain is located in the transit zone. This is the most popular option for those who want to take food with them onto the plane. Queues here can be long, especially in the morning.

What You Must Try

Being at the junction of Alsace and Switzerland, pay attention to local specialities that are difficult to find in other airports around the world:

• Mauricettes: This is the main gastronomic calling card of the region. Small sandwiches made from special dough (like pretzels, with a salty brown crust and soft crumb) with various fillings: meat, cheese, tuna, or salmon. This is a signature product of the Poulaillon chain (in the public zone), but variations can be found in other food outlets too.
• Alsatian Pretzels: Salted pretzels that are perfect for a snack on the go.
• Swiss Chocolate: Although not a restaurant dish, Duty-Free shops sell boxes of fresh Swiss pralines, which perfectly complement a cup of coffee while waiting for boarding.

Dietary Options

The airport tries to accommodate the needs of all passengers, although the choice of specialised establishments is limited.

• Vegetarians: At Trib’s and Bert’s, there is always a good selection of salads (for example, with quinoa, mozzarella, or goat cheese) and vegetarian sandwiches.
• Vegans: Finding a full hot meal might be difficult, but fruit slices, some types of salads, and bread products are available everywhere.
• Gluten-Free: There is no specialised menu, but many packaged salads and snacks have ingredient labelling. It is recommended to check ingredients with staff at Puro Gusto or choose bread-free dishes in self-service areas.

Prices and Payment

Be prepared for prices at EuroAirport to be higher than the European average, as they are formed under the strong influence of the Swiss market. This applies to the French sector as well.

• Average Bill: Coffee and a pastry will cost approximately 6–9 Euros. A substantial snack (sandwich/salad + drink) will cost 14–20 Euros.
• Currency: In all establishments (on both the French and Swiss sides, and in the transit zone), payments are accepted in both Euros (EUR) and Swiss Francs (CHF). However, change is often given in the currency you paid with, or in Euros, and the exchange rate may not be the most favourable. The optimal option is to pay by bank card to avoid conversion losses.

Opening Hours

Food outlets adapt to the flight schedule. Main cafes (e.g., PAUL and Trib’s) open an hour before the first departure, i.e., around 04:30 – 05:00 AM, and operate until the last flight (around 23:00). Smaller kiosks may close earlier, around 20:00–21:00.

Travelling through EuroAirport (BSL) can be one of the easiest and most pleasant stages of your trip if you know a few local tricks. The unique status of the airport creates not only advantages but also specific nuances that are better to prepare for in advance.

Optimal Arrival Time

Although the airport is considered compact and efficient, do not underestimate how busy it can get, especially considering the large number of low-cost flights.

• Standard Rule: Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for intra-European flights and 2.5–3 hours for international flights (Turkey, North Africa).
• Morning Peak Hour: The period from 05:00 to 07:30 AM is the most stressful time. The first wave of easyJet aircraft departs during this period, and security queues can stretch across the entire terminal. If your flight is in the morning, add another 30 minutes to your time buffer.

Check-in and Security Control

The main advice for this airport: know your sector. A mistake could cost you 15–20 minutes of running around with suitcases.

• Check your ticket: if you are flying with Swiss or Lufthansa, your counter is likely in the Swiss Sector. If Air France — in the French Sector. EasyJet registers passengers in the Swiss Sector, but sometimes opens additional counters on the French side (watch the display boards).
• Fast Track: If you dislike queues, the service for quick passage through security control can be purchased in advance on the airport website (about 7–10 Euros/Francs). During peak hours, this saves your nerves.

Hand Luggage: What is Allowed and Prohibited

Since Basel is a base for budget airlines, control of hand luggage dimensions here is very strict. Staff at gates often ask to place bags in the sizer.

• Swiss Knives: Many tourists forget that famous penknives cannot be carried in hand luggage, even if purchased in Switzerland as a souvenir. They will be confiscated at security without the possibility of return. Buy a knife in the Duty-Free shop after passing control — this is permitted.
• Food: You can bring solid food (sandwiches, chocolate, cheese). But remember that soft cheeses (e.g., French Brie or Camembert) may be treated as liquids and confiscated if their volume exceeds 100 ml.

Customs Nuances (Important!)

This is the most complex moment at EuroAirport. You land in France but exit into Switzerland (or vice versa). Customs rules depend on which door you exit through.

• Import into Switzerland: If you go to the "Suisse" exit, Swiss rules apply (the country is not part of the EU customs union). The limit for duty-free meat imports is only 1 kg per person, and for beverages with alcohol content above 18% — 1 litre. Swiss customs officers often check the luggage of arrivals for excess meat and dairy products.
• Tax Free: If you want to reclaim VAT for purchases made in the EU (France, Germany), you need to find French customs before checking in your luggage to get a stamp. The office is located in the French Sector (Level 3). If you check in your suitcase first, it will be impossible to get a stamp.

Tips on Choosing a Seat on the Plane

Takeoff and landing in Basel can be very picturesque due to the proximity of the mountains and the River Rhine.

• When flying south: Sit by the window on the left side (seats A). Immediately after takeoff, the aircraft often makes a turn, revealing a panoramic view of Basel, the bend of the Rhine, and the foothills of the Alps in clear weather.
• When approaching from the north: Seats on the right side (seats F) will allow you to see the vineyards of Alsace and the Vosges mountain range.

For Passengers with Transfers

EuroAirport is not a classic transit hub; there is no automatic baggage transfer between different low-cost carriers here.

• Self-transfer: If you are flying on two different tickets (e.g., arrived with Wizz Air and departing with easyJet), you will have to leave the "secure zone", collect your luggage, pass customs, change sectors (if necessary), and go through check-in and security again. Allow at least 3 hours for this.
• No transit zone for sleeping: The airport closes for the night (approximately from 00:00 to 04:00), staying inside the terminal is not permitted.

How to Save Time and Money

• Water: Water prices in the "secure zone" are high (about 4–5 Euros). Take an empty bottle with you. After security, near the toilets, there are often taps with drinking water (tap water in Switzerland and France is of excellent quality) where you can fill your container for free.
• Currency: Avoid exchange bureaus in the arrivals hall marked "Change" — rates there are often unfavourable. It is better to withdraw a small amount from an ATM or pay by card (accepted everywhere).
• Parking: If you are being dropped off, use the "Kiss & Fly" zone on the French or Swiss side. The first 10–20 minutes (depending on current rules) are often free or very cheap, but after that, the tariff rises rapidly.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Since the airport is on French soil, European passenger rights rules apply here.

• If the flight is delayed for a long time, go up to the observation terrace (if open for the season). Fresh air and a view of taking-off planes will help relieve stress better than sitting in a stuffy waiting room.
• Check your bank card: many Gold and Platinum level cards give free access to the Skyview Lounge business lounge, where you can have a snack and relax in comfortable armchairs even when flying with a low-cost carrier.