EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg

The international airport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, also known as EuroAirport, is a truly unique aerial gateway into the heart of Europe.

The main feature of the airport is its dual structure. The terminal is divided into two sectors: Swiss (Schengen and non-Schengen zones) and French (Schengen zone). Passengers can move freely between sectors inside the building, but the airport exits lead to different countries. This means you can fly into one airport and choose which country you will step into minutes later — France or Switzerland. Appropriate transport services and taxis await you at each exit.

The airport is renowned for its efficiency and excellent transport accessibility. From here, you can easily reach the centre of Basel on bus No. 50 in just 20 minutes, as well as the French city of Mulhouse and the German city of Freiburg. Despite its impressive size and passenger traffic, the airport has a reputation for being convenient and intuitive for travellers. It serves many flights, including popular low-cost carriers, making it attractive for budget-friendly trips across Europe.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg International Airport (EAP). We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.euroairport.com. Here you will find the latest information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +41 (0)61 325 31 11 (Swiss side), +33 (0)3 89 90 31 11 (French side).
• Postal Address: EuroAirport, Postfach, CH-4030, Basel, Switzerland.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not provided. You can contact the administration via the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: The airport actively maintains social media pages where it publishes news and updates. You can find them, for example, on Facebook and Instagram by searching for "EuroAirport".
• Lost & Found: A dedicated service handles lost or found luggage issues. All information and the claim form are available in the "Lost & Found" section of the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For immediate assistance and consultations, you can use the information desk phone numbers listed above.

Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg International Airport boasts a unique location, serving three countries simultaneously. Getting to it from the centre of Basel, located in Switzerland, is quite simple and fast thanks to excellent transport connections. There are several convenient methods suitable for different budgets and preferences.

The most popular and economical option is public transport. Bus No. 50 departs directly from the main Basel railway station (Basel SBB) and goes straight to the airport. The journey takes only about 20 minutes. Buses run with high frequency throughout the day. An important benefit: if you have a BaselCard tourist card (often provided by hotels), travel on this bus will be free for you. Otherwise, a standard public transport ticket is required.

For those who value comfort and are travelling with a large amount of luggage, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is the ideal choice. A car journey from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is the fastest "door-to-door" method, though the most expensive. It is recommended to use official taxis or reliable transfer booking services to avoid inflated prices.

If you plan to travel by personal or rented car, the road to the airport is straightforward. Note the unique feature: the airport is located on French territory, so upon approaching it, the road splits into French and Swiss sectors. You must follow the signs for the Swiss sector (Schweiz). Short-term and long-term parking is available at the airport. For better rates, especially for long stays, it is recommended to book a parking space online in advance.

If your itinerary allows flexibility or you are looking for alternative flights, consider other airports in the region. Relatively nearby are Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Bern Airport (BRN). You can also look at Strasbourg Airport (SXB) in France and Baden Airpark (FKB) in Germany, which expand the possibilities for planning your journey.

Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg International Airport (EuroAirport) possesses a unique structure that may seem unusual to the unprepared traveller. Understanding its layout will help you orient yourself easily upon arrival or before departure.

The key feature of the airport is that it has one terminal, which is divided into two national sectors: French and Swiss. This is due to its location on French territory while being jointly managed with Switzerland to serve the city of Basel. All infrastructure is located in one building, so moving between sectors before passing border control is very simple — effectively, it is a single space.

The Departure Zone is located on one level (Level 2). Check-in counters are grouped by airline, but you can move freely between the French and Swiss parts of the hall before passing security control. After screening, all passengers enter a common waiting area with boarding gates. Important: although the departure area is shared, pay close attention to your gate number, as they can serve both Schengen and non-Schengen flights.

The Arrival Zone is where navigation requires special attention. After collecting luggage, you will face a choice of two exits: one leads to France (and onwards to Germany), and the other to Switzerland. Your choice should depend on your final destination:

• If you are heading to Basel, choose the Swiss exit. Here you will find bus stops to the city and counters for Swiss car rental companies.
• If your destination is Mulhouse, Saint-Louis, or Freiburg, you need the French exit. Transport to France and Germany departs from here.

Check-in and security screening usually take standard time. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before flights within the Schengen zone and 3 hours before international flights. During peak seasons and holidays, it is worth allowing extra time. The airport is well-organised, and navigational signs are in three languages (French, German, and English), which significantly simplifies orientation.

The history of Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg International Airport is a shining example of post-war European cooperation. The idea for its creation arose because the airfields in Basel had become too small for growing air traffic and had no prospects for expansion. A unique solution was found in partnership with France: on July 4, 1949, the countries signed an intergovernmental agreement under which the airport was built on French soil but managed jointly. However, its official opening took place even before the treaty was signed — on May 8, 1946, marking the beginning of its unusual bi-national history.

A crucial step in development was the creation in the 1950s of the so-called "Swiss sector" and a special road, free from customs control, which directly connected the airport to the territory of Switzerland. This allowed for the implementation of a unique system where passengers can choose which country to enter via border control — France or Switzerland — while being in the same terminal. In the 1970s, the main runway was significantly lengthened to accommodate modern jet aircraft, opening the way for long-haul flights.

In subsequent decades, the airport continued to modernize actively. In 1987, it received its current name — EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, to reflect its significance for the three border regions: Switzerland, France, and Germany. Large-scale terminal renovations at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries aimed to increase capacity and passenger comfort, making it an important hub for low-cost airlines and a key centre for cargo transport, especially for Basel's pharmaceutical industry.

One of the most curious facts is that the airport has three official IATA codes: BSL (Basel), MLH (Mulhouse), and EAP (EuroAirport), highlighting its international status. Physically located entirely within France, it remains one of the few airports in the world with dual administration today, which is its main feature and achievement throughout its history.

The international airport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait before their flight. In the terminal, you will find numerous shops, including Duty Free with a large selection of perfumery, confectionery, and souvenirs. You can have a bite to eat in one of the numerous restaurants and cafes offering both local and international cuisine, as well as quick snacks with coffee. Regardless of your preferences, you will easily find a suitable establishment.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport features the Skyview Lounge — a spacious waiting area with a panoramic view of the runway, available to passengers of all airlines for a fee or via loyalty cards. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to always stay connected. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres are equipped and can be booked for meetings.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of necessity, you can visit the medical point for first aid. For passengers with children, special baby care rooms with changing tables are provided, as well as play areas where young travellers can have a fun time before the flight.

The airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility. Dedicated parking spaces, ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms are provided. Passengers can request assistance by contacting their airline at least 48 hours before departure. If you plan to stay nearby, hotels offering convenient accommodation for transit passengers and those with early flights are located right by the terminal and within a few minutes' walk. This makes the airport an important transport hub not only for Switzerland but also for the neighbouring regions of France and Germany.

At Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg International Airport, thanks to its unique location on the border of three countries, a diverse gastronomic selection awaits travellers. Here you can find places for a quick snack as well as restaurants for a leisurely lunch or dinner, reflecting the culinary traditions of Switzerland, France, and Germany.

Before Security Control (Landside): The public area of the airport concentrates excellent options for those seeing off or meeting passengers, as well as for travellers with time to spare. On the 5th floor, the "3 Länder Restaurant" is located, where you can enjoy a full lunch with a panoramic view of the runway. In the arrivals area (2nd floor) and departures (3rd floor), you will find popular coffee shops and bakeries, such as Paul, which are perfect for having coffee with fresh French pastries. Prices here are generally moderately high.

After Security Control (Airside): In the departure zone, the choice of establishments is also quite wide. There are several cafes and quick-service restaurants here. This is a great place to grab a sandwich, salad, or hot meal right before boarding your flight. Most establishments operate from early morning until the departure of the last flights, adjusting to the flight schedule.

Cuisine and Special Diets: In the menus of restaurants and cafes, you can find both international hits and local specialities. Be sure to try traditional Swiss chocolate or a French croissant. For passengers with special dietary needs, such as vegetarians, appropriate dishes are provided in most establishments. It is best to clarify information regarding vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options directly at the chosen restaurant.

For a quick snack, we recommend visiting one of the coffee shops or bakeries in the public area, and for a full meal in a quiet atmosphere — go up to the restaurant on the top floor. In any case, you will not go hungry at Basel Airport, finding an option for every taste and budget.

To ensure your journey through Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg International Airport is as comfortable as possible, consider a few key points. Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2-2.5 hours before Schengen flights and 3 hours before international flights. This will give you enough time to pass through all procedures calmly. Online check-in, which most airlines open 24-48 hours before departure, will help save significant time.

The main feature of this airport is its unique location and structure. It is divided into two sectors: French and Swiss. Upon arrival, you can choose the exit to the corresponding country. Be careful when renting a car: a car rented in the French sector must be returned there, and vice versa. Customs control also depends on your final destination, so follow the signs for the exit to France/Germany or to Switzerland.

When preparing hand luggage, remember standard security rules: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and all sharp objects are prohibited. Regarding seat selection on the plane, for the best views of the Alps or the Jura Mountains during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely are important to you, an aisle seat is better suited.

Passengers with transfers need not worry: the airport is relatively small and well-organised, making transit quite fast. Nevertheless, immediately after arrival, check the information board to find your next boarding gate number. In case of flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline's counter immediately. Depending on the situation, you are entitled to drinks, meals, and, for long delays, hotel accommodation.

To save a little money, use public transport. For example, bus No. 50 will quickly take you from the airport to the main SBB railway station in Basel. It is also useful to bring an empty water bottle, which can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so a light snack brought from home will help avoid extra expenses.