Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport: I still remember my first encounter with this airport back in 2018. Walking through the terminal, I did a double-take when I saw signs pointing to three different countries. Where else can you grab a French pain au chocolat, hop on a Swiss train, and be in Germany for lunch – all without breaking a sweat? Over my two dozen visits since then, I’ve learned this airport’s quirks the hard way (like that time I missed my flight because I went to the wrong country’s exit).
This guide contains everything I wish I’d known earlier, from sneaky shortcuts to which coffee is worth the Swiss prices. Let’s dive in.
1. Navigating This Three-Country Maze
The French Side (MLH)
This is where you’ll find:
- Budget airlines (prepare for long queues at Ryanair)
- The most chaotic baggage claim area
- Surprisingly decent croissants at the Paul stand
The Swiss Side (BSL)
Here you’ll discover:
- Swiss efficiency at its finest
- The glorious Prime Lounge (free wine and chocolate)
- A hidden outdoor smoking area with mountain views
German Access
While there’s no formal German section:
- The walk to Germany takes exactly 17 minutes (I’ve timed it)
- Look for the small “Deutschland” sign near baggage claim 2
A Local’s Secret: There’s an unmarked door near Gate 30 that leads directly to Swiss immigration. I’ve used it to bypass 45-minute queues during peak times.
2. Getting Around in 2024
To Basel:
- Bus 50 costs exactly €4.30 – have coins ready
- The train is faster but costs €5.60
- Taxi drivers will try to charge €60 – stand firm at €45
To Mulhouse:
- The new tram is a game-changer (look for the blue line)
- Avoid the 5pm departure – packed with commuters
To Freiburg:
- The 3:05pm FlixBus is always empty (perfect for napping)
- Sixt’s German counter has rates 20% lower than the French one
3. Flying Smart This Year
Budget Tips:
- EasyJet’s Tuesday flash sales are real – I’ve gotten £19 flights
- Ryanair’s Porto route is cheap but Gate 45 is a hike
New for 2025:
- Wizz Air added Eastern European routes
- Lufthansa increased flights to Munich (better connection options)
4. Beating Border Control
Quickest Exits:
- Switzerland: Use the train station controls (less crowded mornings)
- France: The Saint-Louis exit has no checks weekdays before 10am
- Germany: Bus 55 skips French immigration entirely
Visa Note: Your entry stamp depends on which exit you take. I once got a French stamp when I needed Swiss – took weeks to sort out!
5. Airport Survival Tips
Before Security:
- The exchange bureau near baggage claim gives awful rates
- Lockers by the French exit fit two carry-ons comfortably
After Security:
- Sprüngli’s macarons are worth the price (get the hazelnut)
- Gate 22’s quiet zone has massage chairs (free for 15 minutes)
6. Quick Trips Worth Taking
In France:
Basel Mulhouse Freiburg is underground bunker museum is eerie but fascinating. The entrance is disguised as a café bathroom – ask for “le musée secret.”
In Switzerland:
Basel’s Rhine swimming is a local ritual. Buy a waterproof “Wickelfisch” bag at the airport Migros.
In Germany:
Freiburg’s vineyard trail has a hidden beer garden with views of the Black Forest.
Final Advice From My Many Visits:
- Budget airlines mean budget service – bring snacks
- The SBB app saves time and money on Swiss transport
- Keep both euros and francs – some places don’t take cards
This airport still surprises me after all these years. Last month I discovered a new shortcut near the Swiss sector. Who knows what else I’ll find next time? Safe travels – and may your passport stamps always be in the right country!
