4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Zurich
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€85
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€134
Fastest journey on Sep 19
5 h 29 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
5 h 39 m
Trains on Sep 19
35
Distance
413 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Zurich will cost around €134 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €85.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Zurich without transferring at least once.
ICE 519 · ICE 2533 · 4733 · IC 3811:54 PM6h29Cologne Hbf8:23 PMZurich HB€851One-way3 transfers- IC 2048 · ICE 2537 · 4741+
S624:53 PM7h30Cologne Hbf12:23 AMZurich HB€851One-way4 transfers - ICE 2013 · ICE 255910:53 AM6h36Cologne Hbf5:29 PMZurich HB€901One-way1 transfer
- IC 2046 · IC 3892:53 PM7h30Cologne Hbf10:23 PMZurich HB€901One-way1 transfer
- ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511 · ICE 25533:49 AM8h34Cologne Hbf12:23 PMZurich HB€911One-way4 transfers
- ICE 513 · 17631 · IC 1857:54 AM5h29Cologne Hbf1:23 PMZurich HB€1511One-way2 transfers
- ICE 515 · ICE 25579:54 AM5h35Cologne Hbf3:29 PMZurich HB€1241One-way1 transfer
- ICE 517 · ICE 255911:54 AM5h35Cologne Hbf5:29 PMZurich HB€1241One-way1 transfer
- ICE 1013 · 19168 · IC 2855:39 PM5h44Cologne Messe/Deutz11:23 PMZurich HB€1111One-way2 transfers
- ICE 915 · IC 1879:32 AM5h51Cologne Messe/Deutz3:23 PMZurich HB€1401One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Zurich
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €43 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €43, while a flight costs an average of €165.
Distance: 413 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€121 Average price | €165 Average price | €43 Average price Cheapest | €142 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 33m Average total duration 7h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 53m Average total duration 8h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Zurich:
A bus is €78 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Zurich costing on average €121.
A bus is €122 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Zurich costing on average €165.
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 3m.
Bus takes on average 8h 23m.
Live departures
Cologne to Zurich train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Zurich trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 921 · 4251 · ICE 511 · ICE 275 | Delayed 1:49 AM 3:50 AMCologne Hbf | 7h10 | 9:02 AM 9:02 AMZurich HB | 3 transfers | |
 ICE 921+ RE2+ICE 511 · ICE 275 | Delayed 1:49 AM 3:50 AMCologne Hbf | 7h10 | 9:02 AM 9:02 AMZurich HB | 3 transfers | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
| ICE 911 · ICE 1091 · IC 183 | On time 5:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h58 | 11:23 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 511 · ICE 2553 · IC 483 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h35 | 12:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
 9414+ 9213 | 6:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h46 | 4:26 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| 9414+9219 | 6:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 13h46 | 8:26 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2348 · ICE 513 · 17631 · IC 185 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h30 | 1:23 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 25 · ICE 915 · IC 187 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h30 | 3:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 513 · 17631 · IC 185 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h29 | 1:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| 9426+9219 | 8:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 11h47 | 8:26 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2040 · ICE 2557 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h36 | 3:29 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 915 · IC 187 | On time 9:32 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h51 | 3:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 515 · ICE 2557 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h35 | 3:29 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ICE 903 · IC 1089 | 9:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h28 | 5:23 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 217 · ICE 575 · RE 51987 · S 9 | 10:00 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h53 | 4:53 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
| ICE 217 · IC 1987 · S 9+S62 | 10:00 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h53 | 4:53 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
| 9438+9219 | 10:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h47 | 8:26 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 2013 · ICE 2559 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h36 | 5:29 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 903 · IC 1089 | On time 10:59 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h24 | 5:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 29 · ICE 919 · 19236 · IC 281 | 11:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h30 | 7:23 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 517 · ICE 2559 | On time 11:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h35 | 5:29 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2044 · ICE 2533 · 4733 · IC 381 | On time 12:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h30 | 8:23 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 2517 · ICE 597 · IC 281 | On time 12:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h29 | 7:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 919 · 19236 · IC 281 | On time 1:31 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h52 | 7:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 519 · ICE 2533 · 4733 · IC 381 | On time 1:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h29 | 8:23 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 519 · IC 283 | On time 1:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h29 | 9:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 229 · ICE 1011 · 19160 · IC 283 | On time 1:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h28 | 9:23 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
| IC 2046 · IC 389 | On time 2:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h30 | 10:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 2519 · ICE 599 · IC 283 | On time 2:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h29 | 9:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 1011 · 19160 · IC 283 | On time 3:32 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h51 | 9:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 611 · IC 389 | On time 3:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h29 | 10:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 927 · ICE 1097 · IC 285+ 24527 | On time 3:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h29 | 11:23 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
| IC 2048 · ICE 2537 · 4741 · S 9 | On time 4:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h30 | 12:23 AM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
| ICE 201 · ICE 691 · IC 285 | On time 4:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h27 | 11:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 1013 · 19168 · IC 285 | On time 5:39 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h44 | 11:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 613 · ICE 2537 · 4741 · S 9 | 5:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h29 | 12:23 AM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Zurich by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Sep 19
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Sep 26
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Sep 29
Sep 30
Oct 01
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Oct 09
Why should you book Cologne to Zurich trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) or ÖBB | InterCity to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Zurich.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Zurich.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Zurich.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Zurich?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Zurich
Germany
Switzerland
Trains from Cologne to Zurich run on average 13 times per day, taking around 7h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €66 but you can travel from only €26 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 413 km distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 413 km |
Average train duration 7h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price €66 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 84 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, SNCF | TGV Lyria, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne to Zurich trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, SNCF | TGV Lyria, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne and Zurich from €26. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
ÖBB | Nightjet
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | InterCity
SNCF | TGV Lyria
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Zurich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Zurich by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Zurich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Zurich
Most Cologne to Zurich trains use the Köln Hbf to Zürich HB station pair, with some services arriving at Zürich Stadelhofen. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Zurich train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Zurich leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Which Zurich station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB train station facilities and services
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Getting to Zürich Stadelhofen from Zurich city centre
Zürich Stadelhofen train station facilities and services
Zürich Stadelhofen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Getting to Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB from Zurich city centre
Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB train station facilities and services
Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Zurich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Zurich and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Zurich
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