The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Zurich
Cheapest price
€70
Average price
€138
Fastest journey
4 h 46 m
Average duration
4 h 52 m
Trains per day
45
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 €138 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €70.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Zurich without transferring at least once.
ICE 521 · ICE 271
EC 7 · IR 2273
ICE 511 · ICE 5 · IC 767
ICE 511 · IC 183
IC 2040 · ICE 275 · IC 771
ICE 225 · ICE 73
ICE 1011 · ICE 77
ICE 1013 · ICE 79
ICE 913 · ECE 151
ICE 103 · IC 773Travel 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 prices starting from €24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €24, and a flight costs an average of €80.
Distance: 413 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€137 Average price | €188 Average price | €55 Average price Cheapest |
7h 7m Average total duration 6h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 3m Average total duration 9h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Zurich train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Zurich trains for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1621 · ICE 915 · ICE 71+ IC 555 | 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 1:26 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 513 · ICE 275 · IC 771 | Delayed 6:56 AM 6:55 AMCologne Hbf | 5h05 | 12:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 513 · IC 185 | Delayed 6:56 AM 6:55 AMCologne Hbf | 5h28 | 12:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
EC 7+ IR 2273 | Delayed 8:08 AM 7:53 AMCologne Hbf | 5h59 | 1:52 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
EC 7 · IR 2273 | Delayed 8:08 AM 7:53 AMCologne Hbf | 5h59 | 1:52 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · IC 773 | 7:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h05 | 1:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 555 | On time 8:10 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h16 | 1:26 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ICE 73 | 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ICE 73 | 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515 · IC 187 | Delayed 9:02 AM 8:55 AMCologne Hbf | 5h28 | 2:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 · ICE 277 · IC 775 | Delayed 9:02 AM 8:55 AMCologne Hbf | 5h05 | 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
EC 9 · IR 2277 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h59 | 3:52 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
EC 9+ IR 2277 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h59 | 3:52 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 105 · ICE 73 | Delayed 10:09 AM 9:55 AMCologne Hbf | 5h05 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 225 · ICE 73 | On time 10:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h46 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 2013+ ICE 75 | 10:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h46 | 5:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 2013 · ICE 75 | 10:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h46 | 5:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 517 · ICE 279 · EC 779 | Delayed 11:17 AM 10:55 AMCologne Hbf | 5h05 | 4:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 1744+ ICE 77 | On time 11:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h07 | 7:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 1744 · ICE 371 · IC 783 | On time 11:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 6:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 1744+ ICE 371+ IC 783 | On time 11:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 6:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 107 · ICE 75 | Delayed 12:09 PM 11:55 AMCologne Hbf | 5h05 | 5:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 77 | 12:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 7:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 519 · ICE 371 · IC 783 | Delayed 1:09 PM 12:55 PMCologne Hbf | 5h05 | 6:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 519 · IC 281 | Delayed 1:09 PM 12:55 PMCologne Hbf | 5h28 | 6:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 1746 · ICE 373 · IC 787 | On time 1:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 8:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 1746+ ICE 373+ IC 787 | On time 1:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 8:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 1746+ ICE 79 | On time 1:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h07 | 9:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 109 · ICE 77 | On time 1:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h05 | 7:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1011 · ICE 77 | On time 2:10 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h50 | 7:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2921 · ICE 77 | On time 2:10 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h50 | 7:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 927 · ICE 1013 · ICE 79 | 2:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 9:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 611 · ICE 373 · IC 787 | 2:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h05 | 8:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 611 · IC 283 | 2:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h28 | 8:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 1748+ ICE 375+ IC 989 · IC 837 | On time 3:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h09 | 10:02 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
IC 1748 · ICE 375 · IC 989 · IC 837 | On time 3:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h09 | 10:02 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 201 · ICE 79 | Delayed 4:14 PM 3:55 PMCologne Hbf | 5h05 | 9:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1013 · ICE 79 | On time 4:10 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h50 | 9:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 127 · ICE 375 · IR 1991 | 4:28 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h56 | 10:24 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 127 · ICE 375 · IC 989 · IC 837 | 4:28 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h34 | 10:02 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 929 · ICE 1015 · ICE 1171+ IR 1993 | 4:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h31 | 11:24 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 929 · ICE 377 · IR 2347 · IC 543 | 4:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h20 | 12:13 AM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 203 · IR 1993 | 5:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h29 | 11:24 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1015 · ICE 1171 · IR 1993 | On time 6:10 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h14 | 11:24 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 615 · ICE 377 · IR 1995 | 6:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h29 | 12:24 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 615 · ICE 377 · IR 2347 · IC 543 | 6:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h18 | 12:13 AM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 205 · RE 17031 · RB 17151+ SBB S6 | 7:55 PM Cologne Hbf | 10h05 | 6:00 AM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
ICE 909 · IC 60403 · IC 559 | On time 9:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h59 | 6:26 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 909 · IC 60403 | On time 9:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h38 | 7:05 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
RE 26839 · RB 10453 · RB 25445 · IC 60403 | On time 9:37 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 8h49 | 6:26 AM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
RE 91499 · ICE 619 · IC 60403 | On time 10:12 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 8h53 | 7:05 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
RE 91499 · ICE 619 · IC 60403 · IC 559 | On time 10:12 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 8h14 | 6:26 AM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
| Friday, November 7 | |||||
ICE 521 · ICE 271 | Delayed 3:20 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h40 | 9:00 AM 9:00 AMZurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 511 · IC 183 | 4:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h35 | 10:23 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 511 · ICE 5 · IC 767 | 4:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h12 | 10:00 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2040 · ICE 275 · IC 771 | On time 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 12:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 101 · EC 151 | 5:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h05 | 11:00 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 913 · ECE 151 | 6:10 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h50 | 11:00 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Nov 14
Nov 15
Nov 16
Nov 17
Nov 18
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Zurich?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Zurich
Trains from Cologne to Zurich run on average 11 times per day, taking around 6h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €62 but you can travel from only €24 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 413 km distance in 4h 50m.
Distance 413 km |
Average train duration 6h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price €62 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 4h 50m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity from Cologne to Zurich trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity trains will get you between Cologne and Zurich from €24. 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 | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB Nightjet
ÖBB | InterCity
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.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Zurich HB, located 1.4 miles (2.2 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Zurich
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Couchsnacks
- Secco
- Bistro Lotus
- Ganesha
- Flandrischer Hof
- Lasthaus am Ring
- The Ascot Hotel
- Lindner Hotel City Plaza Cologne
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Zur alten Post
- Piccolo Capriccio
- Brauhaus Dellbrück
- Al Capriccio
- Ihr Hotel Garni Köln
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Sushi World
- Al Capone
- Kraus
- Vitalis Grill
- West End Hotel
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
- Pizza Paradies
- Sushi Bar GAN-MI
- Potato and More
- Im Rauchfang
- Garten Hotel Ponick
- Hotel Osteria Centovini
- Goethe
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 24/7 with access from the main road.
- Restaurant Markthalle
- Restaurant LaSalle
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators.
- CHF 1
- Placid Hotel Zurich
- Best Western Hotel Spirgarten
- H+ Hotel Zürich
- Located in the main hall
- 240 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S9, S12, S15
- Tram: Line 4
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
- Located in the main hall
- 1000 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking available nearby with several parking options
- Brisket Southern BBQ & Bar
- Les Halles
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- 25hours Hotel Zürich West
- Sheraton Zürich Hotel
- Novotel Zurich City West
- 800 places, covered
- Located on the main concourse
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-8 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Tram: Line 4, Line 8
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
- Cost CHF 12
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
- Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
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







