The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Zurich
Cheapest price
€147
Average price
€167
Fastest journey
5 h 6 m
Average duration
5 h 53 m
Trains per day
3
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 €167 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €147.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Zurich without transferring at least once.
ICE 2509 · IC 187
ICE 103 · IC 773
IC 2013+
ICE 371+
IC 779
ICE 103 · IC 773
IC 2013+
ICE 371+
IC 779
ICE 2509 · IC 187Travel 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 €26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. 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 €26, and a flight costs an average of €60.
Distance: 413 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€132 Average price | €194 Average price | €50 Average price Cheapest |
7h 32m Average total duration 7h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 52m Average total duration 8h 22m 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 tomorrow, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 103 · IC 773 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 1:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2509 · IC 187 | On time 7:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h25 | 2:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 2013+ ICE 371+ IC 779 | 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 4:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 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.
Mar 21
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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 | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet 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
Trains from Cologne to Zurich run on average 13 times per day, taking around 7h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €54 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 2m |
Cheapest ticket price €54 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
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 €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 | 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.

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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Zurich
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