The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Zurich
Cheapest price
€80
Average price
€156
Fastest journey
4 h 54 m
Average duration
4 h 57 m
Trains per day
48
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 €156 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €80.
Of the 48 trains that leave Cologne for Zurich on Thu, May 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 07 the direct trains cover the 413 km distance in an average of 4 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 54 m .
On Thu, May 07 the slowest trains will take 5 h 6 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
IC 60403 · IC 55910:13 PM9h13Cologne Hbf7:26 AMZurich HB€801One-way1 transfer
ICE 205 · ICE 77 · IR 20558:54 PM8h55Cologne Hbf5:49 AMZurich HB€1011One-way2 transfers
ICE 511 · ICE 2755:48 AM5h12Cologne Hbf11:00 AMZurich HB€1031One-way1 transfer
ICE 1640 · ICE 379 · IR 19956:53 PM6h31Cologne Hbf1:24 AMZurich HB€1031One-way2 transfers
ICE 615 · ICE 379 · IR 19957:54 PM5h30Cologne Hbf1:24 AMZurich HB€1031One-way2 transfers
ICE 1013 · ICE 75+
TGV 92235:32 PM4h54Cologne Messe/Deutz10:26 PMZurich HB€1601One-way2 transfers
ICE 915 · ICE 71+
TGV 92119:31 AM4h55Cologne Messe/Deutz2:26 PMZurich HB€1401One-way2 transfers
ICE 919 · ICE 73 · IC 5811:30 PM4h56Cologne Messe/Deutz6:26 PMZurich HB€1401One-way2 transfers
ICE 1011 · ICE 7+
TGV 92193:30 PM4h56Cologne Messe/Deutz8:26 PMZurich HB€1601One-way2 transfers
ICE 513 · ICE 2777:54 AM5h06Cologne Hbf1:00 PMZurich HB€1171One-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 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 today, Wednesday, May 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 921 · 4251 · 29697 · S6 | Delayed 1:49 AM 3:49 AMCologne Hbf | 7h11 | 11:00 AM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
ICE 1648 · ICE 277 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 1:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1648 · ICE 277 | On time 6:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 1:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 101 · EC 151 | 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 12:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 25 · ICE 915 · ICE 71+ TGV 9211 | 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 2:26 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 | Delayed 5:59 AM 7:54 AMCologne Hbf | 5h06 | 1:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 1940+ ICE 279+ IC 775 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 1940+ ICE 105 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h07 | 4:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 1940 · ICE 279 · IC 775 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · IC 795 | 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71+ TGV 9211 | On time 9:31 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h55 | 2:26 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1225 · ICE 1255 · ECE 5+ TGV 9213 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 4:26 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1225 · ICE 1255+ EC 5+ TGV 9213 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 4:26 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2013 · ICE 371 · IC 779 | 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 5:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2013+ ICE 371+ IC 779 | 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 5:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 105 | Delayed 8:56 AM 10:54 AMCologne Hbf | 5h06 | 4:00 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1255 · ECE 5+ TGV 9213 | On time 11:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h08 | 4:26 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 517 · ICE 371 · IC 779 | On time 11:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 5:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1644 · ICE 373 | On time 12:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 7:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1644 · ICE 373 | On time 12:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 7:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 · IC 781 | On time 12:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 6:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 919 · ICE 73 · IC 581 | On time 1:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h56 | 6:26 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 519 · ICE 373 | On time 1:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 7:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 1946+ ICE 375+ IC 787 | On time 2:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 9:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 1946 · ICE 375 · IC 787 | On time 2:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 9:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 109 | On time 2:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 8:00 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1011 · ICE 7+ TGV 9219 | On time 3:30 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h56 | 8:26 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 927 · ICE 75+ TGV 9223 | 3:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 10:26 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 927 · ICE 75+ TGV 9223 | 3:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 10:26 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 611 · ICE 375 · IC 787 | 3:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 9:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 1948+ ICE 377+ IR 1991 | On time 4:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h31 | 11:24 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 1948 · ICE 377 · IC 989 · IC 837 | On time 4:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h08 | 11:01 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
IC 1948+ ICE 377+ IC 989 · IC 837 | On time 4:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h08 | 11:01 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 201 · IC 789 | On time 4:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 10:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1013 · ICE 75+ TGV 9223 | On time 5:32 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h54 | 10:26 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 613 · ICE 377 · IC 989 · IC 837 | 5:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h07 | 11:01 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 613 · ICE 377 · IR 1991 | 5:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 11:24 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1640 · ICE 379+ IR 1995 | 6:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h31 | 1:24 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1640 · ICE 379+ IR 2347+ IC 841 | 6:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h13 | 1:06 AM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 1640 · ICE 379 · IR 2347 · IC 841 | 6:53 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h13 | 1:06 AM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 615 · ICE 379 · IR 2347 · IC 841 | 7:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h12 | 1:06 AM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
ICE 615 · ICE 379 · IR 1995 | 7:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 1:24 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 205 · ICE 77 · IR 2055 | On time 8:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h55 | 5:49 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 60403 | On time 11:42 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h23 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
NJ 403 | 11:42 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h23 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 619+ IC 60403 | On time 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h11 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 619+ IC 60403 · IC 559 | 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h32 | 7:26 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 619 · IC 60403 | On time 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h11 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 619 · IC 60403 · IC 559 | 11:54 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h32 | 7:26 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 827 · ICE 273 | On time 3:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h39 | 10:00 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 511 · ICE 275 | 5:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h12 | 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.
May 06
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
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 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 days |
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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need







