The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Zurich
Cheapest price
€38
Average price
€87
Fastest journey
2 h 49 m
Average duration
2 h 57 m
Trains per day
51
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Zurich will cost around €87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €38.
Of the 51 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Zurich on Sun, Jul 12, 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct trains cover the 183 km distance in an average of 2 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 49 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest trains will take 2 h 59 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 60471 · IR 20636:04 AM3h45Karlsruhe Hbf9:49 AMZurich HB€381One-way1 transfer
ICE 75 · RE 20897:26 PM3h23Karlsruhe Hbf10:49 PMZurich HB€401One-way1 transfer
ICE 7 · IR 20855:26 PM3h23Karlsruhe Hbf8:49 PMZurich HB€441One-way1 transfer
IC 60403 · IR 20594:04 AM3h45Karlsruhe Hbf7:49 AMZurich HB€461One-way1 transfer
IC 604034:04 AM4h01Karlsruhe Hbf8:05 AMZurich HB€461One-way0 transfers
ECE 1519:11 AM2h49Karlsruhe Hbf12:00 PMZurich HB€731One-way0 transfers
ICE 103 · IC 77311:01 AM2h59Karlsruhe Hbf2:00 PMZurich HB€551One-way1 transfer
ICE 27710:01 AM2h59Karlsruhe Hbf1:00 PMZurich HB€601One-way0 transfers
ICE 27710:01 AM2h59Karlsruhe Hbf1:00 PMZurich HB€1111One-way0 transfers
ICE 103+
IC 77311:01 AM2h59Karlsruhe Hbf2:00 PMZurich HB€1111One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Karlsruhe to Zurich
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a train costs an average of €29.
Distance: 183 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€63 Average price | €24 Average price Cheapest |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Karlsruhe to Zurich train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Zurich trains for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60403 | Delayed 2:04 AM 4:04 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 4h01 | 6:05 AM 6:05 AMZurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60403 | Delayed 2:04 AM 4:04 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 4h01 | 6:05 AM 6:05 AMZurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60403 · IR 2059 | Delayed 2:04 AM 4:04 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 3h45 | 7:49 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 60403+ IR 2059 | Delayed 2:04 AM 4:04 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 3h45 | 7:49 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 60408 | Delayed 3:32 AM 5:09 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 3h56 | 7:05 AM 7:05 AMZurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60408+ IR 2061 | Delayed 3:32 AM 5:09 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 3h40 | 8:49 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 60408 · IR 2061 | Delayed 3:32 AM 5:19 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 3h30 | 8:49 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 60408 | Delayed 3:32 AM 5:19 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 3h46 | 7:05 AM 7:05 AMZurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 271 · IC 763 | On time 5:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h04 | 9:00 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 271+ IC 763 | On time 5:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h04 | 9:00 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 275 | On time 8:01 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h59 | 11:00 AM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 275 | On time 8:01 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h59 | 11:00 AM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 151 | On time 9:11 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h49 | 12:00 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 | On time 10:01 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h59 | 1:00 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 | On time 10:01 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h59 | 1:00 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 103 · IC 773 | Delayed 9:35 AM 11:01 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 2h59 | 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103+ IC 773 | Delayed 9:35 AM 11:01 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 2h59 | 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 71 · IR 2073 | On time 11:26 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h23 | 2:49 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 71+ IR 2073 | On time 11:26 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h23 | 2:49 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 279 · IC 775 | On time 12:01 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h59 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 279+ IC 775 | On time 12:01 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h59 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 105 | Delayed 11:23 AM 1:01 PMKarlsruhe Hbf | 2h59 | 4:00 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 105 | Delayed 11:23 AM 1:01 PMKarlsruhe Hbf | 2h59 | 4:00 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 5 · IR 2077 | On time 1:26 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h23 | 4:49 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
EC 5+ IR 2077 | 1:26 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h23 | 4:49 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe to Zurich by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Jul 12
Jul 13
Jul 14
Jul 15
Jul 16
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Jul 18
Jul 19
Jul 20
Jul 21
Jul 22
Jul 23
Jul 24
Jul 25
Why should you book Karlsruhe 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 | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Karlsruhe 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Karlsruhe to Zurich.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Karlsruhe to Zurich.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Zurich
Trains from Karlsruhe to Zurich run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €29 but you can travel from only €14 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:39. The fastest train covers the 183 km distance in 2h 49m.
Distance 183 km |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price €29 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 49m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:39 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Karlsruhe to Zurich trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Zurich from €14. 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 | ICE
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | InterCity
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
FAQs: Trains from Karlsruhe to Zurich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe to Zurich
Most Karlsruhe to Zurich trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Zürich HB station pair, with some services arriving at Zürich Stadelhofen. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Zurich train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Karlsruhe station do trains to Zurich leave from?
Getting to Karlsruhe Hbf from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Hbf train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe 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: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Getting to Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang.
Getting to Karlsruhe-Durlach from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe-Durlach is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Durlach train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe-Durlach 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: Hubraum, Vogel Hausbräu Durlach, Asia Gourmet, Borsalino
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Große Linde, Zum Erwin, Der Blaue Reiter.
Which Zurich station do trains from Karlsruhe 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, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord from Zurich city centre
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord train station facilities and services
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord.
Most popular train connections from Karlsruhe
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Zurich
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