The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Zurich
Cheapest price
$95
Average price
$162
Fastest journey
4 h 54 m
Average duration
4 h 56 m
Trains per day
46
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Zurich will cost around $162 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $95.
Of the 46 trains that leave Cologne for Zurich every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 413 km distance in an average of 4 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 54 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 58 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.
ICE 511 · ICE 275
ICE 929 · ICE 379 · IR 2347 · IC 841
ICE 205 · IR 2055
IC 2348 · ICE 103 · IC 795
ICE 203 · IC 2345 · IC 839
ICE 1013 · ICE 75+
TGV 9223
ICE 915 · ICE 71+
TGV 9211
ICE 1011 · ICE 7+
TGV 9219
ICE 919 · ICE 73 · IC 581
ICE 225 · ECE 5+
TGV 9213Travel Information
Compare train, coach 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 coach with prices starting from $31. 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 coach costs an average of $31, and a flight costs an average of $100.
Distance: 413 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
$172 Average Price | $234 Average Price | $68 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, Monday, 5 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 513 · ICE 277 | Delayed 7:02 am 6:54 amCologne Hbf | 5h06 | 12:46 pm 12:46 pmZurich HB | 1 change | |
IC 2040 · ICE 279 · IC 775 | On time 7:53 am Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 2:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
IC 2040+ ICE 105 | On time 7:53 am Cologne Hbf | 7h07 | 3:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
IC 2040+ ICE 279+ IC 775 | On time 7:53 am Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 2:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 103 · IC 795 | 7:54 am Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 1:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71+ TGV 9211 | On time 8:31 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h55 | 1:26 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 27 · ICE 371 · IC 779 | 8:53 am Cologne Hbf | 7h07 | 4:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775 | Delayed 8:56 am 8:54 amCologne Hbf | 5h06 | 2:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 515 · IC 187 | Delayed 8:56 am 8:54 amCologne Hbf | 5h29 | 2:23 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
IC 2013 · ICE 107 · IC 781 | 9:53 am Cologne Hbf | 7h07 | 5:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
IC 2013+ ICE 371+ IC 779 | 9:53 am Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 4:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 105 | Delayed 9:56 am 9:54 amCologne Hbf | 5h06 | 3:00 pm Zurich HB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 225 · ECE 5+ TGV 9213 | On time 10:28 am Cologne Hbf | 4h58 | 3:26 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 517 · ICE 371 · IC 779 | Delayed 10:56 am 10:54 amCologne Hbf | 5h06 | 4:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
IC 2404 · ICE 109 | On time 11:53 am Cologne Hbf | 7h07 | 7:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
IC 2404+ ICE 373 | On time 11:53 am Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 6:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 107 · IC 781 | On time 11:54 am Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 5:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 919 · ICE 73 · IC 581 | On time 12:30 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h56 | 5:26 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 7+ TGV 9219 | On time 12:53 pm Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 7:26 pm Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
ICE 229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 7+ TGV 9219 | On time 12:53 pm Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 7:26 pm Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
ICE 519 · ICE 373 | On time 12:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 6:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
IC 2406+ ICE 375+ IC 787 | 1:53 pm Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 8:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
IC 2406 · ICE 375 · IC 787 | 1:53 pm Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 8:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 109 | On time 1:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 7:00 pm Zurich HB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1011 · ICE 7+ TGV 9219 | On time 2:30 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h56 | 7:26 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 927 · ICE 1013 · ICE 75+ TGV 9223 | 2:53 pm Cologne Hbf | 6h33 | 9:26 pm Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
ICE 611 · ICE 375 · IC 787 | 2:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 8:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
IC 2408 · ICE 377 · IC 989 · IC 837 | On time 3:53 pm Cologne Hbf | 6h08 | 10:01 pm Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
IC 2408+ ICE 377+ IC 989 · IC 837 | On time 3:53 pm Cologne Hbf | 6h08 | 10:01 pm Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
ICE 201 · IC 789 | On time 3:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 9:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 1013 · IC 285 | On time 4:32 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h51 | 10:23 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 1013 · ICE 75+ TGV 9223 | On time 4:32 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h54 | 9:26 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 929 · ICE 379 · IR 2347 · IC 841 | 4:53 pm Cologne Hbf | 7h13 | 12:06 am Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
ICE 613 · ICE 377 · IC 989 · IC 837 | 4:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 5h07 | 10:01 pm Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
ICE 613 · ICE 377 · IR 1991 | 4:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 10:24 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
IC 2400+ ICE 379+ IR 1995 | 5:53 pm Cologne Hbf | 6h31 | 12:24 am Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
IC 2400+ ICE 379+ IR 2347+ IC 841 | 5:53 pm Cologne Hbf | 6h13 | 12:06 am Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
ICE 203 · IC 2345 · IC 839 | 5:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 5h07 | 11:01 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 203 · IR 1993 | 5:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 11:24 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 615 · ICE 379 · IR 2347 · IC 841 | 6:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 5h12 | 12:06 am Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
ICE 615 · ICE 379 · IR 1995 | 6:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 5h30 | 12:24 am Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 205 · ICE 77 · IR 2055 | 7:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 8h55 | 4:49 am Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 619 · IC 60403 | On time 10:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 8h11 | 7:05 am Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 2829 · IC 60403 · IC 559 | On time 10:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 7h32 | 6:26 am Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 2829 · IC 60403 | On time 10:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 8h11 | 7:05 am Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 619 · IC 60403 · IC 559 | 10:54 pm Cologne Hbf | 7h32 | 6:26 am Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
| Tuesday, 6 January | |||||
ICE 511 · ICE 275 | 4:48 am Cologne Hbf | 5h12 | 10:00 am Zurich HB | 1 change | |
IC 2348+ ICE 277 | On time 5:53 am Cologne Hbf | 6h07 | 12:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
IC 2348 · ICE 103 · IC 795 | 5:53 am Cologne Hbf | 7h07 | 1:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 101 · EC 151 | 5:54 am Cologne Hbf | 5h06 | 11:00 am Zurich HB | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Zurich by train, coach or flight
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06 Jan
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26 Jan
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 $77 but you can travel from only $31 by coach.
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 $77 |
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 $31. 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: Cologne to Zurich train
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 away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Zurich HB, located away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and 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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