The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Zurich
Cheapest price
$204
Average price
$209
Fastest journey
5 h 7 m
Average duration
5 h 27 m
Trains per day
6
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 $209 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $204.
To travel from Cologne to Zurich you need to make at least one change.
ICE 515 · IC 187
ICE 11 · ICE 571 · IC 485
ICE 515 · ICE 277 · IC 775
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 555
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · STR 2 · IR 1973
ICE 515 · ICE 277 · IC 775
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · STR 2 · IR 1973
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 555
ICE 515 · IC 187
ICE 11 · ICE 571 · IC 485Travel 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 $30. 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 $30, and a flight costs an average of $98.
Distance: 413 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
$169 Average Price | $231 Average Price | $67 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, 20 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 913 · ECE 151 | Delayed 6:15 am 6:10 amCologne Messe/Deutz | 4h50 | 11:00 am Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 513 · IC 185 | Delayed 6:52 am 6:51 amCologne Messe/Deutz | 5h32 | 12:23 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 513 · ICE 275 · IC 771 | Delayed 6:52 am 6:51 amCologne Messe/Deutz | 5h09 | 12:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 11 · ICE 571 · IC 485 | Delayed 7:20 am 7:13 amCologne-Ehrenfeld | 6h10 | 1:23 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
RE 10907 · RE 28509 · ICE 27 · ICE 225 | On time 8:07 am Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 6h53 | 3:00 pm Zurich HB | 4 changes | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IC 555 | On time 8:10 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h16 | 1:26 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · STR 2 · IR 1973 | On time 8:10 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h14 | 1:24 pm Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
ICE 515 · ICE 277 · IC 775 | Delayed 8:56 am 8:53 amCologne Messe/Deutz | 5h07 | 2:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 515 · IC 187 | Delayed 8:56 am 8:53 amCologne Messe/Deutz | 5h30 | 2:23 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
RE 10911 · IC 2013 · ICE 75 | 10:07 am Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 6h53 | 5:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 225 · ICE 73 | On time 10:14 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h46 | 3:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 517 · ICE 279 · EC 779 | Delayed 10:54 am 10:51 amCologne Messe/Deutz | 5h09 | 4:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
RE 10913 · RE 28515 · IC 2540 · ICE 371 | 11:07 am Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 6h53 | 6:00 pm Zurich HB | 4 changes | |
ICE 107 · ICE 75 | On time 11:50 am Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h10 | 5:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 519 · ICE 371 · IC 783 | On time 12:52 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h08 | 6:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
RE 10917 · IC 5106 · IC 2542 · ICE 373 | 1:07 pm Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 6h53 | 8:00 pm Zurich HB | 4 changes | |
ICE 1011 · ICE 77 | On time 2:10 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h50 | 7:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 611 · ICE 373 · IC 787 | 2:53 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h07 | 8:00 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
RE 10921 · RE 28523 · IC 2544 · ICE 375 | On time 3:16 pm Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 6h46 | 10:02 pm Zurich HB | 5 changes | |
ICE 1013 · ICE 79 | On time 4:10 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h50 | 9:00 pm Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 127 · ICE 375 · IR 1991 | 4:18 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 6h06 | 10:24 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 127 · ICE 375 · IC 989 · IC 837 | 4:18 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h44 | 10:02 pm Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
RE 10925 · RE 28527 · IC 2546 · ICE 377 | On time 5:07 pm Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 7h06 | 12:13 am Zurich HB | 5 changes | |
ICE 1015 · ICE 1171 · IR 1993 | On time 6:10 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h14 | 11:24 pm Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 615 · ICE 377 · IR 2347 · IC 543 | 6:51 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h22 | 12:13 am Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
ICE 615 · ICE 377 · IR 1995 | 6:51 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h33 | 12:24 am Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 619 · IC 60403 · IC 559 | 10:57 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 7h29 | 6:26 am Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
ICE 619 · IC 60403 | On time 10:57 pm Cologne Messe/Deutz | 8h08 | 7:05 am Zurich HB | 1 change | |
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, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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.
21 Nov
22 Nov
23 Nov
24 Nov
25 Nov
26 Nov
27 Nov
28 Nov
29 Nov
30 Nov
01 Dec
02 Dec
03 Dec
04 Dec
05 Dec
06 Dec
07 Dec
08 Dec
09 Dec
10 Dec
11 Dec
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 $76 but you can travel from only $30 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 $76 |
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 $30. 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.
- 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


