Cologne to Zurich train with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Sun 17 May
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Zurich

Showing times and prices for 17 May

Cheapest price

£123

Average price

£142

Fastest journey

5 h 51 m

Average duration

5 h 53 m

Trains per day

8

Distance

225 km

Cheap tickets

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 £142 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £123.

Fast trains

Of the 8 trains that leave Cologne for Zurich every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 225 km distance in an average of 5 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 51 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 55 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.

  • Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
    9:315h52
    Köln Messe/deutz Bf
    15:23Zurich
    £1231One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
    9:586h25
    Köln Messe/deutz Bf
    16:23Zurich
    £1231One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
    13:305h53
    Köln Messe/deutz Bf
    19:23Zurich
    £1231One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
    15:305h53
    Köln Messe/deutz Bf
    21:23Zurich
    £1231One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
    17:325h51
    Köln Messe/deutz Bf
    23:23Zurich
    £1231One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Zurich

Omio recommends booking the flight 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 £22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, and a flight costs an average of £119.

Distance: 225 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach

£91

Average Price

£130

Average Price

£25

Average Price

Cheapest

5h 37m

Average total duration

5h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 45m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

8h 27m

Average total duration

7h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cologne to Zurich train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Zurich trains for today, Saturday 16 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)7:30 Köln Messe/deutz Bf
5h53
13:23 Zurich2 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)9:31 Köln Messe/deutz Bf
5h52
15:23 Zurich2 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)9:58 Köln Messe/deutz Bf
6h25
16:23 Zurich2 changes
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)11:28 Koeln Hbf
5h55
17:23 Zurich2 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)13:30 Köln Messe/deutz Bf
5h53
19:23 Zurich2 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)15:30 Köln Messe/deutz Bf
5h53
21:23 Zurich2 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)17:32 Köln Messe/deutz Bf
5h51
23:23 Zurich2 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)19:30 Köln Messe/deutz Bf
12h53
8:23 Zurich2 changes
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)23:53 Köln Hbf
8h12
8:05 Zurich0 changesdirect

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.

Sun
17 May
Mon
18 May
Tue
19 May
Wed
20 May
Thu
21 May
Fri
22 May
Sat
23 May

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Zurich

ItalyItaly
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Zurich run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £81 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 06:15, the last at 19:33. The fastest train covers the 225 km distance in 5h 7m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £22
Distance
225 km
Average train duration
5h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
£81
Trains per day
11
Fastest train
5h 7m
First train
6:15
Last train
19:33
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £22

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne to Zurich trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne and Zurich from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 51m
Cheapest Price
£115
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
3 a day

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
£192
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Zurich can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £81, while the average price tends to be around £91.
The train journey from Cologne to Zurich covers a distance of 225 km and takes approximately 5h 7m. Trains run 11 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Zurich is 225 km.
The first train from Cologne to Zurich leaves at 6:15.
The last train from Cologne to Zurich departs at 19:33.
Trains from Cologne to Zurich run approximately 11 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cologne to Zurich.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne and Zurich. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
To get from Cologne to Zurich, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Zurich.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Zurich is Cologne station, and it arrives at Zurich HB.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Zurich is by coach, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Cologne to Zurich in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cologne to Zurich is indeed scenic, as it takes you through picturesque landscapes, including the beautiful Rhine Valley with its vineyards, castles, and charming towns.
A day trip from Cologne to Zurich is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 7m. Trains run 11 times per day covering a distance of 225 km.
In Zurich, you can hike or take a train to the summit of Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps. Indulge in shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets. Explore the diverse habitats and wildlife at Zurich Zoo, or enjoy a performance at the renowned Opera House. Wander through the serene Botanical Garden with its wide variety of plant species. Visit the picturesque Lake Zurich for recreational activities, or stroll through the historic Old Town with its medieval buildings and cultural landmarks. Discover art at Kunsthaus Zurich and explore Swiss cultural history at the Swiss National Museum. Relax in Lindenhof park, offering beautiful city views and a glimpse into Zurich's Roman history.
To fully experience Zurich, spending three to four days allows time to explore its cultural landmarks, enjoy the picturesque Lake Zurich, and visit nearby attractions like Uetliberg Mountain.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Zurich.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Zurich

Cologne
Zurich
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Cologne. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cologne for your trip from Cologne to Zurich.
CologneAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility

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