The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Zurich
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
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.
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.
9:315h52Köln Messe/deutz Bf15:23Zurich£1231One-way2 changes
9:586h25Köln Messe/deutz Bf16:23Zurich£1231One-way2 changes
13:305h53Köln Messe/deutz Bf19:23Zurich£1231One-way2 changes
15:305h53Köln Messe/deutz Bf21:23Zurich£1231One-way2 changes
17:325h51Köln Messe/deutz Bf23:23Zurich£1231One-way2 changes
17:325h51Köln Messe/deutz Bf23:23Zurich£1231One-way2 changes
9:315h52Köln Messe/deutz Bf15:23Zurich£1231One-way2 changes
13:305h53Köln Messe/deutz Bf19:23Zurich£1231One-way2 changes
15:305h53Köln Messe/deutz Bf21:23Zurich£1231One-way2 changes
11:285h55Koeln Hbf17:23Zurich£2061One-way2 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:30 Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 5h53 | 13:23 Zurich | 2 changes | |
![]() | 9:31 Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 5h52 | 15:23 Zurich | 2 changes | |
![]() | 9:58 Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 6h25 | 16:23 Zurich | 2 changes | |
![]() | 11:28 Koeln Hbf | 5h55 | 17:23 Zurich | 2 changes | |
![]() | 13:30 Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 5h53 | 19:23 Zurich | 2 changes | |
![]() | 15:30 Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 5h53 | 21:23 Zurich | 2 changes | |
![]() | 17:32 Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 5h51 | 23:23 Zurich | 2 changes | |
![]() | 19:30 Köln Messe/deutz Bf | 12h53 | 8:23 Zurich | 2 changes | |
![]() | 23:53 Köln Hbf | 8h12 | 8:05 Zurich | 0 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.
17 May
18 May
19 May
20 May
21 May
22 May
23 May
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Zurich
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.
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 |
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)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Zurich
- 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
More options for your journey from Cologne to Zurich
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