Essen to Zurich train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

Tue 01 Sept
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Zurich

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 01 Sept

Cheapest price on 01 Sept

£36

Average ticket price on 01 Sept

£91

Fastest journey on 01 Sept

6 h 28 m

Average journey duration on 01 Sept

6 h 36 m

Trains on 01 Sept

48

Distance

468 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Essen to Zurich will cost around £91 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.

Fast trains

To travel from Essen to Zurich you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 523 · ICE 911 · ICE 275
    4:206h40
    Essen Hbf
    11:00Zurich HB
    £361One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn26806 · 10613 · IC 2040 · ICE 279
    7:097h51
    Essen Hbf
    15:00Zurich HB
    £501One-way
    4 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn26844 · ICE 827 · ICE 273
    1:098h51
    Essen Hbf
    10:00Zurich HB
    £501One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn26805 · ICE 103 · IC 795
    7:056h55
    Essen Hbf
    14:00Zurich HB
    £541One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn26806 · 10613 · ICE 103 · IC 795
    7:096h51
    Essen Hbf
    14:00Zurich HB
    £541One-way
    3 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Essen to Zurich

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £42 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £42, while a flight costs an average of £98.

Distance: 468 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£85

Average Price

£98

Average Price

£42

Average Price

Cheapest

6h 35m

Average total duration

6h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 8m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 8m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

10h 11m

Average total duration

9h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.4 - 2.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

FlixBus

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

Essen to Zurich train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Zurich trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 1 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn26844 · ICE 827 · ICE 2731:09 Essen Hbf
8h51
10:00 Zurich HB2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 921 · ECE 1512:26 Essen Hbf
9h34
12:00 Zurich HB1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 523 · ECE 1514:20 Essen Hbf
7h40
12:00 Zurich HB1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 523 · ICE 911 · ICE 2754:20 Essen Hbf
6h40
11:00 Zurich HB2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1028 · ICE 101 · EC 151
On time
4:59 Essen Hbf
7h01
12:00 Zurich HB
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn26802 · 10609 · IC 2348 · ICE 2775:09 Essen Hbf
7h51
13:00 Zurich HB3 changes
Deutsche Bahn26802 · 10609 · ICE 101 · EC 1515:09 Essen Hbf
6h51
12:00 Zurich HB3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 541 · 33082+Hessische Landesbahn15105+Deutsche BahnICE 5935:19 Essen Hbf
8h41
14:00 Zurich HB5 changes
Deutsche Bahn30759 · ICE 513 · ICE 2776:07 Essen Hbf
6h53
13:00 Zurich HB2 changes
Deutsche Bahn89706 · ICE 25 · ICE 513 · ICE 2776:32 Essen Hbf
6h28
13:00 Zurich HB3 changes
Deutsche Bahn26805 · ICE 103 · IC 7957:05 Essen Hbf
6h55
14:00 Zurich HB2 changes
Deutsche Bahn26806 · 10613 · ICE 103 · IC 7957:09 Essen Hbf
6h51
14:00 Zurich HB3 changes
Deutsche Bahn26806 · 10613 · IC 2040 · ICE 2797:09 Essen Hbf
7h51
15:00 Zurich HB4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 119 · ICE 71+TGVTGV 9211
On time
7:52 Essen Hbf
6h34
14:26 Zurich HB
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn30763 · ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 7758:07 Essen Hbf
6h53
15:00 Zurich HB3 changes
Deutsche Bahn26808 · 10615 · ICE 515 · ICE 2798:09 Essen Hbf
6h51
15:00 Zurich HB4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1545 · ICE 105
On time
8:47 Essen Hbf
7h13
16:00 Zurich HB
1 change
Deutsche Bahn26810 · 10617 · ICE 2013 · ICE 3719:09 Essen Hbf
7h51
17:00 Zurich HB4 changes
Deutsche Bahn26810 · 10617 · ICE 105
On time
9:09 Essen Hbf
6h51
16:00 Zurich HB
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn26711 · ICE 797 · ICE 597 · ICE 1079:13 Essen Hbf
8h47
18:00 Zurich HB4 changes
Deutsche Bahn30767 · ICE 517 · ICE 371 · IC 77910:07 Essen Hbf
6h53
17:00 Zurich HB3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1547 · ICE 107 · IC 781
On time
10:47 Essen Hbf
7h13
18:00 Zurich HB
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn26814 · S19 · ICE 107 · IC 78111:09 Essen Hbf
6h51
18:00 Zurich HB3 changes
Deutsche Bahn26814 · S19 · IC 1144 · ICE 37311:09 Essen Hbf
7h51
19:00 Zurich HB3 changes
Deutsche Bahn26715 · ICE 799 · ICE 599 · ICE 109
On time
11:13 Essen Hbf
8h47
20:00 Zurich HB
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 919 · ICE 373
On time
11:41 Essen Hbf
7h19
19:00 Zurich HB
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 919 · ICE 73 · IC 581
On time
11:41 Essen Hbf
6h45
18:26 Zurich HB
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn10126 · 17418 · ICE 919 · ICE 7311:46 Essen Hbf
6h40
18:26 Zurich HB4 changes
Deutsche Bahn26712 · S8 · 17418 · ICE 91911:47 Essen Hbf
6h39
18:26 Zurich HB5 changes
Deutsche Bahn30771 · ICE 519 · ICE 37312:07 Essen Hbf
6h53
19:00 Zurich HB2 changes
Deutsche Bahn26816 · 10623 · ICE 519 · ICE 37312:09 Essen Hbf
6h51
19:00 Zurich HB3 changes
Deutsche Bahn26818 · 10625 · ICE 109
On time
13:09 Essen Hbf
6h51
20:00 Zurich HB
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn26818 · 10625 · IC 1146 · ICE 37513:09 Essen Hbf
7h51
21:00 Zurich HB4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1747 · ICE 993 · ICE 691 · ICE 20113:15 Essen Hbf
8h45
22:00 Zurich HB4 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen 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.

Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept

Why should you book Essen to Zurich trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Zurich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Zurich.

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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Essen 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Zurich.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Zurich.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Zurich

GermanyGermany
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to Zurich run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £30 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 468 km distance in 5h 50m.

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 £30
Distance
468 km
Average train duration
6h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
£47
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
5h 50m
First train
0:08
Last train
23:30
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
1 day
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 £30

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Zurich trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen 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

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£47
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£105
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
10 a day

Complete guide to Zurich

Things to do in Zurich

Discover the best of Zurich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich trip today.

  • Must visit

Kunsthaus Zürich

Major art museum with Swiss and European works from the Middle Ages to today, ideal for a broad overview of Zurich’s cultural life.

  • Must visit

Landesmuseum Zürich

National museum in a castle-like building near the main station, presenting Swiss history, design, and everyday life through varied displays.

  • Recommended

Museum für Gestaltung Zürich

Leading design museum with changing exhibitions on architecture, graphics, fashion, and product design in a well-run central venue.

Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.)

Very high prices for hotels, dining and transport. Zurich costs more than most European city breaks, especially in central tourist areas.

Average meal costs

Budget
CHF 15-25 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
CHF 30-50 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
CHF 90+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
CHF 4.50-6 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Round up taxi fares and small café bills.

FAQs: Essen to Zurich train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen 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 Essen to Zurich can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £47, while the average price tends to be around £85.
The train journey from Essen to Zurich covers a distance of 468 km and takes approximately 5h 50m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Essen to Zurich is 468 km.
The first train from Essen to Zurich leaves at 0:08.
The last train from Essen to Zurich departs at 23:30.
Trains from Essen to Zurich run approximately 8 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Essen to Zurich.
To get from Essen to Zurich, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Essen to Zurich.
The train station in Essen that goes to Zurich is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Zurich HB.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Zurich is by coach, costing approximately £30.
Booking trains from Essen 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 Essen to Zurich offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley and the rolling hills of southern Germany before reaching the beautiful Swiss countryside.
A day trip from Essen to Zurich is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 50m, covering a distance of 468 km. Trains run 16 times per day.
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 Essen to Zurich.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Zurich

Most Essen to Zurich trains use the Essen Hbf to Zürich HB station pair, with some services arriving at Zürich Stadelhofen. Use this guide to compare Essen and Zurich train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Essen
Arrival train stations in Zurich

Which Essen station do trains to Zurich leave from?

Trains from Essen to Zurich leave from Essen Hbf. The station is 1 km from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre

BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min

Essen Hbf train station facilities and services

Essen 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.

KettwigKettwig, Ruhrtalstr. 345, 45219 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Kettwig from Essen city centre

Kettwig is 11 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS6 · 15m · £3 · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 22m · £4
142, Ne13 · 39m · every ~7 min

Kettwig train station facilities and services

Kettwig has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Döbbe, Der Bonner Hof, Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation, Pizza Pasta

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Kettwig. ATMs are available at Kettwig.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Kettwig. Information desks are available at Kettwig.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Kettwig. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Kettwig: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Kettwig: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Kettwig.

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, GermanyWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre

TRUE

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.

Most popular train connections from Essen

More options for your journey from Essen to Zurich

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone