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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Zurich
Showing times and prices for 03 Jun
Cheapest price
£73
Average price
£91
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
6 h 24 m
Trains per day
8
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 £73.
Fast trains
Of the 8 trains that leave Essen 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 468 km distance in an average of 6 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h .
The slowest trains will take 8 h 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 103 · IC 7958:006h00Essen Hbf14:00Zurich HB£731One-way1 change- ICE 103 · IC 1940 · ICE 1058:008h00Essen Hbf16:00Zurich HB£731One-way2 changes
- ICE 646 · ICE 1225 · ICE 371 · IC 7798:408h20Essen Hbf17:00Zurich HB£801One-way3 changes
- IC 2013 · ICE 1651 · ICE 107 · IC 7819:408h20Essen Hbf18:00Zurich HB£801One-way3 changes
- ICE 515 · ICE 2798:596h01Essen Hbf15:00Zurich HB£821One-way1 change
- ICE 10510:006h00Essen Hbf16:00Zurich HB£931One-way0 changes
- ICE 103 · IC 7958:006h00Essen Hbf14:00Zurich HB£731One-way1 change
- ICE 515 · ICE 2798:596h01Essen Hbf15:00Zurich HB£821One-way1 change
- ICE 517 · ICE 371 · IC 77910:596h01Essen Hbf17:00Zurich HB£1111One-way2 changes
- ICE 103 · IC 1940 · ICE 1058:008h00Essen Hbf16:00Zurich HB£731One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train 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 prices starting from £29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 9m. 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 £29, and a flight costs an average of £59.
Distance: 468 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£106 Average Price | £139 Average Price | £48 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 19m Average total duration 9h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg 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
Essen to Zurich train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Zurich trains for today, Tuesday 2 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 103 · IC 795 | On time 8:00 Essen Hbf | 6h00 | 14:00 Zurich HB | 1 change | |
| ICE 103 · IC 1940 · ICE 105 | On time 8:00 Essen Hbf | 8h00 | 16:00 Zurich HB | 2 changes | |
| ICE 646 · ICE 1225 · ICE 371 · IC 779 | On time 8:40 Essen Hbf | 8h20 | 17:00 Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
| ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 8:59 Essen Hbf | 6h01 | 15:00 Zurich HB | 1 change | |
| IC 2013 · 29515 · ICE 107 · IC 781 | On time 9:40 Essen Hbf | 8h20 | 18:00 Zurich HB | 3 changes | |
| ICE 105 | On time 10:00 Essen Hbf | 6h00 | 16:00 Zurich HB | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10210 · 28513 · 4261 · ICE 519 | On time 10:20 Essen Hbf | 8h40 | 19:00 Zurich HB | 4 changes | |
| ICE 517 · ICE 371 · IC 779 | On time 10:59 Essen Hbf | 6h01 | 17:00 Zurich HB | 2 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 coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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
02 Jun
02 Jun
Wed
03 Jun
03 Jun
Thu
04 Jun
04 Jun
Fri
05 Jun
05 Jun
Sat
06 Jun
06 Jun
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07 Jun
07 Jun
Mon
08 Jun
08 Jun
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 bus, train 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 bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Zurich.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Zurich
Germany
Switzerland
Trains from Essen to Zurich run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £48 but you can travel from only £29 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 £29
Distance 468 km |
Average train duration 6h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £48 |
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 Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
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 £29
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 £29. 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 Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
£48
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
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.
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.
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.
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 Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
£106
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
10 a day
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Zurich can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £48, while the average price tends to be around £106.
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 coach, train 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 £29.
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
Essen
Zurich
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Zurich.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Kettwig
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
11 kmDining
- Döbbe
- Der Bonner Hof
- Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation
- Pizza Pasta
Essen Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
Hotel
- Webers
The major train station for arrivals in Zurich is Zürich HB. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Zürich HB for your journey to Zurich from Essen.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
ShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
26Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
Dining
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 2
Hotel
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
Shower
- Cost CHF 12
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- 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
Public transport options for Zürich HB
- 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
Zürich Stadelhofen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Number of platforms
3Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
Dining
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 2
Hotel
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 1000 places, covered
Car Rental
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
Public transport options for Zürich Stadelhofen
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
Zürich Hardbrücke
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
3 kmNumber of platforms
8Wifi
- Free
Parking
- Parking available nearby with several parking options
Dining
- Brisket Southern BBQ & Bar
- Les Halles
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 1
Hotel
- 25hours Hotel Zürich West
- Sheraton Zürich Hotel
- Novotel Zurich City West
Bike Parking
- 800 places, covered
Information Desk
- Located on the main concourse
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-8 for S-Bahn and regional trains
Public transport options for Zürich Hardbrücke
- Tram: Line 4, Line 8
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
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
Most popular trains to and from Zurich and Essen
Most popular train connections to Zurich
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