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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Zurich
Cheapest price
£99
Average price
£128
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
6 h 33 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
468 km
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 £128 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £99.
Of the 5 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 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 40 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.
10208 · 28511 · ICE 2013 · ICE 25519:207h40Essen Hbf17:00Zurich HB£991One-way4 changes- ICE 10510:006h00Essen Hbf16:00Zurich HB£1071One-way0 changes
- ICE 103 · IC 2040 · ICE 279 · IC 7758:007h00Essen Hbf15:00Zurich HB£1201One-way3 changes
- ICE 103 · IC 7738:006h00Essen Hbf14:00Zurich HB£1431One-way1 change
- ICE 621 · ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 7758:536h07Essen Hbf15:00Zurich HB£1741One-way3 changes
- ICE 10510:006h00Essen Hbf16:00Zurich HB£1071One-way0 changes
- ICE 103 · IC 7738:006h00Essen Hbf14:00Zurich HB£1431One-way1 change
- ICE 621 · ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 7758:536h07Essen Hbf15:00Zurich HB£1741One-way3 changes
- ICE 103 · IC 2040 · ICE 279 · IC 7758:007h00Essen Hbf15:00Zurich HB£1201One-way3 changes
- 10208 · 28511 · ICE 2013 · ICE 25519:207h40Essen Hbf17:00Zurich HB£991One-way4 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 £28. 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 £28, and a flight costs an average of £58.
Distance: 468 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£104 Average Price | £137 Average Price | £47 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, Friday 17 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:36 Essen | 5h50 | 12:26 Zurich | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:00 Essen | 7h00 | 14:00 Zurich | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:03 Essen | 7h50 | 14:53 Zurich | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:40 Essen | 7h46 | 15:26 Zurich | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:00 Essen | 6h00 | 16:00 Zurich | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 103 · IC 773 | On time 8:00 Essen Hbf | 6h00 | 14:00 Zurich HB | 1 change | |
| ICE 103 · IC 2040 · ICE 279 · IC 775 | On time 8:00 Essen Hbf | 7h00 | 15:00 Zurich HB | 3 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.
18 Jul
19 Jul
20 Jul
21 Jul
22 Jul
23 Jul
24 Jul
Why should you book Essen to Zurich trains with Omio?
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 £47 but you can travel from only £28 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.
Distance 468 km |
Average train duration 6h 15m |
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 Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
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 £28. 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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.
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.
Which Essen station do trains to Zurich leave from?
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
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.
Getting to Kettwig from Essen city centre
Kettwig is 11 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Which Zurich station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB train station facilities and services
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Getting to Zürich Stadelhofen from Zurich city centre
Zürich Stadelhofen train station facilities and services
Zürich Stadelhofen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Getting to Zürich Hardbrücke from Zurich city centre
Zürich Hardbrücke is 3 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich Hardbrücke train station facilities and services
Zürich Hardbrücke has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Brisket Southern BBQ & Bar, Les Halles
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Hardbrücke. Information desks are located on the main concourse.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich Hardbrücke: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich Hardbrücke: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Hardbrücke: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include 25hours Hotel Zürich West, Sheraton Zürich Hotel, Novotel Zurich City West.
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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