The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Zurich
Cheapest price
£42
Average price
£78
Fastest journey
2 h 49 m
Average duration
3 h 1 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Zurich will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.
Of the 6 trains that leave Karlsruhe 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 183 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 15 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.
ICE 5 · IC 767
ICE 1067 · IC 485
ICE 275 · IC 771
ECE 151
ICE 275+
IC 771
ECE 151
ICE 5 · IC 767
ICE 275 · IC 771
ICE 275+
IC 771
ICE 71+
IC 555Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Karlsruhe to Zurich
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, and a train costs an average of £28.
Distance: 183 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration 4h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Karlsruhe to Zurich train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Zurich trains for today, Wednesday 26 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 5 · IC 767 | On time 06:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h01 | 10:00 Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ECE 151 | On time 08:11 Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h49 | 11:00 Zurich HB | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 275+ IC 771 | On time 08:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h01 | 12:00 Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 275 · IC 771 | On time 08:59 Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h01 | 12:00 Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 1067 · IC 485 | On time 09:27 Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h56 | 13:23 Zurich HB | 1 change | |
ICE 71+ IC 555 | 10:11 Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h15 | 13:26 Zurich HB | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe to Zurich by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
27 Nov
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Zurich
Trains from Karlsruhe to Zurich run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:39. The fastest train covers the 183 km distance in 2h 49m.
Distance 183 km |
Average train duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 49m |
First train 00:06 |
Last train 23:39 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB Nightjet from Karlsruhe to Zurich trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB Nightjet trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Zurich from £9. 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.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | InterCity
ÖBB Nightjet
FAQs: Karlsruhe to Zurich train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe and Zurich
- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
- Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
- Adler
- Denkfabrik
- Cafeteria
- Asia Imbiss
- Auerhahn
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 24/7 with access from the main road.
- Restaurant Markthalle
- Restaurant LaSalle
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators.
- CHF 1
- Placid Hotel Zurich
- Best Western Hotel Spirgarten
- H+ Hotel Zürich
- Located in the main hall
- 240 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S9, S12, S15
- Tram: Line 4
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
- Located in the main hall
- 1000 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking available nearby with several parking options
- Brisket Southern BBQ & Bar
- Les Halles
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- 25hours Hotel Zürich West
- Sheraton Zürich Hotel
- Novotel Zurich City West
- 800 places, covered
- Located on the main concourse
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-8 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Tram: Line 4, Line 8
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
- 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
Most popular train connections from Karlsruhe
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Zurich
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