The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Munich
Cheapest price
£53
Average price
£105
Fastest journey
3 h 31 m
Average duration
3 h 31 m
Trains per day
17
Distance
242 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Munich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Munich will cost around £105 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.
Of the 17 trains that leave Zurich for Munich every day 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 242 km distance in an average of 3 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 31 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 31 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.
IC 480 · ICE 695
EC 199
EC 191
IC 380 · ICE 565
IC 709 · IR 2211 · S 3 · ICE 118
EC 199
EC 191
EC 199
EC 99
EC 99Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Zurich to Munich
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Munich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 52m. 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 £15, and a flight costs an average of £120.
Distance: 242 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£77 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £372 Average Price |
5h 56m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Munich train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Munich trains for today, Thursday 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IR 3259+ REX 7+ RE 70 | 07:09 Zurich HB | 4h33 | 11:42 Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
IR 3259 · REX 25885 · RE 3879 | On time 07:09 Zurich HB | 4h33 | 11:42 Munich Hbf | 2 changes | |
EC 99 | On time 08:33 Zurich HB | 3h31 | 12:04 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
EC 99 | On time 08:33 Zurich HB | 3h31 | 12:04 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 380 · ICE 565 | On time 08:37 Zurich HB | 5h12 | 13:49 Munich Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 709 · IR 2211 · S 3 · ICE 118 | On time 08:39 Zurich HB | 5h03 | 13:42 Munich Hbf | 4 changes | |
EC 191 | On time 10:33 Zurich HB | 3h31 | 14:04 Munich Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Munich 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.
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Zurich to Munich

Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Munich
Trains from Zurich to Munich run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 242 km distance in 3h 31m.
Distance 242 km |
Average train duration 5h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:54 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB, EuroNight, Sylter Verkehrsgesellschaft, TGV, ÖBB Nightjet, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) from Zurich to Munich trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB, EuroNight, Sylter Verkehrsgesellschaft, TGV, ÖBB Nightjet, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Munich from £15. 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 | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB
TGV
ÖBB Nightjet
EuroNight
Sylter Verkehrsgesellschaft
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Don’t Fly! Take the Train from Zurich to Munich…
Introduction
Zurich, Switzerland, and Munich, Germany, are probably closer together than you might think. And if that wasn’t enough, they’re linked by a fast and convenient train service. I took this international route to see how comfortable it is and if it can really beat flying (spoiler: yes, it can).
Route Overview
This Zurich to Munich route crosses three countries, from Switzerland to Austria to Germany, without any issues thanks to the wonders of the Schengen border-free zone. It is operated by SBB, the Swiss national railway, using one of their New Pendolino electric multiple units. These trains can tilt in curves, allowing them to reach a higher average speed during their journey and, in this case, to travel the 326 kilometers (203 miles) between Zurich and Munich in 3 hours and 30 minutes. It’s not that fast, but it certainly is VERY scenic!

Transportation Experience
Book your tickets on the Omio app. Trains rarely sell out, but I recommend you book in advance in order to benefit from reduced advance fares, as I was able to.
Route Details
Departure & Arrival Stations
In Zurich, trains leave from the city’s main station Zürich HB. This being Switzerland, it couldn’t be better connected to the rest of the city, thanks to many tram and suburban rail lines connecting here, offering seamless transfers to mainline trains. The station is also conveniently located very centrally within the city.

The same could be said in Munich: trains also terminate at the city’s principal station, München Hbf. Served by six metro lines, it is only a 15-minute walk away from the famous Marienplatz.
Schedule & Frequency
Trains run every two hours throughout the day, from 05:33 to 19:33. I opted for the 09:33 departure.
Onboard Experience & Services
The train features First and Second Class. I opted for First Class, which is laid out in a 2+1 configuration. The seats are wider than in Second Class and feature a nice recline, reading lights, plug sockets, and a large table, ideal for working on. The train has free Wi-Fi, although the connection can be quite patchy, especially when passing between countries.

There is also a fantastic sit-down SBB restaurant car onboard serving full meals, as well as smaller snacks, desserts, and drinks, including alcohol. It’s well worth a visit, even though the prices are on the expensive side. Everything is very good quality, though, and traditionally Swiss.


Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown
To get cheaper advance but non-flexible fares, I recommend booking as far in advance as you can. I paid around €51 for First Class, booking a week before departure. On the same day, fares are over double this, but they are fully flexible. Seat reservations cost €5 each, which isn’t usually required but advisable, especially at peak times, weekends, or holidays.
| Item | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Train ticket (Zurich to Munich First Class) | €51.00 |
| Total | €51.00 |
Top Tips & Personal Recommendations
- Plan and book ahead to get cheaper advanced fares.
- It may be wise to reserve a seat, especially in Second Class at peak times.
- Keep some space for an excellent SBB restaurant meal. It’s such a civilized way to enjoy a meal while winding past lakes or through mountain passes.
- For some amazing views of Lake Zurich, look out the left-hand side around 10 minutes after departing.

Conclusion
This train is an excellent regular connection between Zurich and Munich. On top of that, it benefits from Swiss-German efficiency, with a train running every two hours in each direction.
And on top of that, you don’t even have to reserve a seat, as it isn’t compulsory; if you really need to turn up and go, you can! I recommend the First Class seating and onboard Restaurant experience to maximize your comfort as you seamlessly travel from Switzerland, through Austria, and onwards to Germany.

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip
- Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator
- Bio: I create YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe and all around the world — and also share blog posts and travel deals on my website.
Trains from Zurich to Munich
There are up to 15 departures on weekdays on routes from Zurich to Munich although only two of these are direct services. The journey can also be made by different routes that involve one or more connections and in some cases, arrival the following day. There are no direct trains and a reduced service at the weekend. Trains depart from Zurich HB and arrive at Munich Hbf.
Which train companies travel from Zurich to Munich?
Trains to Munich from Zurich are operated by either Deutsche Bahn (DB) the German national rail carrier or BB Railjets. This is an Austrian passenger service with three ticket classes, economy, first and business. All trains are spacious and comfortable with wifi, luggage space, power sockets and bistro-bars.
How long is the train from Zurich to Munich?
Direct trains from Zurich to Munich take just under 5 hours while trains that involve one or more connections can take up to 11 hours, sometimes arriving the following morning. Journey times depend on the number of connections required and the waiting time at transfer stations. Connections are made at places such as Schaffhausen, Tuttlingen, Rosenheim, Ulm and Aulendorf.
How many trains are there from Zurich to Munich?
There are up to 15 departures a day on weekdays including one direct train in the morning and one mid-afternoon. The majority of departures are in the early morning, late afternoon or evening. On Saturdays and Sundays, there are no direct trains and a reduced timetable.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Zurich to Munich?
Departure station:Trains travelling between the two cities depart from Zurich HB, Switzerland's largest station which lies at the centre of a busy transport network. The station is linked to the city centre and suburbs by local buses and trams. Station facilities include a taxi rank, car parking, left luggage storage, wifi, cafes and restaurants.
Arrival station:All trains arrive at Munich Hauptbahnhof which is located just a short walk from the city centre. The station is served by U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains as well as by local buses and taxis. Facilities at the station include car parking, wifi, luggage storage, shops, cafes and restaurants.
FAQs: Zurich to Munich train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Munich 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 Munich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Zurich and Munich
- 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
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Andreasstrasse and Franklinstrasse.
- Negishi Sushi Bar
- Le Muh
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Courtyard Zurich North
- Swissotel Zurich
- Hotel Sternen Oerlikon
- Located in the main hall
- 72 places, 60 places
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 5-8 for regional and long-distance trains
- Tram: Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S6, S7, S8, S9, S14, S16, S19, S24
- 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
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Cantina Estación Mediterrano
- Rischart Bakery
- Ditsch Pretzels
- backWERK
- Cafe-Shop
- Le Crobag
- Yorma's
- Coffee Fellows
- Dunkin Donuts
- McDonald's
- & many more
- Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- a&o München Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel München
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
- There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Burger King
- Tassilogarten
- Mitani
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Mk Hotel
- Hotel Pension Christl
- Augustiner Bräustuben
- Peaches
- Subway
- Café Arnulfpark
- Hahn
- Citadines Arnulfpark
- Ibis München City Arnulfpark
- Novotel München City Arnulfpark
- Augustiner Bräustuben
- Lenz
- Das Bad
- Subway
- Theresienhöhe
- Hotel Schweiz
- Hotel Uhland
- Germania
- Mykonos
- ÖEins
- Mehfil
- Wirtshaus Valley’s
- Carmen
- K+k Hotel
- Hotel Ambassador
- Rivoli Ambience
- Ratskeller
- Speiserei Volksbad
- Klenze 17
- Trachtenvogl Café-Lounge
- Novotel München City
- Hilton Munich City
- Living Hotel am Deutschen Museum
- Unsöld's Factory Hotel
- Zum Brünnstein
- Satyam
- Tout oder Sie
- Ristorante il Padrino
- Holiday Inn Munich - Leuchtenbergring
- Holiday Inn München City Ost
- Holiday Inn Express München City Ost
- Hyperion
- Ratskeller
- Klenze 17
- Trachtenvogl Café-Lounge
- Burger King
- Unsöld's Factory Hotel
- Hotel Domus
- Hotel Mercure München Altstadt
- Hotel Herzog Wilhelm Tannenbaum Nebengebäude
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Tassilogarten
- Speiserei Volksbad
- Mitani
- Novotel München City
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Living Hotel am Deutschen Museum
- Baumkirchner
- Schneider Bräuhaus
- Kreiller's
- Restaurant Neptun
- Central Hotel-Apart
- Holiday Inn München City Ost
- Holiday Inn Express München City Ost
- Hyperion
- La Capannina
- Tre Scalini
- Antica Tropea
- Croatia Grill
- Monday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Tuesday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Wednesday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Thursday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Friday: 06:45 - 18:15
- Saturday: 07:30 - 14:15
- Sunday: 08:00 - 13:45
- Bella Italia
- Hot Wok
- Dillinger Chicago Bar'n Grill
- Osteria Il Gambero
- Moosbichl
- Leonardo Hotel
- Harry's home Hotel
- BonApartHotel
- Taverna Naxos
- Tou Bakali
- Zum grünen Baum
- Sportgaststätte Obermenzing
- Hotel Villa am Schlosspark
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
- Orexi Taverna
- Guenstigwohnen24.de
- Jagdschloss Residenz
- Hotel Miano
- RAM'S Food Market
- Sushi Sen
- Trattoria Grande
- Brotzeitoase
- Minoa
- 089 Burger & more
- Traublinger
- Brandl
- Mercure Hotel München Neuperlach Süd
- Hotel Perlach Allee
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours. Access via Bayerstraße.
- Restaurant 1912
- Augustiner-Keller
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Hotel Excelsior
- Le Méridien Munich
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Sixt
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-2 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: U-Bahn connections
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S6, S7, S8
- U-Bahn: Lines U1, U2, U4, U5
- Tram: Lines 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Zurich
More options for your journey from Zurich to Munich
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