1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Quiet zone
- WC
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Erfurt
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£122
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£126
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
6 h 28 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
6 h 35 m
Trains on 17 Sept
4
Distance
440 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Erfurt is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Erfurt will cost around £126 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £122.
Fast trains
To travel from Zurich to Erfurt you need to make at least one change.
ICE 370 · ICE 165310:596h42Zurich HB17:41Erfurt Hbf£1221One-way1 change- ICE 108 · ICE 5989:596h28Zurich HB16:27Erfurt Hbf£1221One-way1 change
- IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 16518:596h42Zurich HB15:41Erfurt Hbf£1221One-way2 changes
- ICE 200 · ICE 6907:596h28Zurich HB14:27Erfurt Hbf£1391One-way1 change
- ICE 200 · ICE 6907:596h28Zurich HB14:27Erfurt Hbf£1391One-way1 change
- ICE 108 · ICE 5989:596h28Zurich HB16:27Erfurt Hbf£1221One-way1 change
- ICE 370 · ICE 165310:596h42Zurich HB17:41Erfurt Hbf£1221One-way1 change
- IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 16518:596h42Zurich HB15:41Erfurt Hbf£1221One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Zurich to Erfurt
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Erfurt among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £50 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 7h 1m. 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 £50, while a train costs an average of £121.
Distance: 440 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£121 Average Price | £50 Average Price Cheapest | £127 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 1m Average total duration Fastest 6h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 26m Average total duration 9h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Erfurt is a coach with an average price of £50.
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Erfurt:
A coach is £40 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Erfurt costing on average £90.
The fastest way to travel from Zurich to Erfurt is by train with an average journey time of 6h 24m.
Other travel options to Erfurt take longer:
Coach takes on average 9h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Zurich and Erfurt including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £90 compared to roughly £127 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £37. The journey takes 6h 24m versus 5h 30m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Zurich to Erfurt train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Erfurt trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 200 · ICE 690 | On time 7:59 Zurich HB | 6h28 | 14:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
| IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 1651 | On time 8:59 Zurich HB | 6h42 | 15:41 Erfurt Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 108 · ICE 598 | On time 9:59 Zurich HB | 6h28 | 16:27 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 370 · ICE 1653 | On time 10:59 Zurich HB | 6h42 | 17:41 Erfurt Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Erfurt 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Zurich to Erfurt trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Trenitalia EuroCity or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Zurich to Erfurt.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Zurich to Erfurt.
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 Trenitalia EuroCity or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Erfurt.
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Erfurt.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Erfurt.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Erfurt
Switzerland
Germany
Trains from Zurich to Erfurt run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 440 km distance in 5h 44m.
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 £31
Distance 440 km |
Average train duration 6h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 5h 44m |
First train 0:05 |
Last train 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
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 £31
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Zurich to Erfurt trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Zurich and Erfurt from £31. 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 28m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£61
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
What's included in each class
Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.
2nd Class
- Power plugs
- WC
Trenitalia EuroCity
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Trenitalia EuroCity Duration
7h 53m
Cheapest Trenitalia EuroCity Price
£137
Trenitalia EuroCity frequency
1 a day
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
6h 45m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£99
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Erfurt
Things to do in Erfurt
Discover the best of Erfurt — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Erfurt trip today.
- Must visit
Alte Synagoge
Museum inside the former Great Synagogue showing medieval Jewish history and the Erfurt Treasure in a compact historic setting.
- Recommended
Kunstmuseum Erfurt
Art museum in a Baroque palace with changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art in elegant historic rooms.
- Recommended
Stadtmuseum Erfurt
City museum covering Erfurt’s development through artefacts, models and exhibitions in a grand former civic building.
- Must visit
Domplatz
Historic square framed by the cathedral and Severikirche. It hosts major events and offers one of Erfurt’s classic city views.
- Must visit
Petersberg
Broad citadel plateau and parkland with walking paths, bastions and excellent views over Erfurt’s old town and church towers.
- Recommended
Anger
The city’s central square and shopping area, surrounded by historic buildings and ideal for people-watching in the old town.
Thüringer Rostbratwurst
Thuringian grilled sausage seasoned with marjoram and caraway, traditionally charcoal-grilled and served with mustard; a defining Erfurt street food.
- Gluten-free
Thüringer Klösse
Hearty dumplings made from raw and cooked potatoes, a classic Sunday side in Thuringia, especially with roasts and rich gravies.
Rinderroulade nach Thüringer Art
Slow-cooked beef roulade filled with bacon, onions, mustard and gherkin, commonly served with dumplings and red cabbage in local inns.
Zum Güldenen Rade
Elegant restaurant in the historic centre offering refined German and Thuringian cooking in a calm, polished dining room.
Gasthaus Feuerkugel
Traditional restaurant in the Krämerbrücke area serving Thuringian classics, especially bratwurst and dumplings, in a historic setting.
Altstadtkneipe No. 53
Long-established brewery pub with house beers and hearty regional food in a lively, rustic atmosphere near the old town.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in Berlin or Munich, while public transport and everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for a coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Round up in cafés and taxis, and tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Tell the server the total when paying rather than leaving coins on the table.
Erfurt mobil
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.90
- Day pass
- €7.40
To the city centre
Erfurt Hbf -> Domplatz, Erfurt
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Buy standard city tickets before boarding or in the official app. EVAG states a 10% discount in FAIRTIQ for digital single tickets, but that is not the standard full-price fare.
- EVAG operates Erfurt's trams and buses within VMT CityTarif Zone 10. Check the EVAG app for live departures and ticket options.
FAQs: Zurich to Erfurt train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Erfurt 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 Erfurt, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Zurich to Erfurt can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £61, while the average price tends to be around £90.
The train journey from Zurich to Erfurt covers a distance of 440 km and takes approximately 6h 28m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Zurich to Erfurt is 440 km.
The first train from Zurich to Erfurt leaves at 0:05.
The last train from Zurich to Erfurt departs at 23:45.
Trains from Zurich to Erfurt run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Zurich to Erfurt.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Zurich to Erfurt.
To get from Zurich to Erfurt, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Zurich to Erfurt.
The train station in Zurich that goes to Erfurt is Zurich HB, and it arrives at Erfurt Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Erfurt is by coach, costing approximately £31.
Booking trains from Zurich to Erfurt in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Zurich to Erfurt is generally considered scenic, as it offers views of picturesque Swiss landscapes, rolling hills, and charming German towns along the route.
A day trip from Zurich to Erfurt is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 28m. However, there are 8 trains available per day for this route.
To fully explore Erfurt's historical sites, charming old town, and cultural attractions, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Erfurt.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Zurich and Erfurt
Most Zurich to Erfurt trains use the Zürich HB to Erfurt Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Erfurt train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Zurich
Arrival train stations in Erfurt
Which Zurich station do trains to Erfurt leave from?
Trains from Zurich to Erfurt leave from Zürich HB. The station is 2 km from Zurich city centre at Bahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
Zürich HBBahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11
City-centre transport
Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS, 9 · 3m · £3 · every ~3 min
S11, Sn11, S12, S15, S16, Sn1, Sn, S20, S23, S3, S5, Sn5, S6, Sn6, S7, Sn7, S9, Sn9, S · 3m · £0.90 · every ~43 min
Bus31, 33 · 5m · £2 · every ~16 min
N4, N5, N91 · 5m · £2
Tram11, 15, 4 · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min
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.
Which Erfurt station do trains from Zurich arrive at?
Trains from Zurich to Erfurt arrive at Erfurt Hbf. Erfurt Hbf is 1 km from Erfurt city centre.
Erfurt HbfErfurt Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 12, 99084 Erfurt
City-centre transport
Getting to Erfurt Hbf from Erfurt city centre
Bus9 · 17m · every ~12 min
Tram6, 5, 1 · 5m · every ~20 min
Erfurt Hbf train station facilities and services
Erfurt 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: Istanbul Grill, McDonald's, Masala, Planet Comics
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Hbf. ATMs are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Hbf. Information desks are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Krämerbrücke, Intercity Hotel, Pension am Dom, Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior.
Most popular train connections from Zurich
More options for your journey from Zurich to Erfurt
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Erfurt and Zurich
Most popular train connections to Erfurt
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