- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich’s flagship art museum with major Swiss and European collections, from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlovy Vary to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 10h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $15, and a flight costs an average of $105.
Distance: 278 miles (449 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$80 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $175 Average price | $172 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 20m Average total duration 11h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 17m Average total duration Fastest 10h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 25m Average total duration 14h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Karlovy Vary to Zurich:
A train is $19 (€16) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Karlovy Vary to Zurich costing on average $80 (€65).
A train is $115 (€94) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Karlovy Vary to Zurich costing on average $175 (€143).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 50m.
Flight takes on average 14h 25m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 19h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Compare bus, 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.
Buses from Karlovy Vary to Zurich run on average 2 times per day, taking around 11h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $45 (€37) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 01:10, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 278 miles (449 km) distance in 12h 35m.
Distance 278 miles (449 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€37) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 12h 35m |
First bus 1:10 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Zurich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich trip today.
Zurich’s flagship art museum with major Swiss and European collections, from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works.
The country’s leading museum of Swiss cultural history, housed in a landmark castle-like building beside the main station.
Major museum for non-European art set in a villa and modern extension, known for Asian, African, American, and Oceanian collections.
Zurich’s best-known shopping boulevard, ideal for a central stroll from the main station toward the lake.
The old town is the city’s essential walking area, packed with lanes, squares, historic houses, and river views.
A peaceful hilltop square and viewpoint above the old town, popular for classic photos over the Limmat.
Zurich’s signature dish of sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, traditionally served with rösti.
A classic Swiss potato dish, pan-fried until crisp and golden. In Zurich it often accompanies meat dishes or is topped with cheese or eggs.
Melted Swiss cheese served communally with bread for dipping. It is a beloved cold-weather staple across Switzerland and widely enjoyed in Zurich.
Iconic classic Zurich restaurant with an elegant atmosphere, noted for traditional cuisine, fine service, and a celebrated art-filled interior.
A long-standing Zurich restaurant in a leafy setting, serving Swiss seasonal dishes with a more upscale yet relaxed atmosphere.
Historic vegetarian restaurant in central Zurich, famous for extensive buffet selections and refined meat-free Swiss and international dishes.
Among Europe’s priciest cities. Hotels, dining, and drinks are costly, though public transport is efficient and good-value.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares slightly.
Official public transport app
Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal -> Zürich HB
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlovy Vary to Zurich by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Zurich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Karlovy Vary to Zurich buses use the Karlovy Vary, Dolní Nádraží to Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) station pair, with some services arriving at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai). Use this guide to compare Karlovy Vary and Zurich bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Karlovy Vary, Dolní Nádraží has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Dolní (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station), Coffee Corner (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Karlovy Vary, Dolní Nádraží.
Available at Karlovy Vary, Dolní Nádraží: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlovy Vary, Dolní Nádraží: Elevators, ramps.
Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai).
Available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai): Elevators, ramps.
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