- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Switzerland's leading art museum with major works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, including Monet, Giacometti, and important Swiss collections.
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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Birmingham to Zurich
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $186 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 0m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.9 - 2.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $186, while a flight costs an average of $615.
Distance: 582 miles (938 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$615 Average price | $186 Average price Cheapest | $218 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
5h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 24h 43m Average total duration 24h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
- CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 5.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Birmingham to Zurich is a bus with an average price of $186 (€151).
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Zurich:
A bus is $429 (€348) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Birmingham to Zurich costing on average $615 (€499).
The fastest way to travel from Birmingham to Zurich is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 0m.
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Bus takes on average 24h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Birmingham and Zurich including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham to Zurich among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Zurich by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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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Why should you book Birmingham to Zurich trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Birmingham to Zurich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Zurich.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Zurich.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Zurich.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Zurich
United Kingdom
Switzerland
Take a train from Birmingham to Zurich and enjoy the approximately 582 miles (938 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 08:47, the last at 23:21.
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
Flight from $106 (€86)
Distance 582 miles (938 km) |
First train 8:47 AM |
Last train 11:21 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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
Flight from $106 (€86)
Complete guide to Zurich
Things to do in Zurich
Discover the best of Zurich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich trip today.
- Must visit
Swiss National Museum
National museum in a castle-like building near the main station. It offers essential insight into Swiss cultural history, design, and nationhood.
- Recommended
Museum Rietberg
Remarkable private collection in a villa, featuring Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early modern masterpieces in an intimate lakeside setting.
- Must visit
Bahnhofstrasse
Zurich's famous old town shopping street links the main station to the lake. It is ideal for strolling, people-watching, and seeing the city's polished center.
- Must visit
Altstadt
Historic riverside old town with lanes, guild houses, churches, and viewpoints. It is the essential area for Zurich's medieval atmosphere.
- Must visit
Lake Zurich Promenade
Beautiful lakeside promenade lined with trees, gardens, and views across Lake Zurich. Perfect for a scenic walk in any season.
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, usually served with rösti. It is Zurich’s signature dish and a classic in traditional brasseries.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Rösti
Pan-fried grated potato cake with a crisp crust and soft center. A Swiss staple closely tied to Zurich and often served with meat, eggs, or cheese.
- Vegetarian
Cheese Fondue
Swiss cheese fondue made by melting local cheeses with wine and garlic, then dipping bread. It is a beloved cold-weather social meal across Zurich.
Restaurant Kronenhalle
Refined Swiss fine dining in a historic setting, led by a renowned chef. Known for modern tasting menus and polished service.
Zeughauskeller
Historic casual restaurant by Lake Zurich, known for Zürich classics like rösti and veal dishes in a traditional guild-house setting.
Zunfthaus zur Waag
Elegant old-town restaurant with classic Swiss and French cuisine. A strong choice for fondue, seasonal dishes, and a formal atmosphere.
Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.)
Zurich is pricier than most European cities. Hotels, dining, and local transit are costly, though supermarkets and takeaway spots can help lower daily spend.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 15-25 for fast food or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- CHF 30-50 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- CHF 90+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- CHF 4.50-6.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service. Small rounding is common in cafes and taxis.
ZVV Fahrplan
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 4.60
- Day pass
- CHF 9.20
To the city center
Zurich HB -> Central, Zurich
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 3 min
- Buy tickets in the ZVV app, at ticket machines, or online before boarding. Zurich trams and buses use proof-of-payment inspections.
- Contactless card payment works at many ZVV ticket machines, but not directly on most trams or buses. Keep your ticket until your trip ends.
FAQs: Trains from Birmingham to Zurich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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.
The distance by train from Birmingham to Zurich is 582 miles (938 km).
The first train from Birmingham to Zurich leaves at 8:47 AM.
The last train from Birmingham to Zurich leaves at 11:21 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Birmingham to Zurich.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Birmingham to Zurich.
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Zurich is by bus, with a cost of around $107 (€87).
The train journey from Birmingham to Zurich offers diverse scenery, including the rolling hills of the English countryside, picturesque French landscapes, and the breathtaking vistas of the Swiss Alps.
In Zurich, you can hike or take a train to Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city and Alps, shop along the exclusive Bahnhofstrasse, explore diverse wildlife at Zurich Zoo, and enjoy performances at the Opera House. Wander through the Botanical Garden, offering a variety of plant species. Visit Lake Zurich for scenic views and recreational activities, explore the historic Old Town with its medieval buildings, and admire artworks at Kunsthaus Zurich. Discover Swiss cultural history at the Swiss National Museum and enjoy a peaceful moment at Lindenhof with views over the city.
Two to three days are generally sufficient to explore Zurich's main attractions, including the Old Town, Lake Zurich, museums, and nearby Uetliberg Mountain.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Zurich.
Zurich is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Zurich include Lucerne, Basel, Bern, Chur, Engelberg.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham to Zurich among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Zurich, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxis can also occur. It is advisable to use official transportation services and remain vigilant with personal belongings to ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular train connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Zurich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Zurich and Birmingham
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