- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich’s leading art museum with major Swiss and international collections, from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works.
Cheapest price
$92
Average price
$138
Fastest journey
5 h 37 m
Average duration
5 h 42 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
404 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich will cost around $138 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $92.
It's difficult to get from Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich without transferring at least once.
S19 · ICE 103 · IC 773
S19 · ICE 621 · ECE 5+
TGV 9213
S19 · ICE 105 · ECE 5+
TGV 9213
S19 · ICE 515 · IC 187
S19 · ICE 629 · ICE 375 · IC 787
S19 · ICE 103 · IC 773
S19 · ICE 107 · IC 781
S19 · ICE 109
S19 · ICE 201 · IC 789
S19 · ICE 515 · IC 187Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $120.
Distance: 251 miles (404 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$176 Average price | $248 Average price | $64 Average price Cheapest | $173 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 58m Average total duration 7h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich:
A bus is $112 (€90) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich costing on average $176 (€142).
A bus is $184 (€148) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich costing on average $248 (€200).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 56m.
Bus takes on average 7h 28m.
Tickets start at around $176 (€142) compared to roughly $173 (€140) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-2.82 (€-2.27). The journey takes 5h 56m versus 5h 46m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S19 · ICE 103 · IC 773 | 8:23 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 5h37 | 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
S19 · ICE 1225 · 4477 · ICE 371 | 9:23 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 7h37 | 5:00 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
S19 · ICE 515 · IC 187 | On time 9:23 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 6h00 | 3:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
9438+ 9219 | 9:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 10h51 | 8:26 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
9438+ 9223 | 9:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h51 | 10:26 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
S19 · IC 2013 · 29515 · ICE 107 | 10:23 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 7h37 | 6:00 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
S19 · ICE 105 · ECE 5+ TGV 9213 | 10:23 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 6h03 | 4:26 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $92 (€74) but you can travel from only $40 (€32) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:09, the last at 14:09. The fastest train covers the 251 miles (404 km) distance in 5h 17m.
Distance 251 miles (404 km) |
Average train duration 5h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $92 (€74) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 5h 17m |
First train 6:09 AM |
Last train 2:09 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Zurich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich trip today.
Zurich’s leading art museum with major Swiss and international collections, from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works.
The country’s principal museum of cultural history, housed in a castle-like building near the main station.
A respected museum for non-European art set in a villa and modern pavilion within Rieterpark.
One of the world’s best-known shopping streets, ideal for strolling between the main station and the lake.
Zurich’s old town, packed with medieval lanes, churches, river views, and many of the city’s classic sights.
A scenic walking area along the lake with sweeping water views, swans, and popular sunset spots.
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 is often served as a side or topped with cheese, egg, or meat.
A traditional Swiss pot of melted cheese served with bread for dipping. It is a communal meal strongly associated with Swiss food culture.
Legendary upscale Zurich restaurant celebrated for refined Swiss and continental cuisine, classic service, and an elegant art-filled dining room.
Historic, traditional Swiss restaurant in a former armory, known for sausages, schnitzel, and hearty Zurich classics in a lively setting.
Famous historic vegetarian restaurant with Swiss and international dishes, known for its buffet and long-standing place in Zurich dining culture.
Zurich is among Europe’s priciest cities. Hotels, dining, and transport are costly, though supermarkets and lunch deals can lower daily spending.
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Zurich HB -> Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Bonn Airport 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.

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