- 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.
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$135
Fastest journey
5 h 17 m
Average duration
5 h 33 m
Trains per day
17
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 $135 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
It's difficult to get from Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich without transferring at least once.
S19 · ICE 2013 · ICE 371 · IC 779
S19 · ICE 103 · IC 795
S19 · ICE 517 · ICE 371 · IC 779
10616 · ICE 919 · ICE 73 · IC 581
S19 · IC 2040 · ICE 279 · IC 775
10616 · ICE 919 · ICE 73 · IC 581
S19 · ICE 103 · IC 795
S19 · ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775
S19 · ICE 105
S19 · ICE 107 · IC 781Omio 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 $39. 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 $39, and a flight costs an average of $117.
Distance: 251 miles (404 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$172 Average price | $242 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $169 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 $110 (€90) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich costing on average $172 (€142).
A bus is $180 (€148) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich costing on average $242 (€200).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 56m.
Bus takes on average 7h 28m.
Tickets start at around $172 (€142) compared to roughly $169 (€140) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-2.75 (€-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 tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9426+ 9223 | 7:09 AM Cologne Hbf | 15h51 | 11:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
S19 · ICE 103 · IC 795 | 8:23 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 5h37 | 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
S19 · IC 2040 · ICE 279 · IC 775 | 8:23 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 6h37 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
10608 · ICE 915 · IC 187 | On time 9:09 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 6h14 | 3:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
10608 · ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IR 2073 | 9:09 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 5h40 | 2:49 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
S19 · ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 | 9:23 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 7h26 | 4:49 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
S19 · ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775 | 9:23 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 5h37 | 3:00 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 $89 (€74) but you can travel from only $39 (€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 $89 (€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.
Switzerland's leading art museum with major works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, including Monet, Giacometti, and important Swiss collections.
National museum in a castle-like building near the main station. It offers essential insight into Swiss cultural history, design, and nationhood.
Remarkable private collection in a villa, featuring Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early modern masterpieces in an intimate lakeside setting.
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.
Historic riverside old town with lanes, guild houses, churches, and viewpoints. It is the essential area for Zurich's medieval atmosphere.
Beautiful lakeside promenade lined with trees, gardens, and views across Lake Zurich. Perfect for a scenic walk in any season.
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.
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.
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.
Refined Swiss fine dining in a historic setting, led by a renowned chef. Known for modern tasting menus and polished service.
Historic casual restaurant by Lake Zurich, known for Zürich classics like rösti and veal dishes in a traditional guild-house setting.
Elegant old-town restaurant with classic Swiss and French cuisine. A strong choice for fondue, seasonal dishes, and a formal atmosphere.
Zurich is pricier than most European cities. Hotels, dining, and local transit are costly, though supermarkets and takeaway spots can help lower daily spend.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service. Small rounding is common in cafes and taxis.
Official public transport app
Zurich HB -> Central, 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.

Most Cologne Bonn Airport to Zurich trains use the Köln Hbf to Zürich HB station pair, with some services arriving at Zürich Stadelhofen. Use this guide to compare Cologne Bonn Airport and Zurich train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Zürich Stadelhofen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need