- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich’s leading art museum, known for major European works, Swiss art, and high-profile temporary exhibitions.
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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Edinburgh to Zurich
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $56. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 49m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.2 - 3.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $56, and a train costs an average of $737.
Distance: 776 miles (1249 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$737 Average price | $151 Average price Cheapest | $192 Average price | $334 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 5m Average total duration 16h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 33h 12m Average total duration 32h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 3.7 - 7.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 3.1kg 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 Edinburgh to Zurich is a flight with an average price of $151 (€125).
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Zurich:
A flight is $41 (€33) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Edinburgh to Zurich costing on average $192 (€158).
A flight is $585 (€481) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Zurich costing on average $737 (€606).
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Zurich is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 49m.
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 16h 35m.
Bus takes on average 32h 42m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Zurich including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Zurich among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 53m sooner (16h 35m by train vs 17h 28m by car). Tickets start at around $737 (€606) compared to roughly $334 (€274) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Zurich
United Kingdom
Switzerland
Trains from Edinburgh to Zurich run on average 2 times per day, taking around 16h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $737 (€606) but you can travel from only $56 (€46) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:37, the last at 20:20. The fastest train covers the 776 miles (1249 km) distance in 13h 26m.
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 $56 (€46)
Distance 776 miles (1249 km) |
Average train duration 16h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $737 (€606) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 13h 26m |
First train 5:37 AM |
Last train 8:20 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 $56 (€46)
Train companies: London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) from Edinburgh to Zurich trainsLondon North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) trains will get you between Edinburgh and Zurich from $56 (€46). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 26m
Cheapest Price
$737 (€606)
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) frequency
2 a day
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
The country’s main cultural-history museum, with strong exhibits on Swiss heritage, design, and everyday life.
- Recommended
Museum Rietberg
A respected museum for non-European art, set in a villa and modern extension within a pleasant park.
- Must visit
Bahnhofstrasse
Zurich’s famous shopping boulevard, ideal for a central stroll from the station toward the lake.
- Must visit
Altstadt
The old town’s lanes, squares, and riverside passages form the city’s most atmospheric walking area.
- Must visit
Lake Zurich Promenade
A scenic waterfront walking area popular for views, relaxed strolls, and classic Zurich city-lake photos.
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Zurich’s signature dish of sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, traditionally served with rösti. It is one of the city’s most classic meals.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Rösti
A Swiss potato dish of pan-fried grated potatoes with a crisp exterior and soft center. In Zurich it is often served as a side, but it can also be topped as a full meal.
- Vegetarian
Fondue
Melted cheese shared from a communal pot and eaten with bread. It is a beloved Swiss cold-weather specialty strongly associated with traditional dining culture.
Haus Hiltl
One of Zurich’s most famous dining institutions and a landmark vegetarian restaurant, offering a large buffet and Swiss-inspired meat-free dishes in a modern setting.
Kronenhalle
An iconic Zurich institution combining classic fine dining, Swiss and continental cuisine, and a celebrated art-filled interior with old-world elegance.
Zeughauskeller
A historic and very popular traditional Swiss restaurant in a former armory, known for sausages, rösti, and hearty Zurich classics in a lively setting.
Swiss Franc
Zurich is among Europe’s priciest cities. Hotels, dining, and daily transport usually cost more than in most nearby destinations.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 15-25 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- CHF 30-50 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- CHF 100+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- CHF 4.50-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is included by law. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares slightly.
ZVV Mobile
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 4.60
- Day pass
- CHF 9.20
To the city center
Zurich HB, Zurich -> Zurich HB, Zurich
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Tickets are valid by zone, so check that your ticket covers all required ZVV zones before boarding. The city ticket for Zurich usually covers Zone 110 and includes transfers within the validity period
- On most Zurich trams and buses, you usually cannot pay onboard by card, so buy your ticket in the ZVV app, at a machine, or in advance. Inspectors perform regular checks, and fines apply for traveling
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Zurich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.
Train ticket prices from Edinburgh to Zurich can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $737 (€606), while the average price is around $737 (€606).
The train from Edinburgh to Zurich takes 13h 26m and runs 2 per day.
The first train from Edinburgh to Zurich leaves at 5:37 AM.
The distance by train from Edinburgh to Zurich is 776 miles (1249 km).
The last train from Edinburgh to Zurich leaves at 8:20 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Edinburgh to Zurich.
There is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh to Zurich.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Edinburgh to Zurich.
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Zurich is by flight, with a cost of around $56 (€46).
The train journey from Edinburgh to Zurich offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of Scotland, the rolling hills of the English countryside, and the stunning vistas of the Swiss Alps.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Zurich is not feasible due to a journey time of 13h 26m and a distance of 776 miles (1249 km). There are 4 trips available per day.
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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Zurich
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Most popular trains to and from Zurich and Edinburgh
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