Erfurt to Zurich train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Tue, Sep 01
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Regionale
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2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Erfurt to Zurich

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 01

Cheapest price on Sep 01

€40

Average ticket price on Sep 01

€80

Fastest journey on Sep 01

6 h 30 m

Average journey duration on Sep 01

6 h 33 m

Trains on Sep 01

10

Distance

440 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Erfurt to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Erfurt to Zurich will cost around €80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €40.

Fast trains

On Tue, Sep 01, we found 10 trains from Erfurt to Zurich, including 1 direct services.

On Tue, Sep 01 the direct trains cover the 440 km distance in an average of 6 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 30 m .

On Tue, Sep 01 the slowest trains will take 6 h 44 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 60408 · IC 561
    1:22 AM7h04
    Erfurt Hbf
    8:26 AMZurich HB
    401One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnIC 60408
    1:22 AM7h43
    Erfurt Hbf
    9:05 AMZurich HB
    401One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 593 · IC 187
    7:30 AM7h53
    Erfurt Hbf
    3:23 PMZurich HB
    561One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1656 · ICE 277
    6:16 AM6h44
    Erfurt Hbf
    1:00 PMZurich HB
    571One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 593 · ICE 103 · IC 795
    7:30 AM6h30
    Erfurt Hbf
    2:00 PMZurich HB
    571One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Erfurt to Zurich

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Erfurt to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €59 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 59m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €59, while a train costs an average of €120.

Distance: 273 miles (440 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€120

Average price

€59

Average price

Cheapest

€139

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

13h 28m

Average total duration

12h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 17m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

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 Erfurt to Zurich is a bus with an average price of €59.

This is compared to other travel options from Erfurt to Zurich:

A bus is €61 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Erfurt to Zurich costing on average €120.

The fastest way to travel from Erfurt to Zurich is by train with an average journey time of 6h 29m.

Other travel options to Zurich take longer:

Bus takes on average 12h 58m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Erfurt and Zurich including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Erfurt to Zurich among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around €120 compared to roughly €139 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €19. The journey takes 6h 29m versus 6h 17m 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.

Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Erfurt to Zurich train times

The table below shows live departures for Erfurt to Zurich trains for today, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 60408
Delayed
11:22 PM 1:22 AMErfurt Hbf
7h43
7:05 AM 7:05 AMZurich HB
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnIC 60408 · IC 561
Delayed
11:22 PM 1:22 AMErfurt Hbf
7h04
8:26 AM Zurich HB
1 transfer
Tuesday, September 1
Deutsche BahnICE 591 · ECE 151
On time
5:29 AM Erfurt Hbf
6h31
12:00 PM Zurich HB
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1656 · ICE 277
On time
6:16 AM Erfurt Hbf
6h44
1:00 PM Zurich HB
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 593 · IC 187
On time
7:30 AM Erfurt Hbf
7h53
3:23 PM Zurich HB
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 593 · ICE 103 · IC 795
On time
7:30 AM Erfurt Hbf
6h30
2:00 PM Zurich HB
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1654 · ICE 279 · IC 775
On time
8:16 AM Erfurt Hbf
6h44
3:00 PM Zurich HB
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 595 · ICE 105
On time
9:30 AM Erfurt Hbf
6h30
4:00 PM Zurich HB
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1652 · ICE 371 · IC 779
On time
10:16 AM Erfurt Hbf
6h44
5:00 PM Zurich HB
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 597 · ICE 107 · IC 781
On time
11:30 AM Erfurt Hbf
6h30
6:00 PM Zurich HB
2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Erfurt to Zurich by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Tue
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07

Why should you book Erfurt to Zurich trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as ÖBB | Euro City (EC) or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Erfurt to Zurich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Erfurt to Zurich.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | Euro City (EC) or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Erfurt to Zurich.
  • 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 Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Erfurt to Zurich.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Erfurt to Zurich.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Erfurt to Zurich

GermanyGermany
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Erfurt to Zurich run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €40 but you can travel from only €32 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 273 miles (440 km) distance in 5h 48m.

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
Bus from €32
Distance
273 miles (440 km)
Average train duration
6h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
€40
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
5h 48m
First train
12:08 AM
Last train
11:41 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
1 day
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
Bus from €32

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Erfurt to Zurich trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Erfurt and Zurich from €32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
5h 48m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€40
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

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

Kunsthaus Zürich

Switzerland's leading art museum with major works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, including Monet, Giacometti, and important Swiss collections.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Trains from Erfurt to Zurich

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Erfurt 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Erfurt to Zurich can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €40, while the average price is around €120.
The train from Erfurt to Zurich takes 5h 48m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Erfurt to Zurich leaves at 12:08 AM.
The distance by train from Erfurt to Zurich is 273 miles (440 km).
The last train from Erfurt to Zurich leaves at 11:41 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Erfurt to Zurich. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Erfurt to Zurich.
The train station in Erfurt that goes to Zurich is Erfurt Hbf, which connects to Zurich HB.
The cheapest way to get from Erfurt to Zurich is by bus, with a cost of around €32.
Yes, the train journey from Erfurt to Zurich is scenic, offering views of the Thuringian Forest, picturesque German countryside, and the Rhine River as you approach Switzerland.
A day trip from Erfurt to Zurich is not feasible as the travel time is 5h 48m each way. The frequency of trips is 7 per day for trains.
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 Erfurt to Zurich.
Since both Erfurt and Zurich are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Zurich include Lucerne, Basel, Bern, Chur, Engelberg.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Erfurt to Zurich among Omio's users.
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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Erfurt to Zurich

Most Erfurt to Zurich trains use the Erfurt Hbf to Zürich HB station pair, with some services arriving at Zürich Stadelhofen. Use this guide to compare Erfurt and Zurich train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Erfurt
Arrival train stations in Zurich

Which Erfurt station do trains to Zurich leave from?

Trains from Erfurt to Zurich leave from Erfurt Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Erfurt city centre at Erfurt Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 12, 99084 Erfurt.
Erfurt HbfErfurt Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 12, 99084 ErfurtWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Erfurt Hbf from Erfurt city centre

Bus9 · 17m · every ~12 min
Tram6, 5, 1 · 5m · every ~20 min

Erfurt Hbf train station facilities and services

Erfurt Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Istanbul Grill, McDonald's, Masala, Planet Comics

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Hbf. ATMs are available at Erfurt Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Hbf. Information desks are available at Erfurt Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Erfurt Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Erfurt Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Krämerbrücke, Intercity Hotel, Pension am Dom, Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior.

Erfurt-BischlebenErfurt-Bischleben, Uferstr. 1, 99094 ErfurtWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Erfurt-Bischleben from Erfurt city centre

Erfurt-Bischleben is 5 km from Erfurt city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe1 · 5m · €2
Bus51 · 24m · every ~4 min

Erfurt-Bischleben train station facilities and services

Erfurt-Bischleben has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Zur Schuhleiste, Bachstelze

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. ATMs are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. Information desks are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Erfurt-Bischleben. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Erfurt-Bischleben: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Erfurt-Bischleben: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt-Bischleben.

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