- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich’s leading art museum, known for major Swiss and European collections from medieval works to modern and contemporary art.
Cheapest price
$98
Average price
$197
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
6 h 8 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
468 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Zurich will cost around $197 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
Of the 11 trains that leave Essen for Zurich on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 468 km distance in an average of 6 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 6 h 24 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.
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775
ICE 515 · IC 187
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IR 2073
ICE 646 · ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5
IC 2013 · ICE 371 · IC 779
ICE 105
ICE 103 · IC 795
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IR 2073
ICE 515 · IC 187Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen 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 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, and a flight costs an average of $79.
Distance: 290 miles (468 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$143 Average price | $188 Average price | $65 Average price Cheapest | $186 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 19m Average total duration 9h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Zurich:
A bus is $78 (€64) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Zurich costing on average $143 (€117).
A bus is $123 (€100) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Zurich costing on average $188 (€154).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 15m.
Bus takes on average 9h 49m.
The journey is about 42m faster (6h 15m by train vs 6h 57m by car) and roughly $43 (€35) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($143 (€117) vs $186 (€152)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Zurich trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9414+ 9219 | 5:41 AM Essen Hbf | 15h19 | 9:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
9426+ 9219 | 7:41 AM Essen Hbf | 13h19 | 9:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
9426+ 9223 | 7:41 AM Essen Hbf | 15h19 | 11:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · IC 1940 · ICE 105 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 8h00 | 4:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · IC 795 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 6h00 | 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IR 2073 | On time 8:36 AM Essen Hbf | 6h13 | 2:49 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 646 · ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 | On time 8:40 AM Essen Hbf | 8h09 | 4:49 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775 | On time 8:59 AM Essen Hbf | 6h01 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515 · IC 187 | On time 8:59 AM Essen Hbf | 6h24 | 3:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 2013 · ICE 371 · IC 779 | On time 9:40 AM Essen Hbf | 7h20 | 5:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 105 | On time 10:00 AM Essen Hbf | 6h00 | 4:00 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Essen to Zurich run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) but you can travel from only $39 (€32) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 290 miles (468 km) distance in 5h 50m.
Distance 290 miles (468 km) |
Average train duration 6h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€52) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 50m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
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, known for major Swiss and European collections from medieval works to modern and contemporary art.
The country’s main cultural history museum, presenting Swiss history, design, and craftsmanship in a landmark neo-Gothic building.
A respected museum for non-European art, with strong collections from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania in a villa park setting.
Zurich’s famous central shopping boulevard, stretching from the main station toward the lake and ideal for a first city walk.
The old town’s maze of lanes, small squares, riverside walks, and historic houses forms the city’s essential walking area.
One of the city’s most scenic walking areas, combining elegant quays, water views, and easy access to boats and swimming 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 often accompanies meat dishes or is served on its own.
Melted Swiss cheese served communally with bread for dipping. It is a beloved cold-weather specialty across Switzerland, including Zurich.
Legendary Zurich institution combining refined Swiss cuisine, classic service, and an elegant dining room with notable art.
Historic vegetarian restaurant in central Zurich, famous for its extensive buffet and long-standing culinary heritage.
Well-known traditional Swiss restaurant in a historic former armory, popular for sausages, schnitzel, and hearty local dishes.
Zurich is among Europe’s most expensive cities. Hotels, dining, and transport cost well above average.
Service is included by law. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or adding 5-10% for great service is appreciated. Round up taxis and leave small change in cafes if service was good.
Official public transport app
Zurich HB -> Zurich HB
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen 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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