- 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.
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 $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
On Thu, Nov 05, we found 13 trains from Essen to Zurich, including 1 direct services.
On Thu, Nov 05 the direct trains cover the 468 km distance in an average of 6 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 50 m .
On Thu, Nov 05 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 915 · ICE 71+
TGV 9211
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ICE 103 · IC 2040 · ICE 279
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ICE 621 · ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5
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ICE 105
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ICE 103 · IC 795
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ICE 915 · ICE 71+
TGV 9211
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ICE 105
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ICE 103 · IC 795
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ICE 621 · ICE 515 · ICE 279
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ICE 915 · ICE 279
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Trains from Essen to Zurich run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 (€45) but you can travel from only $33 (€28) 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 18m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Essen to Zurich.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Zurich trains for tomorrow, Thursday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9414+ 9213 | 5:41 AM Essen Hbf | 10h45 | 4:26 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
9414+ 9219 | 5:41 AM Essen Hbf | 14h45 | 8:26 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
9426+ 9223 | 7:41 AM Essen Hbf | 14h45 | 10:26 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
9426+ 9219 | 7:41 AM Essen Hbf | 12h45 | 8:26 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · IC 795 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 6h00 | 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · IC 2040 · ICE 279 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 7h00 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 915 · ICE 279 | On time 8:36 AM Essen Hbf | 6h24 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71+ TGV 9211 | On time 8:36 AM Essen Hbf | 5h50 | 2:26 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 621 · ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 | On time 8:49 AM Essen Hbf | 7h37 | 4:26 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
ICE 621 · ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 8:49 AM Essen Hbf | 6h11 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
S9 · IC 2042 · ICE 2013 · ICE 371 | 9:20 AM Essen Hbf | 7h40 | 5:00 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
31308+ 33086+ 15109+ ICE 597 | 9:34 AM Essen Hbf | 8h26 | 6:00 PM Zurich HB | 5 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
Trains from Essen to Zurich with Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, and SNCF | TGV Lyria. Night trains available on this route with Deutsche Bahn. High-speed trains available on this route with Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, and SNCF | TGV Lyria. Regional trains available on this route with Deutsche Bahn. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Zurich.
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.

Most Essen to Zurich trains use the Essen Hbf to Zürich HB station pair. Use this guide to compare Essen and Zurich train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Essen 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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Kettwig is 11 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Kettwig 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 options include: Döbbe, Der Bonner Hof, Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation, Pizza Pasta
Wi-Fi is available at Kettwig. ATMs are available at Kettwig.
Ticket office support is available at Kettwig. Information desks are available at Kettwig.
Luggage storage is available at Kettwig. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kettwig: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kettwig: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kettwig.
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.
Check train stations information for Essen and Zurich, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.