4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Zurich
Cheapest price
$117
Average price
$148
Fastest journey
6 h 18 m
Average duration
7 h 16 m
Trains per day
5
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 $148 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $117.
Of the 5 trains that leave Essen for Zurich on Tue, Mar 24, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Mar 24 the direct trains cover the 468 km distance in an average of 7 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 18 m .
On Tue, Mar 24 the slowest trains will take 8 h 26 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.
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Zurich
Omio 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 $37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 $37, and a flight costs an average of $80.
Distance: 290 miles (468 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$141 Average price | $168 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest |
6h 56m Average total duration 6h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 16m Average total duration 9h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Essen to Zurich train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Zurich trains for today, Monday, March 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 103 · IC 795 | On time 7:00 AM Essen Hbf | 6h00 | 1:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 2509 · IC 187 | On time 7:04 AM Essen Hbf | 7h19 | 2:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915 · ICE 71+ TGV 9211 | On time 7:36 AM Essen Hbf | 5h50 | 1:26 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775 | On time 7:59 AM Essen Hbf | 6h01 | 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| IC 2013 · ICE 371 · IC 779 | On time 8:40 AM Essen Hbf | 7h20 | 4:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| 10210 · ICE 225 · ECE 5+TGV 9213 | 9:20 AM Essen Hbf | 6h06 | 3:26 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen 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.
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Mar 29
Mar 30
Why should you book Essen to Zurich trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Zurich.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Zurich.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Zurich
Germany
Switzerland
Trains from Essen to Zurich run on average 10 times per day, taking around 6h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $80 (€65) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 290 miles (468 km) distance in 5h 50m.
Distance 290 miles (468 km) |
Average train duration 6h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 (€65) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 5h 50m |
First train 00:08 |
Last train 23:36 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Essen to Zurich trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Essen and Zurich from $37 (€30). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FAQs: Trains from Essen to 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Zurich
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
ShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Carts
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
- Cost CHF 12
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
- Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
- Located in the main hall
- 1000 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
WifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking available nearby with several parking options
- Brisket Southern BBQ & Bar
- Les Halles
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- 25hours Hotel Zürich West
- Sheraton Zürich Hotel
- Novotel Zurich City West
- 800 places, covered
- Located on the main concourse
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-8 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Tram: Line 4, Line 8
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Zurich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Zurich and Essen
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