Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Mon, Jun 22
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB | ICE
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Regionale
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport

Showing times and prices for Jun 22

Cheapest price

$88

Average price

$140

Fastest journey

4 h 30 m

Average duration

4 h 30 m

Trains per day

11

Distance

289 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport will cost around $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 915 · ICE 71 · IR 2073
    10:22 AM4h42
    Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
    3:04 PMZurich Airport
    $881One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 515 · IC 187 · IR 2125
    10:51 AM4h53
    Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
    3:44 PMZurich Airport
    $881One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 513 · ICE 277 · IR 3269
    8:51 AM4h30
    Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
    1:21 PMZurich Airport
    $881One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 103 · IC 795 · IR 3271
    9:51 AM4h30
    Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
    2:21 PMZurich Airport
    $1001One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775 · IR 3273
    10:51 AM4h30
    Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
    3:21 PMZurich Airport
    $1001One-way
    3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a flight costs an average of $135.

Distance: 179 miles (289 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus
Driving

$97

Average price

$259

Average price

$43

Average price

Cheapest

$134

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 59m

Average total duration

4h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 57m

Average total duration

Fastest

57m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 5m

Average total duration

5h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Lufthansa

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport is a bus with an average price of $43 (€36).

This is compared to other travel options from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport:

A bus is $54 (€44) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport costing on average $97 (€80).

A bus is $216 (€176) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport costing on average $259 (€212).

The fastest way to travel from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport is by flight with an average journey time of 57m.

Other travel options to Zurich Airport take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 29m.

Bus takes on average 5h 35m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Frankfurt am Main Airport and Zurich Airport including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport 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 $97 (€80) compared to roughly $134 (€110) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $37 (€30). The journey takes 4h 29m versus 4h 6m 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.

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

Live departures

Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport train times

The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 513 · ICE 277 · IR 3269
On time
8:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
4h30
1:21 PM Zurich Airport
2 transfers
ÖBB | ICEICE 513 · ICE 277+ÖBBIR 3269
On time
8:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
4h30
1:21 PM Zurich Airport
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 103 · IR 2073
On time
9:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
5h13
3:04 PM Zurich Airport
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 103 · IC 773 · IR 3271
On time
9:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
4h30
2:21 PM Zurich Airport
2 transfers
ÖBB | ICEICE 103+ÖBBIR 2073
On time
9:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
5h13
3:04 PM Zurich Airport
1 transfer
ÖBB | ICEICE 103+ÖBB | InterCityIC 773+ÖBBIR 3271
On time
9:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
4h30
2:21 PM Zurich Airport
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 915 · ICE 71 · IR 2073
On time
10:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
4h42
3:04 PM Zurich Airport
2 transfers
ÖBB | ICEICE 915 · ICE 71+ÖBBIR 2073
On time
10:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
4h42
3:04 PM Zurich Airport
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 515 · ICE 279 · IR 2075
On time
10:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
5h13
4:04 PM Zurich Airport
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775 · IR 3273
On time
10:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
4h30
3:21 PM Zurich Airport
3 transfers
ÖBB | ICEICE 515 · ICE 279+ÖBBIR 2075
On time
10:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
5h13
4:04 PM Zurich Airport
2 transfers
ÖBB | ICEICE 515 · ICE 279+ÖBB | InterCityIC 775+ÖBBIR 3273
On time
10:51 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station
4h30
3:21 PM Zurich Airport
3 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport 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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Jun 28

Why should you book Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as ÖBB | ICE or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport.

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 | ICE or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport.
  • 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 Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport.

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 Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport

GermanyGermany
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $29 (€24) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 06:22, the last at 19:51. The fastest train covers the 179 miles (289 km) distance in 4h 27m.

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 $29 (€24)
Distance
179 miles (289 km)
Average train duration
4h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
$49 (€40)
Trains per day
10
Fastest train
4h 27m
First train
6:22 AM
Last train
7:51 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sat
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 $29 (€24)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main Airport and Zurich Airport from $29 (€24). 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 Duration
4h 30m
Cheapest Price
$49 (€40)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 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

ÖBB | ICE

About
The ÖBB ICE is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, offering fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. The ICE trains are modern and well-equipped, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of ICE trains: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter. The ICE T is the fastest, with speeds of up to 230 km/h, while the ICE S and ICE Sprinter offer slightly slower speeds. The ÖBB ICE offers a range of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and a range of entertainment options. The most popular routes for the ÖBB ICE include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 27m
Cheapest Price
$196 (€160)
ÖBB | ICE frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and drinks, bistro service with snacks and beverages, at-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional reservation for €3
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 31m
Cheapest Price
$126 (€103)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day

Complete guide to Zurich Airport

Things to do in Zurich Airport

Discover the best of Zurich Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich Airport trip today.

  • Must visit

Landesmuseum Zfcrich

Switzerlandb4s national museum with major exhibitions on Swiss cultural history, design, and archaeology. One of the regionb4s essential museums.

  • Must visit

Kunsthaus Zfcrich

Zurichb4s flagship art museum with major collections from Swiss masters to international modern and contemporary art. A top cultural highlight.

  • Recommended

Flieger-Flab-Museum

A military aviation museum in Dfcbendorf with historic Swiss aircraft and air-defense exhibits. Especially worthwhile for aviation enthusiasts near the airport area.

Swiss Franc

Prices at Zurich Airport are high even by Swiss standards. Meals, coffee, and convenience items cost more than in the city.

Average meal costs

Budget
CHF 12-20 for fast food or snacks.
Mid-range
CHF 25-40 per person.
Fine dining
CHF 60+ per person.
Coffee
CHF 4.50-6 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included in Switzerland. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated but not expected; taxis are often rounded up.

FAQs: Trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $49 (€40), while the average price is around $97 (€80).
The train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport takes 4h 27m and runs 10 per day.
The first train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport leaves at 6:22 AM.
The distance by train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport is 179 miles (289 km).
The last train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport leaves at 7:51 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport.
The cheapest way to get from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport is by bus, with a cost of around $29 (€24).
Yes, the train journey from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport is scenic, offering views of the Rhine Valley, charming German towns, and picturesque Swiss landscapes, especially as the train approaches Zurich.
A day trip from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport is not feasible as the travel duration is 253. There are 16 trips per day available for this route by train.
Yes, you can take the train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport.
Since both Frankfurt am Main Airport and Zurich Airport 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 Airport include Lucerne, Bern, Basel, Chur, Sankt Gallen.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport 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.
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.

More options for your journey from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Zurich Airport and Frankfurt am Main Airport

HomeTrainsTrains in SwitzerlandTrain Times to Zurich AirportFrankfurt am Main Airport to Zurich Airport train

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