- 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
$142
Average price
$165
Fastest journey
6 h 26 m
Average duration
7 h 22 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
472 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Zurich will cost around $165 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $142.
It's difficult to get from Gelsenkirchen to Zurich without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 2007 · IC 2013 · ICE 371 · IC 779
10114 · ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775
10114 · ICE 515 · IC 187
10206 · ICE 646 · ICE 27 · ICE 225
ICE 225 · ECE 5 · IR 2077+
52251
10114 · ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775
10114 · ICE 515 · IC 187
ICE 225 · ECE 5 · IR 2077+
52251
IC 2007 · IC 2013 · ICE 371 · IC 779
10206 · ICE 646 · ICE 27 · ICE 225Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gelsenkirchen to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $69. 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 $69, and a train costs an average of $168.
Distance: 293 miles (472 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$188 Average price | $179 Average price | $108 Average price Cheapest | $135 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration 6h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 5m 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 Gelsenkirchen to Zurich:
A bus is $70 (€58) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gelsenkirchen to Zurich costing on average $179 (€146).
A bus is $80 (€65) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gelsenkirchen to Zurich costing on average $188 (€154).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 10m.
Train takes on average 6h 20m.
You'll arrive about 45m sooner (6h 20m by train vs 7h 5m by car). Tickets start at around $188 (€154) compared to roughly $135 (€110) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Gelsenkirchen to Zurich trains for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10206 · ICE 646 · ICE 27 · ICE 225 | 8:09 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 8h40 | 4:49 PM Zurich HB | 5 transfers | |
10114 · ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IC 775 | 8:34 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 6h26 | 3:00 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
10114 · ICE 515 · IC 187 | On time 8:34 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 6h49 | 3:23 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2007 · IC 2013 · ICE 371 · IC 779 | On time 9:13 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 7h47 | 5:00 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
52251+ ICE 225 · ECE 5 · IR 2077 | 9:39 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 7h10 | 4:49 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Zurich run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $168 (€138) but you can travel from only $69 (€56) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 293 miles (472 km) distance in 7h 29m.
Distance 293 miles (472 km) |
Average train duration 6h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $168 (€138) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 7h 29m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 6 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 Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen to Zurich trains use the Gelsenkirchen Hbf to Zürich HB station pair, with some services arriving at Zürich Stadelhofen. Use this guide to compare Gelsenkirchen and Zurich train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen 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: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wanne-Eickel Hbf 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: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
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.
Zürich Stadelhofen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need