Train from Geneva to Zurich

Trains from Geneva to Zurich

Zurich lies northeast of Geneva. An elaborate railway system connects the two urban centers, with over 40 trains departing from Geneva to Zurich every day. The journey covers about 138.8 miles, and the average train duration is 2 hours 59 minutes.

Geneva to Zurich train times: Daily departures

Travelers can access a train from Geneva to Zurich at any time of the day. At about 12:20 a.m., two trains leave Geneva, but these take the longest (about seven hours). From around 4:00 a.m., other trains depart twice every hour. The last two trains of the day leave Geneva at about 11:20 p.m. and arrive in Zurich early morning.

How long is the journey by train from Geneva to Zurich?

The train from Geneva to Zurich covers about 138.8 miles toward the northeast. Most trains have one transfer in Lausanne, while others have two transfers, including a change at the Zurich central station. Those that have three changes tend to follow the Zurich-Lausanne-Bern-Zurich route. The average travel time is three hours, with the longest train time being 6 hours 51 minutes.

What are the departure and arrival stations from Geneva to Zurich?

Departure train station: The journey from Geneva to Zurich by train starts at the Geneva Cornavin (CFF) station, which linked by elaborate tramlines from the city center. The station connects to different European cities and receives domestic trains from Bern. Over 400 trains arrive and depart from the station every day, making it a vital transportation hub in Switzerland.

Arrival train station: In Zurich, trains from Geneva CFF arrive either at the Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB) or Zurich Stadelhofen stations. The former is the central station and lies in the heart of the city. It operates over 1,200 trains each day. Meanwhile, Stadelhofen is located south of the city near the northeastern shores of Lake Zurich.

Which train companies travel from Geneva to Zurich?

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is the largest company managing trains on the Geneva-Zurich route. The trusted and reliable operator of trains from Geneva to Zurich connects different stations in Switzerland and covers over 1,860 miles of the country's 15,190 miles of rail network. SBB comprises regional and intercity trains RegioExpress and InterCity. InterCity Neigezburg (ICN) and TVG Lyria, the only regional high-speed trains from Geneva to Zurich, offer quick transportation between the two cities.

SBB Geneva to Zurich

Two SBB trains depart from Geneva Cornavin station every hour. Half of these have no transfers en route to Zurich, while others have one stop at Zurich HB before proceeding to Zurich Stadelhofen. Travelers can also book high-speed TVG Lyria and InterCity Neigezburg trains, which take 2 hours 46 minutes. Long-distance trains, such as RegioExpress, are ideal for night travel. They take about 7 hours to arrive in Zurich.

Geneva to Zurich trains: Services on board

To get from Geneva to Zurich by train, travelers can book either a first- or second-class train. Second-class passengers enjoy comfortable seats, onboard bistro services, sockets for charging, and reservation options (especially during rush hour). On the flip side, first-class travelers enjoy extended legroom, unlimited WiFi, tranquility, access to meals and snacks, and acceptance to the TVG Lyria and SBB lounge corners at stations.

Dogs are also allowed on board but with some conditions. Small pets that can fit in a bag or bench, or guide dogs, travel free of charge. For larger dogs, passengers will have to pay half the fare for an adult. Each passenger is limited to two large suitcases and a smaller bag.

People with limited mobility can make use of the designated meeting points at the station where people in wheelchairs are assisted in boarding trains using a Mobilift, a hydraulic platform. There are also special seats for wheelchair users, and wheelchair-accessible lavatories.

How to find cheap train tickets from Geneva to Zurich

With Omio, a trusted transport ticketing platform, travelers can get the best deals on train tickets. There are a few ways to find a cheap train from Geneva to Zurich. First, book in advance. Buying a ticket well before the scheduled travel date can mean significant savings. Second, be flexible with travel dates - try booking a ticket during off-peak times, when the demand for tickets is lower. Additionally, travelers may want to take a train with one or two transfers. They may be slower but are often cheaper than direct trains.