- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich’s leading art museum with major Swiss and international collections, from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works.
Cheapest price
$77
Average price
$120
Fastest journey
2 h 44 m
Average duration
2 h 52 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Zurich will cost around $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
Of the 12 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Zurich on Fri, Jun 05, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct trains cover the 183 km distance in an average of 2 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 44 m .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest trains will take 2 h 54 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 277
ICE 275
ICE 103 · IC 795
ECE 151
ICE 275
ECE 151
ICE 277
ICE 275
ICE 103 · IC 795
ICE 275Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $36.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $111 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Karlsruhe to Zurich:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Zurich costing on average $78 (€63).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 22m.
The journey is about 6m faster (3h 10m by train vs 3h 16m by car) and roughly $33 (€27) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($78 (€63) vs $111 (€90)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | InterCity, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Zurich trains for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60471 · IC 563 | Delayed 4:04 AM 6:04 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 3h22 | 9:26 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 60471 | Delayed 4:04 AM 6:04 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 4h01 | 8:05 AM 8:05 AMZurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60471 · IC 563 | Delayed 4:04 AM 6:04 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 3h22 | 9:26 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 273 | Delayed 5:06 AM 7:06 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 2h54 | 8:00 AM 8:00 AMZurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 273 | Delayed 5:06 AM 7:06 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 2h54 | 8:00 AM 8:00 AMZurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60403 · IC 559 | 4:04 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h22 | 7:26 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 60403 | 4:04 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4h01 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60408 | 5:09 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h56 | 9:05 AM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60408+ IR 2061 | 5:09 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h40 | 8:49 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
IC 60408 · IC 561 | 5:09 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h17 | 8:26 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 275 | On time 8:06 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h54 | 11:00 AM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 275 | On time 8:06 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h54 | 11:00 AM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 151 | On time 9:16 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h44 | 12:00 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 | On time 10:06 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h54 | 1:00 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 | On time 10:06 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h54 | 1:00 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 103+ IC 795 | On time 11:06 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h54 | 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · IC 795 | On time 11:06 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h54 | 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Karlsruhe to Zurich run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:39. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 2h 49m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€29) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 49m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:39 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 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 with major Swiss and international collections, from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works.
The country’s principal museum of cultural history, housed in a castle-like building near the main station.
A respected museum for non-European art set in a villa and modern pavilion within Rieterpark.
One of the world’s best-known shopping streets, ideal for strolling between the main station and the lake.
Zurich’s old town, packed with medieval lanes, churches, river views, and many of the city’s classic sights.
A scenic walking area along the lake with sweeping water views, swans, and popular sunset 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 is often served as a side or topped with cheese, egg, or meat.
A traditional Swiss pot of melted cheese served with bread for dipping. It is a communal meal strongly associated with Swiss food culture.
Legendary upscale Zurich restaurant celebrated for refined Swiss and continental cuisine, classic service, and an elegant art-filled dining room.
Historic, traditional Swiss restaurant in a former armory, known for sausages, schnitzel, and hearty Zurich classics in a lively setting.
Famous historic vegetarian restaurant with Swiss and international dishes, known for its buffet and long-standing place in Zurich dining culture.
Zurich is among Europe’s priciest cities. Hotels, dining, and transport are costly, though supermarkets and lunch deals can lower daily spending.
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Zurich HB -> Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe 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.

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