- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Switzerland's leading art museum with major works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, including Monet, Giacometti, and important Swiss collections.

Cheapest price
$98
Average price
$98
Fastest journey
22h 35m
Average duration
22h 35m
Buses per day
1
Distance
247 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kiel to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $57. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, and a flight costs an average of $75.
Distance: 485 miles (781 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$163 Average price | $207 Average price | $80 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 5m Average total duration 10h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 35m Average total duration 15h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.0kg 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 Kiel to Zurich:
A bus is $83 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Zurich costing on average $163 (€134).
A bus is $127 (€104) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kiel to Zurich costing on average $207 (€170).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 35m.
Bus takes on average 15h 5m.
Tickets start at around $163 (€134) compared to roughly $71 (€58) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-92.31 (€-75.76). The journey takes 10h 35m versus 10h 14m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Kiel to Zurich trains for tomorrow, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11261 · S1 · ICE 519 · ICE 2553 | On time 8:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 10h55 | 7:00 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
RE7+ ICE 787+ RE30+ ICE 2553 | 8:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 10h55 | 7:00 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
ICE 579 · ICE 109 | On time 8:53 AM Kiel Hbf | 11h07 | 8:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 579 · ICE 109 | On time 8:53 AM Kiel Hbf | 11h07 | 8:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
11263 · S1 · ICE 109 | On time 9:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 10h55 | 8:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 579 · ICE 109 | On time 9:16 AM Kiel Hbf | 10h44 | 8:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 579 · ICE 109 | On time 9:21 AM Kiel Hbf | 10h39 | 8:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
63413 · S1 · ICE 7 · IR 2085 | 9:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 11h12 | 8:49 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
RE70+ ICE 7+ IR 2085+ S S1 | 9:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 11h12 | 8:49 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
11265 · S1 · ICE 611 · ICE 2555 | 10:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 10h55 | 9:00 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
11265 · S5 · ICE 789 · 4161 | 10:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 10h55 | 9:00 PM Zurich HB | 5 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Kiel to Zurich run on average 10 times per day, taking around 10h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $76 (€62) but you can travel from only $57 (€47) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 485 miles (781 km) distance in 9h 21m.
Distance 485 miles (781 km) |
Average train duration 10h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€62) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 9h 21m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:36 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Zurich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich trip today.
Switzerland's leading art museum with major works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, including Monet, Giacometti, and important Swiss collections.
National museum in a castle-like building near the main station. It offers essential insight into Swiss cultural history, design, and nationhood.
Remarkable private collection in a villa, featuring Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early modern masterpieces in an intimate lakeside setting.
Zurich's famous old town shopping street links the main station to the lake. It is ideal for strolling, people-watching, and seeing the city's polished center.
Historic riverside old town with lanes, guild houses, churches, and viewpoints. It is the essential area for Zurich's medieval atmosphere.
Beautiful lakeside promenade lined with trees, gardens, and views across Lake Zurich. Perfect for a scenic walk in any season.
Sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, usually served with rösti. It is Zurich’s signature dish and a classic in traditional brasseries.
Pan-fried grated potato cake with a crisp crust and soft center. A Swiss staple closely tied to Zurich and often served with meat, eggs, or cheese.
Swiss cheese fondue made by melting local cheeses with wine and garlic, then dipping bread. It is a beloved cold-weather social meal across Zurich.
Refined Swiss fine dining in a historic setting, led by a renowned chef. Known for modern tasting menus and polished service.
Historic casual restaurant by Lake Zurich, known for Zürich classics like rösti and veal dishes in a traditional guild-house setting.
Elegant old-town restaurant with classic Swiss and French cuisine. A strong choice for fondue, seasonal dishes, and a formal atmosphere.
Zurich is pricier than most European cities. Hotels, dining, and local transit are costly, though supermarkets and takeaway spots can help lower daily spend.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service. Small rounding is common in cafes and taxis.
Official public transport app
Zurich HB -> Central, Zurich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kiel 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 Kiel to Zurich trains use the Kiel Hbf to Zürich HB station pair, with some services arriving at Zürich Stadelhofen. Use this guide to compare Kiel and Zurich train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Kiel 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: MUM&DAD, Lunatique, McDonald's, Campus Suite
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kiel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kiel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Wiking, Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel, Astor, InterCityHotel Kiel.
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.
Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need