- 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
$86
Average price
$149
Fastest journey
9 h 21 m
Average duration
10 h 25 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
781 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kiel to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kiel to Zurich will cost around $149 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
Of the 5 trains that leave Kiel for Zurich on Wed, Jun 03, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct trains cover the 781 km distance in an average of 10 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 21 m .
On Wed, Jun 03 the slowest trains will take 13 h 10 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.










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 $58. 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 $58, and a flight costs an average of $76.
Distance: 485 miles (781 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$165 Average price | $210 Average price | $81 Average price Cheapest | $72 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 $84 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Zurich costing on average $165 (€134).
A bus is $129 (€104) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kiel to Zurich costing on average $210 (€170).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 35m.
Bus takes on average 15h 5m.
Tickets start at around $165 (€134) compared to roughly $72 (€58) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-93.67 (€-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 today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11261 · ICE 73 · IR 2081 | 8:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 10h44 | 6:49 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 73+ RE7 · IR 2081 | Delayed 7:44 AM 8:05 AMKiel Hbf | 10h44 | 6:49 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
11211 · ICE 109 | On time 8:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 11h23 | 8:00 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 579 · 29648 · ICE 109 | On time 9:30 AM Kiel Hbf | 10h30 | 8:00 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
ICE 579 · IC 283 | On time 9:30 AM Kiel Hbf | 11h53 | 9:23 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 7+ RE7 · IR 2085 | 10:05 AM Kiel Hbf | 10h44 | 8:49 PM Zurich HB | 2 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 $77 (€62) but you can travel from only $58 (€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 $77 (€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.
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 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.

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