- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich’s leading art museum, known for major Swiss and European works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. A top choice for visitors interested in fine art.
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$141
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
3 h 40 m
Trains per day
24
Distance
242 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Munich to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Munich to Zurich will cost around $141 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 24 trains that leave Munich for Zurich on Fri, May 22, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 22 the direct trains cover the 242 km distance in an average of 3 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Fri, May 22 the slowest trains will take 3 h 40 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.
ECE 94
ECE 96
ECE 198
ECE 98
58108 · 78909 · REX 5559 · S 3
ECE 194
ECE 198
ECE 190
ECE 94
ECE 196Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. 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 $20, and a flight costs an average of $180.
Distance: 150 miles (242 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$111 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $411 Average price | $69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 10m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Munich to Zurich:
A bus is $74 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Munich to Zurich costing on average $111 (€90).
A bus is $374 (€303) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Munich to Zurich costing on average $411 (€333).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 15m.
Train takes on average 4h 40m.
Tickets start at around $111 (€90) compared to roughly $69 (€56) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-41.28 (€-33.43). The journey takes 4h 40m versus 3h 49m 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 Munich to Zurich trains for today, Thursday, May 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECE 96 | Delayed 5:10 PM 6:48 PMMunich Hbf | 3h40 | 8:46 PM 8:46 PMZurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
78963 · EC 94 | On time 7:44 PM Munich Hbf | 4h44 | 12:28 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
78965 · 3288 · S 1 · S 3 | 8:10 PM Munich Hbf | 9h42 | 5:52 AM Zurich HB | 5 transfers | |
78965 · 3288 · S 1 · S 3 | 8:10 PM Munich Hbf | 9h32 | 5:42 AM Zurich HB | 7 transfers | |
ICE 698 · IC 60403 | On time 10:46 PM Munich Hbf | 9h19 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ICE 698 · IC 60403 · IC 559 | On time 10:46 PM Munich Hbf | 8h40 | 7:26 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, May 22 | |||||
ICE 618 · IC 60408 | On time 12:01 AM Munich Hbf | 9h04 | 9:05 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
58108 · 78909 · REX 5559 · S 3 | 4:30 AM Munich Hbf | 5h52 | 10:22 AM Zurich HB | 5 transfers | |
ECE 198 | On time 6:48 AM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 10:28 AM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 198 | 6:48 AM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 10:28 AM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 196 | On time 8:48 AM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 12:28 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 196 | 8:48 AM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 12:28 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
RB54 · RJX 160 | 9:41 AM Munich Hbf | 5h39 | 3:20 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ECE 194 | On time 10:48 AM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 2:28 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 194 | 10:48 AM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 2:28 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
RB54 · RJX 162 | 11:41 AM Munich Hbf | 5h39 | 5:20 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ECE 192 | On time 12:48 PM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 4:28 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 192 | 12:48 PM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 4:28 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
ECE 190 | On time 2:48 PM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 6:28 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 190 | 2:48 PM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 6:28 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
RB54 · RJX 166 | 3:41 PM Munich Hbf | 5h39 | 9:20 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
ECE 98 | 4:48 PM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 8:28 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 98 | 4:48 PM Munich Hbf | 3h40 | 8:28 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
By Simon Andersen
As part of a trip around Europe, I needed to get from Munich to Zürich, and the train seemed like a convenient choice. The journey takes about 3.5 hours and is a comfortable, efficient way to travel. In this article, I’ll share my experience and tips for making the most of this ride, including how to get the best views of Lake Constance.

Train arriving into Munich at platform
The Munich–Zürich train is jointly run by German, Austrian, and Swiss railways using a modern Swiss Pendolino train. The 330-kilometer (205 miles) route runs every two hours and takes from 3.5 to 4 hours. You can also take buses from Munich to Zürich, but they’re less scenic and offer fewer amenities, not to mention slower. For comfort and views, the train wins easily.
Booking Munich to Zürich train tickets is quick and easy on Omio, with plenty of payment options and tickets sent straight to your phone. Munich Main Station (_München Hauptbahnhof_) is located a short walk from the city center. Note that trains to Zürich usually leave from platforms 27–36, which is about a 5-minute walk from the main station area. Boarding is simple: walk to the platform, hop on, pick a seat — no fuss.
Located on the edge of the city center, Munich Main Station is well-connected to the rest of the Bavarian capital, thanks to numerous train routes, metro stops, and S-Bahn lines. I noticed that the station was undergoing extensive reconstruction, which limited seating and reduced the number of available shops. Despite the ongoing renovation, the station still offers most facilities, including a first-class lounge, ticket office, luggage lockers, and paid toilets. Zürich Main Station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof) is located right in the heart of the city, just a short 5–10 minute walk from major attractions like the Grossmünster Church and the Opera House. Many of the city’s tram and bus lines stop directly outside, offering easy access to the rest of Zürich.
The station is split into two, with an older historic building at surface level and a modern underground section featuring six platforms — this is where my train from Munich arrived.
Trains from Munich to Zurich run roughly every two hours, from morning to evening, with up to eight departures each day. I took the 14:54 EC 190 service, with a journey time of 3 hours and 33 minutes. Note that journey times and stopping patterns vary slightly throughout the day, depending on the departure. Delays of 10–20 minutes are fairly normal, although trains are sometimes up to an hour late. My train ran a bit behind schedule throughout the journey.
I purchased First Class tickets for an extra €10. Great for solo travelers, thanks to solo seats and more space. Standard class is fine, too, just with slightly less room. You’ll find power outlets and tables at every seat, and there’s free Wi-Fi (though patchy in Germany). A restaurant car is available, serving your usual coffee, tea, sandwiches, snacks and local dishes. The Munich to Zurich train is a New Pendolino, which tilts into curves for faster speeds, though some people report getting motion sick from it. I recommend you sit on the right-hand side (direction of travel) for the best views of Lake Constance. While the route doesn't directly pass through Lake Constance itself, it provides excellent opportunities to see the lake and its surrounding areas from the train, especially as you approach Switzerland. Overall, I found the ride was very comfortable, relaxed, and an enjoyable way to get to Zurich.

Portrait of the author Simon Andersen
Ticket prices vary by demand, but the earlier you book, the cheaper the cost. Here's a breakdown of my expenses: Standard class: €29.90 (booked 3 weeks early) First class upgrade: €10 Seat reservation (optional): €6.50 (1st) / €5.20 (2nd) You can travel for as little as €29.90 if you plan ahead.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €46.40 |
| Food & drinks | € |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 46.4 |
Taking the train from Munich to Zürich is the best option for those seeking comfortable, fast, and affordable transport with great amenities. Don’t miss the terrific views of Lake Constance, and remember to book your tickets early on Omio for the best price.

Trains from Munich to Zurich run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 (€34) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 150 miles (242 km) distance in 3h 34m.
Distance 150 miles (242 km) |
Average train duration 4h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€34) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 3h 34m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 91 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 works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. A top choice for visitors interested in fine art.
The country’s main cultural history museum, covering Swiss history, design, crafts, and everyday life in a dramatic castle-like building next to the main station.
A respected museum for non-European art with collections from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, set in a pleasant park near Lake Zurich.
Zurich’s most famous shopping boulevard, stretching from the main station toward the lake. It is a classic walk for visitors and one of the city’s best-known streets.
Zurich’s Old Town is the city’s essential walking area, filled with medieval lanes, churches, riverside views, and historic squares.
A peaceful hilltop square and viewpoint above the Old Town, loved for its river views, chess tables, and historic setting.
Zurich’s signature dish of sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, often served with rösti. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional specialties.
A classic Swiss potato dish, pan-fried until crisp and golden. In Zurich it is often served as a side with meat dishes, but it also appears as a simple standalone plate.
Melted Swiss cheese served communally with bread for dipping. It is a beloved cold-weather dish across Switzerland and a staple in traditional Zurich restaurants.
Legendary Zurich institution and one of the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurants, offering a large buffet and Swiss-influenced vegetarian cuisine.
Iconic fine-dining Zurich restaurant celebrated for classic Swiss and French cuisine, elegant service, and a historic art-filled dining room.
Historic traditional restaurant in central Zurich, known for Swiss classics such as sausages, schnitzel, and rösti in a lively beer-hall setting.
Among Europe's priciest cities. Hotels, dining, and drinks are costly; public transport is efficient but not cheap.
Service is included. Rounding up or adding 5-10% for great service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxi fares; small tips in cafes are optional.
Official public transport app
Zurich HB -> Zurich City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Munich 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need