- 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
$57
Average price
$87
Fastest journey
6 h 41 m
Average duration
6 h 41 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
341 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Margherita Ligure to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Margherita Ligure to Zurich will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
Of the 2 trains that leave Santa Margherita Ligure for Zurich on Fri, Jul 24, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 24 the direct trains cover the 341 km distance in an average of 6 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 41 m .
On Fri, Jul 24 the slowest trains will take 6 h 41 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 Santa Margherita Ligure to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $53.
Distance: 211 miles (341 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$96 Average price | $47 Average price Cheapest | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 35m Average total duration Fastest 6h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 30m Average total duration 12h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Margherita Ligure to Zurich:
A bus is $49 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Margherita Ligure to Zurich costing on average $96 (€96).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 0m.
Tickets start at around $96 (€96) compared to roughly $81 (€81) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.08 (€-15.08). The journey takes 6h 5m versus 5h 28m 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 Santa Margherita Ligure to Zurich trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:46 PM Santa Margherita Ligure | 6h41 | 9:27 PM Zurich | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:46 PM Santa Margherita Ligure | 6h41 | 10:27 PM Zurich | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Santa Margherita Ligure to Zurich run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $53 (€53) but you can travel from only $29 (€29) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:25, the last at 19:46. The fastest train covers the 211 miles (341 km) distance in 6h 26m.
Distance 211 miles (341 km) |
Average train duration 6h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€53) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 26m |
First train 3:25 AM |
Last train 7:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 5 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 Santa Margherita Ligure 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 Santa Margherita Ligure to Zurich trains use the S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Zürich HB station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Margherita Ligure and Zurich train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Da Michele, Trattoria Baicin
Free.
Ticket office support is available at S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Laurin, Hotel Metropole, Hotel Jolanda.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need