The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station
Cheapest price on Sep 21
$40
Average ticket price on Sep 21
$110
Fastest journey on Sep 21
4 h 26 m
Average journey duration on Sep 21
4 h 54 m
Trains on Sep 21
5
Distance
303 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station will cost around $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
On Mon, Sep 21, we found 5 trains from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station, including 5 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 21 the direct trains cover the 303 km distance in an average of 4 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 26 m .
On Mon, Sep 21 the slowest trains will take 5 h 12 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.
IC 604097:59 PM4h26Zurich HB12:25 AMFrankfurt South station$401One-way0 transfers
IC 604708:59 PM5h12Zurich HB2:11 AMFrankfurt South station$491One-way0 transfers
NJ 4708:59 PM5h12Zurich HB2:11 AMFrankfurt South station$671One-way0 transfers
IC 604097:59 PM4h26Zurich HB12:25 AMFrankfurt South station$1971One-way0 transfers
IC 604708:59 PM5h12Zurich HB2:11 AMFrankfurt South station$1971One-way0 transfers
IC 604097:59 PM4h26Zurich HB12:25 AMFrankfurt South station$1971One-way0 transfers
IC 604097:59 PM4h26Zurich HB12:25 AMFrankfurt South station$401One-way0 transfers
NJ 4708:59 PM5h12Zurich HB2:11 AMFrankfurt South station$671One-way0 transfers
IC 604708:59 PM5h12Zurich HB2:11 AMFrankfurt South station$1971One-way0 transfers
IC 604708:59 PM5h12Zurich HB2:11 AMFrankfurt South station$491One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $50 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, while a flight costs an average of $802.
Distance: 188 miles (303 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$181 Average price | $802 Average price | $50 Average price Cheapest | $137 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 59m Average total duration 4h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 20m Average total duration 6h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station:
A bus is $131 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station costing on average $181.
A bus is $752 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station costing on average $802.
Other travel options to Frankfurt South station take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 29m.
Bus takes on average 6h 50m.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (4h 29m by train vs 4h 40m by car). Tickets start at around $181 compared to roughly $137 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Nightjet.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station trains for today, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 280 · 17652 · ICE 518+ 24349 | On time 10:37 AM Zurich HB | 5h21 | 3:58 PM Frankfurt South station | 3 transfers | |
IC 186 · 17662 · ICE 514+ 24359 | On time 2:37 PM Zurich HB | 5h21 | 7:58 PM Frankfurt South station | 3 transfers | |
IC 184 · 17672 · ICE 512+ 24367 | On time 4:37 PM Zurich HB | 5h21 | 9:58 PM Frankfurt South station | 3 transfers | |
NJ 470 | 7:34 PM Zurich HB | 6h37 | 2:11 AM Frankfurt South station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60470 | 7:34 PM Zurich HB | 6h37 | 2:11 AM Frankfurt South station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60409 | Delayed 7:59 PM Zurich HB | 4h26 | 11:03 PM 11:03 PMFrankfurt South station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60409 | Delayed 7:59 PM Zurich HB | 4h26 | 11:03 PM 11:03 PMFrankfurt South station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60409 | On time 7:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h04 | 1:03 AM Frankfurt South station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60409 | On time 7:59 PM Zurich HB | 5h04 | 1:03 AM Frankfurt South station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station by train, bus, or flight
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.
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 25
Sep 26
Sep 27
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station
Trains from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $67 but you can travel from only $26 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 07:34. The fastest train covers the 188 miles (303 km) distance in 3h 45m.
Distance 188 miles (303 km) |
Average train duration 4h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 45m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 7:34 AM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Train companies: ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station trainsÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC) trains will get you between Zurich HB and Frankfurt South station from $26. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | InterCity
ÖBB | Nightjet
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
FAQs: Trains from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station 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 Frankfurt South station, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station
Most Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station trains use the Zürich HB to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich HB and Frankfurt South station train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Getting to Frankfurt (Main) Süd from Frankfurt am Main city centre
Frankfurt (Main) Süd is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (Main) Süd train station facilities and services
Frankfurt (Main) Süd 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 and drink
Food options include: Merals Imbiss, Bootshaus am Eisernen Steg, Freigut, Holbein's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. Information desks are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Süd.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel am Berg, Leonardo Royal Hotel Frankfurt, Hotel Ritter, Lindner Main Plaza.
More options for your journey from Zurich HB to Frankfurt South station
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