- Must visit
Deutsches Museum
One of the world's largest science and technology museums, with hands-on exhibits spanning aviation, physics, mining, and more.
Cheapest price
$45
Average price
$109
Fastest journey
3 h 32 m
Average duration
3 h 38 m
Trains per day
38
Distance
242 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Munich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Munich will cost around $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
Of the 38 trains that leave Zurich for Munich on Wed, Jul 15, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct trains cover the 242 km distance in an average of 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 32 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest trains will take 3 h 44 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.
S 12 · 3077 · RE 52385 · 17795
S 12 · 3077 · IC 2385 · 17795
RE 4928 · 3065 · 32476 · ICE 691
IC 480+
S6+
17789 · 4236
S 9+
S62+
17751 · 4800
EC 199
EC 199
EC 95
EC 95
EC 99Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Munich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 14m. 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 $18, and a flight costs an average of $158.
Distance: 150 miles (242 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$113 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $440 Average price | $120 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 34m Average total duration 5h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration 4h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 27m 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 Zurich to Munich:
A bus is $81 (€67) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Munich costing on average $113 (€93).
A bus is $408 (€335) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Munich costing on average $440 (€361).
Other travel options to Munich take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 2m.
Train takes on average 5h 4m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Euro City (EC).
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 Zurich to Munich trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S 9+ S62+ 17751 · 4800 | On time 11:07 PM Zurich HB | 9h23 | 8:30 AM Munich Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
RE 3547 · Fähre · 87556 · 32474 | On time 12:08 AM Zurich HB | 9h07 | 9:15 AM Munich Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IR 3293 · S 30 · Fähre · 87556 | On time 12:17 AM Zurich HB | 8h58 | 9:15 AM Munich Hbf | 5 transfers | |
EC 95 | On time 5:35 AM Zurich HB | 3h41 | 9:16 AM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 95 | On time 5:35 AM Zurich HB | 3h41 | 9:16 AM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
RE 4908 · 3043 · 4240 · ICE 591 | On time 6:05 AM Zurich HB | 5h10 | 11:15 AM Munich Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 97 | On time 7:32 AM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 11:16 AM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 97 | On time 7:32 AM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 11:16 AM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 1180 · IC 2384 · ICE 563 | On time 7:37 AM Zurich HB | 5h12 | 12:49 PM Munich Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 1180 · RE 52384 · ICE 563 | On time 7:37 AM Zurich HB | 5h12 | 12:49 PM Munich Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 1180+ S6+ 17765 · 4212 | Delayed 7:37 AM Zurich HB | 4h52 | 10:43 AM 10:43 AMMunich Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 99 | On time 9:32 AM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 1:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 99 | On time 9:32 AM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 1:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 380 · ICE 565 | On time 9:37 AM Zurich HB | 5h12 | 2:49 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 380+ S6+ 17769 · 4242 | Delayed 9:37 AM Zurich HB | 4h52 | 12:44 PM 12:44 PMMunich Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 191 | 11:32 AM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 3:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 191 | 11:32 AM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 3:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 488 · ICE 567 | On time 11:37 AM Zurich HB | 5h12 | 4:49 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 488+ S6+ 17773 · 4220 | Delayed 11:37 AM Zurich HB | 4h52 | 2:38 PM 2:38 PMMunich Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 193 | 1:32 PM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 5:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 193 | 1:32 PM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 5:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 486 · ICE 569 | On time 1:37 PM Zurich HB | 5h12 | 6:49 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 486+ S6+ 17777 · 4224 | Delayed 1:37 PM Zurich HB | 4h52 | 4:44 PM 4:44 PMMunich Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RE 4924 · 3061 · 4246 · ICE 599 | On time 2:05 PM Zurich HB | 5h07 | 7:12 PM Munich Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 195 | 3:32 PM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 7:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 195 | 3:32 PM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 7:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 484 · ICE 1069 | On time 3:37 PM Zurich HB | 5h19 | 8:56 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 484+ S6+ 17781 · 4228 | 3:37 PM Zurich HB | 4h55 | 8:32 PM Munich Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RE 4928 · 3065 · 32476 · ICE 691 | On time 4:05 PM Zurich HB | 5h10 | 9:15 PM Munich Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 197 | 5:32 PM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 9:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 197 | 5:32 PM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 9:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 199 | 7:32 PM Zurich HB | 3h32 | 11:04 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 199 | 7:32 PM Zurich HB | 3h32 | 11:04 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 480+ S6+ 17789 · 4236 | 7:37 PM Zurich HB | 10h14 | 5:51 AM Munich Hbf | 5 transfers | |
NJ 13487+ RE5 | 8:32 PM Zurich HB | 9h17 | 5:49 AM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 60402 · ICE 619 | On time 9:59 PM Zurich HB | 8h29 | 6:28 AM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S 12 · 3077 · RE 52385 · 17795 | 10:16 PM Zurich HB | 9h11 | 7:27 AM Munich Hbf | 5 transfers | |
S 12 · 3077 · IC 2385 · 17795 | 10:16 PM Zurich HB | 9h11 | 7:27 AM Munich Hbf | 5 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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By Nonstop Eurotrip
Zurich, Switzerland, and Munich, Germany, are probably closer together than you might think. And if that wasn’t enough, they’re linked by a fast and convenient train service. I took this international route to see how comfortable it is and if it can really beat flying (spoiler: yes, it can).

A red and white SBB New Pendolino train at Munich's main station, München Hbf, with a platform in the foreground.
This Zurich to Munich route crosses three countries, from Switzerland to Austria to Germany, without any issues thanks to the wonders of the Schengen border-free zone. It is operated by SBB, the Swiss national railway, using one of their New Pendolino electric multiple units. These trains can tilt in curves, allowing them to reach a higher average speed during their journey and, in this case, to travel the 326 kilometers (203 miles) between Zurich and Munich in 3 hours and 30 minutes. It’s not that fast, but it certainly is VERY scenic!
Book your tickets on the Omio app. Trains rarely sell out, but I recommend you book in advance in order to benefit from reduced advance fares, as I was able to.

A red and white SBB New Pendolino train at Munich's main station, München Hbf, with a platform in the foreground.
In Zurich, trains leave from the city’s main station Zürich HB. This being Switzerland, it couldn’t be better connected to the rest of the city, thanks to many tram and suburban rail lines connecting here, offering seamless transfers to mainline trains. The station is also conveniently located very centrally within the city.
The same could be said in Munich: trains also terminate at the city’s principal station, München Hbf. Served by six metro lines, it is only a 15-minute walk away from the famous Marienplatz.
Trains run every two hours throughout the day, from 05:33 to 19:33. I opted for the 09:33 departure.
The train features First and Second Class. I opted for First Class, which is laid out in a 2+1 configuration. The seats are wider than in Second Class and feature a nice recline, reading lights, plug sockets, and a large table, ideal for working on. The train has free Wi-Fi, although the connection can be quite patchy, especially when passing between countries. There is also a fantastic sit-down SBB restaurant car onboard serving full meals, as well as smaller snacks, desserts, and drinks, including alcohol. It’s well worth a visit, even though the prices are on the expensive side. Everything is very good quality, though, and traditionally Swiss.

A view inside the sit-down restaurant car on an SBB Pendolino train, showing tables with tablecloths and a clean, modern design.
To get cheaper advance but non-flexible fares, I recommend booking as far in advance as you can. I paid around €51 for First Class, booking a week before departure. On the same day, fares are over double this, but they are fully flexible. Seat reservations cost €5 each, which isn’t usually required but advisable, especially at peak times, weekends, or holidays.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €51 |
| Food & drinks | € |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 51 |
This train is an excellent regular connection between Zurich and Munich. On top of that, it benefits from Swiss-German efficiency, with a train running every two hours in each direction. And on top of that, you don’t even have to reserve a seat, as it isn’t compulsory; if you really need to turn up and go, you can! I recommend the First Class seating and onboard Restaurant experience to maximize your comfort as you seamlessly travel from Switzerland, through Austria, and onwards to Germany.

A profile picture of the travel content creator, Nonstop Eurotrip.

Trains from Zurich to Munich run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€37) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 150 miles (242 km) distance in 3h 32m.
Distance 150 miles (242 km) |
Average train duration 5h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€37) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 3h 32m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Munich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Munich trip today.
One of the world's largest science and technology museums, with hands-on exhibits spanning aviation, physics, mining, and more.
Munich's premier Old Masters gallery, renowned for European paintings from Dürer to Rubens in a landmark 19th-century museum building.
Leading modern art museum featuring Picasso, Kandinsky, and major 20th-century movements in a spacious, well-curated setting.
Munich's vast central park offers meadows, river scenes, beer-garden areas, and surfing at the Eisbach, making it ideal for long walks.
Historic market beside the old town with daily stalls and lively atmosphere. Even without dining, it is excellent for local character and browsing.
Landscaped park from the 1972 Olympics with a lake, hilltop viewpoints, and iconic architecture; excellent for walking and photography.
White veal and pork sausages traditionally eaten before noon with sweet mustard and pretzels; a classic Munich beer hall specialty.
Roast pork with crisp crackling, usually served with dark beer gravy and potato dumplings; a staple of Bavarian Sunday cooking.
Slow-roasted pork knuckle with crunchy skin, often paired with dumplings or sauerkraut; iconic beer hall comfort food in Munich.
Refined modern German fine dining with a Michelin-starred reputation, elegant service, and seasonal tasting menus.
Classic Munich beer hall serving Bavarian staples and Augustiner beer in a large, bustling, traditional setting.
Historic beer hall near Marienplatz known for Weißwurst, roast meats, and lively traditional Bavarian atmosphere.
Munich is pricey by German standards. Hotels, dining, and central-area drinks cost more than in many German cities, though public transit is efficient and reasonably priced.
Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxi fares and leave small change in cafes. Tell the total amount when paying.
Official public transport app
Munich Hbf -> Marienplatz, Munich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Munich 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 Munich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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