- Must visit
Cathedral Treasury Aachen
Aachen Cathedral's treasury displays masterpieces of medieval goldsmithing and imperial relics. Essential for understanding the city's coronation heritage.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€71
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€203
Fastest journey on Sep 18
6 h 6 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
6 h 9 m
Trains on Sep 18
27
Distance
420 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Aachen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Aachen will cost around €203 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €71.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Aachen without transferring at least once.
IR 2290 · ICE 76 · ICE 1014 · S19
IC 772 · ICE 278 · IC 2041 · ICE 10
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 12
ICE 104 · 26828
IR 2290 · ICE 204 · 26808
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 · 26826
ICE 104 · 26828
TGV 9210+
ICE 6 · ICE 918 · S19
IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 610 · 26818
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 12Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Aachen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €62 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 31m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €62, while a flight costs an average of €376.
Distance: 260 miles (420 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€127 Average price | €376 Average price | €62 Average price Cheapest | €146 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 43m Average total duration 6h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 31m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 37m Average total duration 11h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.0kg 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 Zurich to Aachen:
A bus is €65 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Aachen costing on average €127.
A bus is €314 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Aachen costing on average €376.
Other travel options to Aachen take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 13m.
Bus takes on average 11h 7m.
Tickets start at around €127 compared to roughly €146 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €19. The journey takes 6h 13m versus 5h 58m 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 Zurich to Aachen trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IR 2290 · ICE 76 · ICE 1014 · S19 | 12:08 AM Zurich HB | 9h32 | 9:40 AM Aachen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IR 2290 · ICE 204 · 26808 | 12:08 AM Zurich HB | 9h59 | 10:07 AM Aachen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IR 2252 · ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · S19 | 5:08 AM Zurich HB | 6h32 | 11:40 AM Aachen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
9206+ 9459 | 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 11h34 | 6:33 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9206+ 9459 | 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 11h34 | 6:33 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9206+ 9471 | 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 13h34 | 8:33 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9206+ 9471 | 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 13h34 | 8:33 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9206+ 9477 | 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 14h42 | 9:41 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9206+ 9477 | 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 14h42 | 9:41 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 610 · 26818 | 8:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h08 | 3:07 PM Aachen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 794 · ICE 372 · IC 2045 · 26820 | 8:59 AM Zurich HB | 7h08 | 4:07 PM Aachen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
9210+ 9477 | 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 12h07 | 9:41 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 · 26822 | Delayed 8:46 AM 9:34 AMZurich HB | 7h33 | 5:07 PM Aachen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
9210+ 9459 | 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 8h59 | 6:33 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918 · S19 · 10918 | Delayed 8:46 AM 9:34 AMZurich HB | 6h06 | 3:40 PM Aachen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
9210+ 9471 | 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 10h59 | 8:33 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9218+ 9477 | 11:34 AM Zurich HB | 10h07 | 9:41 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9218+ 9471 | 11:34 AM Zurich HB | 8h59 | 8:33 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9218+ 9471 | 11:34 AM Zurich HB | 8h59 | 8:33 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9218+ 9477 | 11:34 AM Zurich HB | 10h07 | 9:41 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 12 | On time 11:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h17 | 6:16 PM Aachen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 772 · ICE 278 · IC 2041 · ICE 10 | On time 12:59 PM Zurich HB | 7h17 | 8:16 PM Aachen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 · 26826 | 12:59 PM Zurich HB | 6h06 | 7:05 PM Aachen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ECE 4 · ICE 224 · ICE 26 · 10930 | Delayed 12:46 PM 1:34 PMZurich HB | 8h06 | 9:40 PM Aachen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
9222+ 9477 | 1:34 PM Zurich HB | 8h07 | 9:41 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9222+ 9477 | 1:34 PM Zurich HB | 8h07 | 9:41 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 104 · 26828 | On time 1:59 PM Zurich HB | 6h06 | 8:05 PM Aachen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Zurich to Aachen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €56 but you can travel from only €35 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 260 miles (420 km) distance in 5h 14m.
Distance 260 miles (420 km) |
Average train duration 6h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price €56 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 14m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Aachen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aachen trip today.
Aachen Cathedral's treasury displays masterpieces of medieval goldsmithing and imperial relics. Essential for understanding the city's coronation heritage.
Contemporary art museum with major international exhibitions in a former umbrella factory. A leading cultural venue with ambitious rotating shows.
City museum inside the old town hall presenting Aachen's history, Charlemagne, and civic life. A strong introduction to the city before further sightseeing.
Main old-town square framed by the town hall and historic façades. It is the ceremonial heart of Aachen and ideal for first impressions.
Lively square beside the cathedral and town hall with cafés nearby and constant foot traffic. A prime base for exploring central Aachen on foot.
Central square and boulevard around the famous pavilion and spring water. A classic meeting point that reflects Aachen's spa-town identity.
Aachen's famous spiced gingerbread, baked with syrup, nuts and warming spices. It is the city's best-known traditional specialty and a classic souvenir.
A hearty Rhineland beef stew marinated with vinegar and spices, then braised until tender. It is a classic festive dish in the wider Aachen region.
Mashed potatoes mixed with apple sauce, often served with black pudding or sausages. This sweet-savory Rhineland comfort food is traditional around Aachen.
Refined Michelin-starred dining known for modern tasting menus, polished service and an elegant setting. Ideal for a high-end meal in Aachen.
Established Aachen restaurant with seasonal German and European cooking, offering a more polished atmosphere than a typical tavern.
Historic traditional restaurant near the cathedral, known for Rhineland classics, local beer and a cozy old-town atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are usually below Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly reasonable for visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In cafés, small change or rounding up is common.
Official public transport app
Aachen Hbf -> Elisenbrunnen, Aachen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Aachen 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 Aachen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Zurich to Aachen trains use the Zürich HB to Aachen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Aachen West. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Aachen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Zürich Stadelhofen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Aachen Hbf is 1 km from Aachen city centre. Public transport options include:
Aachen Hbf 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 options include: McDonald's, Louisiana, Dakashi sushi, Zitalia
Wi-Fi is available at Aachen Hbf. ATMs are available at Aachen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Aachen Hbf. Information desks are available at Aachen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Aachen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aachen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aachen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aachen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Bestprice Hotel.
Aachen West has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Chico Mendes, Pizzeria Pont Pascha, Vielharmonie, Polonia
Wi-Fi is available at Aachen West. ATMs are available at Aachen West.
Ticket office support is available at Aachen West. Information desks are available at Aachen West.
Luggage storage is available at Aachen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aachen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aachen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aachen West.
Aachen-Rothe Erde is 2 km from Aachen city centre. Public transport options include:
Aachen-Rothe Erde has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Eiscafé am Elsassplatz, Kennedy Grill, Közde Kebap, Imbiss & Kneipe, Zeppelin Eck
Wi-Fi is available at Aachen-Rothe Erde. ATMs are available at Aachen-Rothe Erde.
Ticket office support is available at Aachen-Rothe Erde. Information desks are available at Aachen-Rothe Erde.
Luggage storage is available at Aachen-Rothe Erde. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aachen-Rothe Erde: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aachen-Rothe Erde: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aachen-Rothe Erde.
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