- Must visit
Aargauer Kunsthaus
Aargau’s major art museum with strong Swiss collections and rotating exhibitions. A top cultural stop in the city center.
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
27 m
Average duration
27 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
38 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Aarau is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Aarau will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 2 trains that leave Zurich for Aarau on Tue, Aug 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 38 km distance in an average of 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 27 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 27 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 Zurich to Aarau among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $38, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 23 miles (38 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$41 Average price Cheapest | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 1m Average total duration Fastest 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Other travel options to Aarau take longer:
Bus takes on average 44m.
The journey is about 17m faster (31m by train vs 48m by car) and roughly $24 (€19) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($41 (€33) vs $64 (€53)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Aarau trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:08 AM Zurich | 0h27 | 6:35 AM Aarau | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:08 AM Zurich | 0h27 | 7:35 AM Aarau | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Aarau run on average 31 times per day, taking around 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
There are 14 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 23 miles (38 km) distance in 24m.
Distance 23 miles (38 km) |
Average train duration 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 31 |
Direct trains 14 |
Fastest train 24m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Aarau — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aarau trip today.
Aargau’s major art museum with strong Swiss collections and rotating exhibitions. A top cultural stop in the city center.
City history museum in the historic Schlössli. It introduces Aarau’s development through engaging local collections and displays.
Natural history museum with regional wildlife, geology, and family-friendly exhibits. A practical choice for science-minded visitors.
Aarau’s old town is famed for painted roof eaves, historic houses, and compact lanes. It is the essential area for first-time visitors.
Central square framed by historic facades and the Obertorturm. It is ideal for soaking up the old town’s atmosphere and architecture.
Historic lane known for fine old buildings and Aarau’s distinctive decorated eaves. A rewarding walk for architecture lovers.
Aargauer Rüeblitorte is a moist carrot cake from Aargau, traditionally made with ground nuts and topped with icing or marzipan carrots. It is the canton’s best-known sweet specialty.
Chäschnöpfli are small egg noodles baked or served with melted cheese and onions. They are a beloved Swiss comfort dish often eaten in homes and taverns around Aargau.
Rösti is a crisp fried potato cake from the Swiss-German region. In Aarau it is a classic side or main dish and a staple of traditional local cooking.
Well-regarded restaurant offering modern Swiss cuisine and seasonal menus with a polished but welcoming feel.
Elegant fine dining restaurant known for seasonal Swiss and French-influenced cuisine in a refined historic setting.
Traditional Swiss venue serving hearty regional dishes and classics in a relaxed old-town atmosphere.
Aarau is pricey versus many European cities; hotels, dining, and Swiss transit cost more, though local options and supermarket meals can help control budgets.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated in restaurants. Round up small taxi fares and café bills, but tipping is not required.
Official public transport app
Aarau Bahnhof -> Aarau Bahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Aarau 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 Aarau, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Zurich to Aarau trains use the Zürich HB to Aarau station pair, with some services arriving at Distelberg. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Aarau 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 Altstetten is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich Altstetten 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: Restaurant Markthalle, Restaurant LaSalle
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Altstetten. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Altstetten. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Altstetten: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Altstetten: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Altstetten: Elevators.
Nearby hotels include Placid Hotel Zurich, Best Western Hotel Spirgarten, H+ Hotel Zürich.
Zürich Oerlikon is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich Oerlikon 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: Negishi Sushi Bar, Le Muh
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Oerlikon. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Oerlikon. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Oerlikon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Oerlikon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Oerlikon: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Courtyard Zurich North, Swissotel Zurich, Hotel Sternen Oerlikon.
Aarau 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: Nonna Aarau, Thai Time
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Aarau. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Aarau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aarau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aarau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aarau: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Sorell Hotel Aarauerhof, Hotel Kettenbrücke, Hotel Sternen.
Distelberg is 1 km from Aarau city centre. Public transport options include:
Distelberg has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Distelberg.
ATMs are available at Distelberg.
Available at Distelberg: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Distelberg.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need