- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for May 31
Cheapest price
$949
Average price
$959
Fastest journey
13 h 27 m
Average duration
19 h 22 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
1249 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Edinburgh will cost around $959 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $949.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Edinburgh without transferring at least 5 times.
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7:34 AM13h35Zurich9:09 PMEdinburgh$9491One-way5 transfers- 9:34 AM13h27Zurich11:01 PMEdinburgh$9491One-way5 transfers
- 6:34 PM24h37Zurich7:11 PMEdinburgh$9491One-way5 transfers
- 1:34 PM21h34Zurich11:08 AMEdinburgh$9741One-way5 transfers
- 3:34 PM23h36Zurich3:10 PMEdinburgh$9741One-way5 transfers
- 9:34 AM13h27Zurich11:01 PMEdinburgh$9491One-way5 transfers
- 7:34 AM13h35Zurich9:09 PMEdinburgh$9491One-way5 transfers
- 1:34 PM21h34Zurich11:08 AMEdinburgh$9741One-way5 transfers
- 3:34 PM23h36Zurich3:10 PMEdinburgh$9741One-way5 transfers
- 6:34 PM24h37Zurich7:11 PMEdinburgh$9491One-way5 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Zurich to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.2 - 3.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $53, and a train costs an average of $949.
Distance: 776 miles (1249 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$959 Average price | $184 Average price Cheapest | $207 Average price | $351 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 52m Average total duration 19h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 38h 6m Average total duration 37h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 3.7 - 7.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Edinburgh is a flight with an average price of $184 (€148).
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Edinburgh:
A flight is $23 (€19) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Zurich to Edinburgh costing on average $207 (€167).
A flight is $775 (€624) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Edinburgh costing on average $959 (€772).
The fastest way to travel from Zurich to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 55m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 19h 22m.
Bus takes on average 37h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich and Edinburgh including taking a train, flight, and bus.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $959 (€772) compared to roughly $351 (€283) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-607.61 (€-489.30). The journey takes 19h 22m versus 16h 43m 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.
Live departures
Zurich to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Edinburgh trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:34 AM Zurich | 13h35 | 9:09 PM Edinburgh | 5 transfers | |
| 9:34 AM Zurich | 13h32 | 11:06 PM Edinburgh | 5 transfers | |
| 1:34 PM Zurich | 23h36 | 1:10 PM Edinburgh | 5 transfers | |
| 3:34 PM Zurich | 25h37 | 5:11 PM Edinburgh | 5 transfers | |
| 6:34 PM Zurich | 25h36 | 8:10 PM Edinburgh | 5 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Edinburgh by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Edinburgh
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Trains from Zurich to Edinburgh run on average 3 times per day, taking around 19h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $949 (€764) but you can travel from only $53 (€42) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:59, the last at 18:34. The fastest train covers the 776 miles (1249 km) distance in 13h 27m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $53 (€42)
Distance 776 miles (1249 km) |
Average train duration 19h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $949 (€764) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 13h 27m |
First train 6:59 AM |
Last train 6:34 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $53 (€42)
Train companies: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich to Edinburgh trainsSwiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Edinburgh from $53 (€42). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 27m
Cheapest Price
$949 (€764)
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
The national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for European masters and Scottish art. Easy to combine with Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile.
- Recommended
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of people who shaped Scottish history and culture. Popular for both the collection and the architecture.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyroodhouse through closes, courtyards, shops, and major heritage sites.
- Must visit
Princes Street Gardens
A central public garden below the castle with iconic skyline views, floral displays, and easy access to both Old and New Town sights.
- Must visit
Calton Hill
One of the city’s classic viewpoints, known for panoramic views, monuments, and sunrise or sunset photography. Especially popular on social media.
Haggis, Neeps And Tatties
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a savory pudding traditionally made with minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, served with mashed turnips and potatoes.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, closely associated with the northeast but widely loved in Edinburgh.
Scotch Broth
A hearty traditional soup made with barley, root vegetables, and usually lamb or mutton, valued as classic Scottish comfort food.
The Scran & Scallie
A popular gastropub by Tom Kitchin serving refined Scottish pub classics in a warm, stylish, and relaxed setting.
Howies Restaurant
A long-established local favorite serving traditional Scottish dishes with local ingredients in a comfortable, accessible city-center setting.
The Sheep Heid Inn
One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, offering classic Scottish food and a historic tavern atmosphere slightly outside the city center.
Pound sterling
Expensive by UK standards. Hotels peak in summer and festival season, while pubs and casual dining are more manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple cafe meal.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up for taxis. Tips are optional in pubs and cafes.
Transport for Edinburgh
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 7 min
- TapTapCap applies on Lothian buses and trams, so contactless card payments are accepted and daily fares are capped automatically.
- Single fares on Lothian buses are exact fare only if paying cash, so use contactless or the official app for easier payment.
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Zurich to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $949 (€764), while the average price is around $959 (€772).
The train from Zurich to Edinburgh takes 13h 27m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from Zurich to Edinburgh leaves at 6:59 AM.
The distance by train from Zurich to Edinburgh is 776 miles (1249 km).
The last train from Zurich to Edinburgh leaves at 6:34 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Zurich to Edinburgh.
There is no direct train service currently available from Zurich to Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Zurich to Edinburgh.
The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Edinburgh is by flight, with a cost of around $53 (€42).
The train journey from Zurich to Edinburgh offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the Swiss Alps, picturesque German countryside, and the rolling landscapes of Northern England and Scotland.
A day trip from Zurich to Edinburgh is not feasible as the journey takes 13h 27m. The distance covered is 776 miles (1249 km). Trains operate 3 times per day.
In Edinburgh, visitors can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, enjoy a ghost tour of the haunted streets, attend shows at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden. Discover hidden gems at the Stockbridge Market. Key sights include Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, The Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and The National Museum of Scotland.
For a fulfilling experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Edinburgh allows you to explore its historic sites, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, enjoy cultural attractions, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is outside the Schengen Area. Travelers departing from Zurich will need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Edinburgh include Glasgow, Newcastle, St Andrews, Stirling, Dundee.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Zurich to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Zurich
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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