The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Erfurt
Cheapest price
$113
Average price
$149
Fastest journey
6 h 39 m
Average duration
6 h 55 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
440 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Erfurt is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Erfurt will cost around $149 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $113.
Of the 5 trains that leave Zurich for Erfurt on Fri, Dec 19, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Dec 19 the direct trains cover the 440 km distance in an average of 6 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 39 m .
On Fri, Dec 19 the slowest trains will take 7 h 39 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.










Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Zurich to Erfurt
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Erfurt among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €35. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €35, and a train costs an average of €50.
Distance: 273 miles (440 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€117 Average price | €54 Average price Cheapest |
7h 6m Average total duration 6h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 34m Average total duration Fastest 6h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Erfurt train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Erfurt trains for today, Thursday, December 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 200 · ICE 690 | On time 6:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h28 | 1:27 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 794 · ICE 372 · ICE 1651 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h42 | 2:41 PM Erfurt Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 99 · ICE 1006 | On time 8:32 AM Zurich HB | 6h12 | 2:44 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 108 · ICE 598 | On time 8:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h28 | 3:27 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 · ICE 1653 | On time 9:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h42 | 4:41 PM Erfurt Hbf | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Erfurt by train or bus
Compare train 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.
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Why should you book Zurich to Erfurt trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC,RE) as well as Trenitalia EuroCity offer trains services from Zurich to Erfurt. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Zurich to Erfurt.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC,RE)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC,RE), but also compare tickets for the likes of Trenitalia EuroCity to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Erfurt.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC,RE) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Erfurt.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC,RE) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC,RE)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Trenitalia EuroCity to help you choose the right option for your journey from Zurich to Erfurt.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Erfurt.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Erfurt
Trains from Zurich to Erfurt run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 (€50) but you can travel from only $44 (€35) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 273 miles (440 km) distance in 6h 15m.
Distance 273 miles (440 km) |
Average train duration 6h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€50) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 6h 15m |
First train 00:05 |
Last train 23:55 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity from Zurich to Erfurt trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity trains will get you between Zurich and Erfurt from $44 (€35). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Trenitalia EuroCity
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Erfurt
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Erfurt 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 Erfurt, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Erfurt
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
- Cost CHF 12
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
- Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
- Located in the main hall
- 1000 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
- Monday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Thursday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Friday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Saturday: 09:30 - 16:30
- Sunday: 09:30 - 16:30
- Istanbul Grill
- McDonald's
- Masala
- Planet Comics
- Hotel Krämerbrücke
- Intercity Hotel
- Pension am Dom
- Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior
- Zur Schuhleiste
- Bachstelze
More options for your journey from Zurich to Erfurt
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