The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen
Cheapest price
$136
Average price
$136
Fastest journey
7 h 59 m
Average duration
7 h 59 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
472 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen will cost around $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $136.
Of the 1 trains that leave Zurich for Gelsenkirchen on Sat, Nov 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 08 the direct trains cover the 472 km distance in an average of 7 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 59 m .
On Sat, Nov 08 the slowest trains will take 7 h 59 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, flight, and bus for Zurich to Gelsenkirchen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €67. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. 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 €67, and a flight costs an average of €60.
Distance: 293 miles (472 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€87 Average price | €101 Average price | €67 Average price Cheapest |
6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 30m Average total duration 12h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Gelsenkirchen train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Gelsenkirchen trains for today, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:59 AM Zurich | 7h26 | 2:25 PM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:59 AM Zurich | 7h59 | 3:58 PM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Gelsenkirchen 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.
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Nov 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen
Trains from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $82 (€67) but you can travel from only $74 (€60) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 01:02, the last at 22:58. The fastest train covers the 293 miles (472 km) distance in 7h 23m.
Distance 293 miles (472 km) |
Average train duration 6h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $82 (€67) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 7h 23m |
First train 01:02 |
Last train 22:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Gelsenkirchen from $74 (€60). 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.
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen
- 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
- Monday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Subway
- Café Madrid
- Shere Punjab
- Café del Sol
- Hotel St. Petrus
More options for your journey from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen
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