The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen
Cheapest price
$123
Average price
$123
Fastest journey
7 h 44 m
Average duration
7 h 44 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 $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $123.
Of the 1 trains that leave Zurich for Gelsenkirchen on Sat, Mar 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 21 the direct trains cover the 472 km distance in an average of 7 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 44 m .
On Sat, Mar 21 the slowest trains will take 7 h 44 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, bus, and flight 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 $100. 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 $100, and a flight costs an average of $90.
Distance: 293 miles (472 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$125 Average price | $182 Average price | $115 Average price Cheapest |
6h 49m Average total duration 6h 19m 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 tomorrow, Friday, March 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:59 AM Zurich | 7h44 | 3:43 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, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Why should you book Zurich to Gelsenkirchen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen.
- 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 with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen
Trains from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $71 (€58) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:04, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 293 miles (472 km) distance in 6h 25m.
Distance 293 miles (472 km) |
Average train duration 6h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€58) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 6h 25m |
First train 01:04 |
Last train 23:30 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Gelsenkirchen from $71 (€58). 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 Federal 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
- 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: 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
- Zum Bürgerplatz
- Pangung
- Pizzeria Avanti
- Star Chief Diner
- Dschingis Khan
- Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel
- Nikolaus Grill
- McDonald's
More options for your journey from Zurich to Gelsenkirchen
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