The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Hamburg
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$279
Fastest journey
8 h 42 m
Average duration
8 h 57 m
Trains per day
23
Distance
698 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Hamburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Hamburg will cost around $279 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
Of the 23 trains that leave Zurich for Hamburg on Sat, May 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 23 the direct trains cover the 698 km distance in an average of 8 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 42 m .
On Sat, May 23 the slowest trains will take 9 h 4 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.
ICE 272 · ICE 9207:01 PM12h07Zurich HB7:08 AMHamburg Hbf$941One-way1 transfer
IC 776 · ICE 276 · ICE 703:01 PM9h13Zurich HB12:14 AMHamburg Hbf$1091One-way2 transfers
ICE 102 · ICE 5724:01 PM9h35Zurich HB1:36 AMHamburg Hbf$1091One-way1 transfer
IR 2072 · ECE 41:10 PM9h04Zurich HB10:14 PMHamburg Hbf$1261One-way1 transfer
EC 150 · ICE 5742:32 PM8h42Zurich HB11:14 PMHamburg Hbf$1261One-way1 transfer
EC 150 · ICE 5742:32 PM8h42Zurich HB11:14 PMHamburg Hbf$1261One-way1 transfer
ICE 200 · ICE 7708:01 AM9h00Zurich HB5:01 PMHamburg Harburg$5421One-way1 transfer
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 57612:01 PM9h00Zurich HB9:01 PMHamburg Harburg$1511One-way2 transfers
ICE 372 · ICE 6+
TGV 92109:01 AM9h00Zurich HB6:01 PMHamburg Harburg$5421One-way2 transfers
IR 2072 · ECE 41:10 PM9h04Zurich HB10:14 PMHamburg Hbf$1261One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Hamburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $49, and a train costs an average of $43.
Distance: 433 miles (698 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$248 Average price | $213 Average price | $80 Average price Cheapest | $131 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 10m Average total duration 8h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 24m Average total duration 11h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Hamburg:
A bus is $134 (€108) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Hamburg costing on average $213 (€173).
A bus is $169 (€137) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Hamburg costing on average $248 (€201).
Other travel options to Hamburg take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 40m.
Bus takes on average 11h 54m.
You'll arrive about 56m sooner (8h 40m by train vs 9h 36m by car). Tickets start at around $248 (€201) compared to roughly $131 (€106) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Zurich to Hamburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Hamburg trains for today, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 197 · ICE 1080 | On time 5:32 PM Zurich HB | 13h30 | 7:02 AM Hamburg Harburg | 1 transfer | |
ICE 272 · ICE 920 | On time 6:59 PM Zurich HB | 12h40 | 7:39 AM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 272 · ICE 920 | On time 6:59 PM Zurich HB | 12h40 | 7:39 AM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 272 · ICE 920 | On time 6:59 PM Zurich HB | 12h52 | 7:51 AM Hamburg Altona | 1 transfer | |
ICE 272 · ICE 1272 · ICE 1080 | On time 6:59 PM Zurich HB | 12h03 | 7:02 AM Hamburg Harburg | 2 transfers | |
IC 60470 | On time 8:59 PM Zurich HB | 11h01 | 8:00 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60470 | On time 8:59 PM Zurich HB | 11h01 | 8:00 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60470 | On time 8:59 PM Zurich HB | 11h15 | 8:14 AM Hamburg Altona | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 60402 · ICE 778 | On time 9:59 PM Zurich HB | 11h02 | 9:01 AM Hamburg Harburg | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, May 23 | |||||
ICE 204+ S S3+ IR 2292 | 1:08 AM Zurich HB | 12h50 | 1:58 PM Hamburg Altona | 2 transfers | |
ICE 374 · ICE 612+ TGV 9206 | 7:01 AM Zurich HB | 9h31 | 4:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 200 | On time 8:01 AM Zurich HB | 9h19 | 5:20 PM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 200 · ICE 770 | On time 8:01 AM Zurich HB | 9h00 | 5:01 PM Hamburg Harburg | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200+ S S3 | On time 8:01 AM Zurich HB | 9h57 | 5:58 PM Hamburg Altona | 1 transfer | |
IC 282 · ICE 610 | On time 8:37 AM Zurich HB | 9h44 | 6:21 PM Hamburg Harburg | 1 transfer | |
ICE 372 · ICE 6+ TGV 9210 | Delayed 8:16 AM 9:01 AMZurich HB | 9h00 | 6:01 PM Hamburg Harburg | 2 transfers | |
ICE 372 · ICE 788+ TGV 9210 | Delayed 8:16 AM 9:01 AMZurich HB | 9h35 | 6:36 PM Hamburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 108+ S S3 | 10:01 AM Zurich HB | 9h57 | 7:58 PM Hamburg Altona | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 · ICE 518 | 11:01 AM Zurich HB | 9h44 | 8:45 PM Hamburg Altona | 1 transfer | |
IC 488 · ICE 576 | On time 11:37 AM Zurich HB | 9h24 | 9:01 PM Hamburg Harburg | 1 transfer | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 576 | On time 12:01 PM Zurich HB | 9h00 | 9:01 PM Hamburg Harburg | 2 transfers | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 | On time 12:01 PM Zurich HB | 9h19 | 9:20 PM Hamburg Harburg | 1 transfer | |
IC 770+ ICE 106+ S S3 | 12:01 PM Zurich HB | 9h57 | 9:58 PM Hamburg Altona | 2 transfers | |
IR 2072 · ECE 4 | On time 1:10 PM Zurich HB | 9h04 | 10:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 150 · ICE 574 | On time 2:32 PM Zurich HB | 8h42 | 11:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 186 · ICE 514 | On time 2:37 PM Zurich HB | 9h55 | 12:32 AM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 776 · ICE 276 · ICE 70 | On time 3:01 PM Zurich HB | 9h13 | 12:14 AM Hamburg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 776+ ICE 276 · ICE 514 | On time 3:01 PM Zurich HB | 9h45 | 12:46 AM Hamburg Altona | 2 transfers | |
ICE 102 · ICE 572 | Delayed 4:01 PM Zurich HB | 9h35 | 11:44 PM 11:44 PMHamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Hamburg 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.
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Why should you book Zurich to Hamburg 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 ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | ICE or ÖBB | Euro City (EC) to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Hamburg.
- 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 Hamburg.
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 Hamburg.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Hamburg?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Hamburg
Trains from Zurich to Hamburg run on average 7 times per day, taking around 8h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 433 miles (698 km) distance in 7h 55m.
Distance 433 miles (698 km) |
Average train duration 8h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 55m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 70 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), SBB, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Zurich to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), SBB, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Zurich and Hamburg from $43 (€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.
ÖBB | Nightjet
ÖBB | InterCity
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
SBB
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Hamburg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Hamburg 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 Hamburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Hamburg
- 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
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:30
- Sat - Sun: 08:00 - 20:15
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Le Crobag
- Burger King
- Coffee Fellows
- Havin Grill
- KFC
- Mr. CLOU
- Starbucks
- dean&david
- SPAR Express
- Pommesfreunde
- & more
- Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Park Hyatt Hamburg
- Located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Ethio
- Trattoria Toscana
- Marta
- Pavillon
- Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant
- Hotel Hamburg Altona
- Hotel Central
- Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona
- Monday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Saturday: 08:00 - 13:30
- Sunday: 09:00 - 14:30
- Café Bom Dia
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Mathewes Grill
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
More options for your journey from Zurich to Hamburg
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