The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Kiel
Cheapest price
$98
Average price
$134
Fastest journey
8 h 44 m
Average duration
9 h 52 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
781 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Kiel will cost around $134 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
Of the 5 trains that leave Zurich for Kiel on Fri, Nov 21, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 21 the direct trains cover the 781 km distance in an average of 9 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 44 m .
On Fri, Nov 21 the slowest trains will take 11 h 33 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 Kiel
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €47. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €47, and a flight costs an average of €55.
Distance: 485 miles (781 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€116 Average price | €163 Average price | €68 Average price Cheapest |
11h 5m Average total duration 10h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 40m Average total duration 15h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.0kg 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 Kiel train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Kiel trains for today, Thursday, November 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:59 PM Zurich | 12h10 | 8:09 AM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, November 21 | |||||
![]() | 5:59 AM Zurich | 9h23 | 3:22 PM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:59 AM Zurich | 8h44 | 4:43 PM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:37 AM Zurich | 10h04 | 7:41 PM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:59 AM Zurich | 9h35 | 7:34 PM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Kiel 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.
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Kiel
Trains from Zurich to Kiel run on average 11 times per day, taking around 10h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 485 miles (781 km) distance in 8h 44m.
Distance 485 miles (781 km) |
Average train duration 10h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 8h 44m |
First train 00:05 |
Last train 23:05 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, SBB from Zurich to Kiel trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, SBB trains will get you between Zurich and Kiel from $54 (€44). 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 | ICE
ÖBB Nightjet
SBB
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Kiel 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 Kiel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Kiel
- 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
- 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: 05:45 - 20:30
- Tuesday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Wednesday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Thursday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Friday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Saturday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Sunday: 06:45 - 20:00
- MUM&DAD
- Lunatique
- McDonald's
- Campus Suite
- Hotel Wiking
- Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel
- Astor
- InterCityHotel Kiel
More options for your journey from Zurich to Kiel
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