- Must visit
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
National museum of antiquities with acclaimed collections from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Netherlands' archaeological past.
Cheapest price
€151
Average price
€184
Fastest journey
9 h 28 m
Average duration
10 h 11 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
607 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Leiden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Leiden will cost around €184 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €151.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Leiden without transferring at least 2 times.
RE 4928 · 3065 · ICE 2552 · ICE 512
ICE 2552 · ICE 512 · 75410 · 18978
ICE 2554 · ICE 120 · IC 2283
IC 188 · ICE 1092 · ICE 26 · ICE 120
IC 186 · 19161 · ICE 912 · ICE 120
IC 280 · 19145 · ICE 916 · ICE 122
IC 186 · 19161 · ICE 912 · ICE 120
ICE 2558 · ICE 122 · IC 3566
ICE 2554 · ICE 120 · IC 2283
IC 188 · ICE 1092 · ICE 26 · ICE 120Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Leiden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €50. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €50, and a flight costs an average of €166.
Distance: 377 miles (607 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€172 Average price | €74 Average price Cheapest | €297 Average price | €145 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 41m Average total duration 9h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 20m Average total duration 12h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 48m Average total duration Fastest 5h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.8 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Leiden:
A bus is €98 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Leiden costing on average €172.
A bus is €223 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Leiden costing on average €297.
Other travel options to Leiden take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 11m.
Bus takes on average 12h 50m.
Tickets start at around €172 compared to roughly €145 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-27.02. The journey takes 9h 11m versus 8h 9m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Leiden trains for tomorrow, Sunday, August 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 2558 · ICE 122 · IC 3566 | On time 10:00 AM Zurich HB | 10h05 | 8:05 PM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
IC 280 · 19145 · ICE 916 · ICE 122 | On time 10:37 AM Zurich HB | 9h28 | 8:05 PM Leiden Centraal | 4 transfers | |
RE 4920 · 3057 · ICE 2556 · IC 2041 | 12:05 PM Zurich HB | 11h44 | 11:49 PM Leiden Centraal | 7 transfers | |
IC 188 · ICE 1092 · ICE 26 · ICE 120 | On time 12:37 PM Zurich HB | 11h35 | 12:12 AM Leiden Centraal | 5 transfers | |
ICE 2554 · ICE 120 · IC 2283 | On time 2:00 PM Zurich HB | 10h12 | 12:12 AM Leiden Centraal | 2 transfers | |
IC 186 · 19161 · ICE 912 · ICE 120 | On time 2:37 PM Zurich HB | 9h35 | 12:12 AM Leiden Centraal | 4 transfers | |
ICE 2552 · ICE 512 · 75410 · 18978 | On time 4:00 PM Zurich HB | 14h55 | 6:55 AM Leiden Centraal | 7 transfers | |
RE 4928 · 3065 · ICE 2552 · ICE 512 | 4:05 PM Zurich HB | 14h50 | 6:55 AM Leiden Centraal | 9 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Trains from Zurich to Leiden run on average 4 times per day, taking around 9h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €73 but you can travel from only €50 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 377 miles (607 km) distance in 8h 18m.
Distance 377 miles (607 km) |
Average train duration 9h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price €73 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 8h 18m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Leiden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leiden trip today.
National museum of antiquities with acclaimed collections from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Netherlands' archaeological past.
Major natural history museum famous for dinosaurs, biodiversity displays, and interactive galleries suitable for all ages.
Museum about human body science in Leiden's academic tradition, featuring anatomy, medicine, and curious medical objects.
Leiden's oldest canal is lined with monuments, bridges, and terraces, making it a classic route for a first city walk.
Tree-lined ring canal around the historic center, ideal for walking past gates, mills, and broad water views.
Busy central square beside the church, often hosting markets and events and serving as a lively meeting point.
Buttery cookies from nearby Gouda, sold across Leiden. Their crisp texture and caramel notes make them a classic Dutch sweet with coffee or tea.
Fluffy small pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. A beloved Dutch treat found in Leiden cafés and traditional pancake houses.
Deep-fried ragout croquettes, often eaten with mustard. This classic Dutch snack is common in Leiden bars, cafés, and lunch spots.
Elegant fine dining in a historic setting, known for refined French-inspired cuisine and polished service near central Leiden.
Established Leiden pancake house specializing in Dutch pancakes and poffertjes in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Historic restaurant in a former weighing house, serving classic Dutch and French-influenced dishes in a grand, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the Netherlands. Hotels and restaurants are not cheap, but transit is manageable and budget eats are easy to find.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up. In cafes, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Leiden Centraal -> Leiden City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Leiden 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 Leiden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Zurich to Leiden trains use the Zürich HB to Leiden Centraal station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Leiden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Zürich Stadelhofen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Leiden Centraal is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant De Bruine Boon, Grand Café Van Buuren
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leiden Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leiden Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Centraal: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, City Hotel Nieuw Minerva.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need