- Must visit
Musée Matisse
Major museum dedicated to Henri Matisse, set in a Genoese villa in Cimiez, with paintings, drawings, cut-outs, and personal objects tracing his life in Nice.
Cheapest price
$151
Average price
$178
Fastest journey
7 h 21 m
Average duration
7 h 46 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
419 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Nice is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Nice will cost around $178 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 Nice without transferring at least once.
EuroCity 31+
Regionale Veloce 3025 · Regionale Veloce 3376
EuroCity 13+
Intercity 637
EuroCity 19+
Intercity 641
EuroCity 23+
Intercity 689
EuroCity 21+
Intercity 675
EuroCity 13+
Intercity 637
EuroCity 19+
Intercity 641
EuroCity 21+
Intercity 675
EuroCity 23+
Intercity 685 · Intercity 518
EuroCity 23+
Intercity 689Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Nice among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 39m. 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 $25, and a train costs an average of $119.
Distance: 260 miles (419 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$304 Average price | $74 Average price Cheapest | $190 Average price | $237 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 14m Average total duration 8h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 36m Average total duration 9h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Nice:
A bus is $116 (€93) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Nice costing on average $190 (€153).
A bus is $230 (€185) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Nice costing on average $304 (€245).
Other travel options to Nice take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 44m.
Bus takes on average 9h 6m.
Tickets start at around $304 (€245) compared to roughly $237 (€191) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-66.86 (€-53.83). The journey takes 8h 44m versus 6h 57m 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 Nice trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9206+ 12179+ 17487 | On time 7:34 AM Zurich HB | 10h56 | 6:30 PM Nice Saint-Augustin | 2 transfers | |
9210+ 6177 | 9:34 AM Zurich HB | 10h30 | 8:04 PM Nice-Ville | 1 transfer | |
9226+ 5781 | 3:34 PM Zurich HB | 17h35 | 9:09 AM Nice-Ville | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Zurich to Nice run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $119 (€95) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 19:13. The fastest train covers the 260 miles (419 km) distance in 7h 26m.
Distance 260 miles (419 km) |
Average train duration 8h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $119 (€95) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 7h 26m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 7:13 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Nice — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nice trip today.
Major museum dedicated to Henri Matisse, set in a Genoese villa in Cimiez, with paintings, drawings, cut-outs, and personal objects tracing his life in Nice.
National museum housing one of the world’s most important collections of Marc Chagall’s biblical works, known for its luminous colors and serene setting.
Nice’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, noted for postwar European and American works and its striking rooftop views.
Nice’s iconic seafront boulevard lined with beaches and Belle Époque hotels, essential for walking, cycling, and classic Riviera views.
The old town’s maze of colorful lanes, baroque churches, shutters, and lively squares makes it the city’s most atmospheric area to explore on foot.
Castle Hill park and viewpoint with panoramic city and coast vistas, a waterfall, and some of the best photo spots in Nice.
Nice’s signature salad of tomatoes, eggs, anchovies or tuna, olives, and raw vegetables, traditionally without cooked potatoes or green beans.
A thin chickpea flour pancake baked in a hot oven, lightly crisp outside and soft inside; one of Nice’s most iconic street foods.
A Provençal tart topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives, closely associated with Nice and the surrounding coast.
An established Michelin-starred restaurant blending refined Mediterranean and South African influences in an elegant fine-dining setting.
A long-running family restaurant in Vieux Nice serving classic Niçoise dishes and Provençal favorites in a warm, traditional atmosphere.
A famous small Niçoise restaurant known for traditional local specialties in a simple, intimate setting near the old town.
Prices are high by French standards, especially near the seafront. Bakery food and lunch deals help cut costs.
Service is usually included. Locals may round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Small change for cafes; round up taxis.
Official public transport app
Nice-Ville -> Place Masséna, Nice
The train connection between Zurich and Nice offers a convenient and scenic travel option for those looking to explore these two beautiful cities. Passengers can choose from several providers, including SNCF | TGV INOUI, SNCF | Intercités de nuit, and Trenitalia. With comfortable seating and stunning views along the route, this journey is perfect for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure as they traverse through picturesque landscapes of Switzerland and France.
The train journey from Zurich to Nice takes approximately 7 hours and 48 minutes, with one connection required during the trip. There are no direct trains available for this route, and travelers can expect a total travel time of around 1 hour and 10 minutes for the transfer between connections.
The first daily train journey from Zurich departs at 04:33, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the beautiful city of Nice.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Zurich to Nice is €108. The average ticket price tends to be around €186, making it a good option for travelers looking to save on transportation costs while enjoying scenic views along the route.
Welcome to the Promenade des Anglais, a stunning waterfront avenue that has been an iconic symbol of Nice since its creation in the 18th century. This picturesque promenade not only offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea but also serves as a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike, showcasing events and cultural activities throughout the year. As you stroll along this palm-lined boulevard, take note of its unique blue chairs—perfect spots to relax while soaking in the sun and watching life unfold around you.
Next on our journey is Castle Hill (Colline du Château), which boasts a rich history dating back to ancient times when it served as a strategic military lookout point. Today, it's renowned for its panoramic vistas over Nice's old town and coastline; climbing up here rewards visitors with some of the most Instagram-worthy views imaginable! The hill is also home to lush gardens and remnants of historic fortifications that tell tales from centuries past—a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and historical intrigue.
Finally, we arrive at Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice), an architectural gem completed in 1699 that reflects both Baroque grandeur and local artistry. Its intricate façade adorned with colorful frescoes captures your attention before stepping inside where you'll find exquisite altarpieces dedicated to Saint Reparata—the patron saint of Nice—and captivating chapels filled with religious art treasures. This cathedral stands not just as a place for worship but as a testament to Nicene heritage, inviting all who enter into moments of reflection amidst its serene atmosphere.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Nice 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 Nice, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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