- Must visit
Vatican Museums
A vast complex of papal collections with masterpieces from antiquity to the Renaissance. A global essential for art, history, and iconic galleries.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Vatican
Showing times and prices for Aug 05
Cheapest price
€174
Average price
€174
Fastest journey
12 h 28 m
Average duration
12 h 28 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
681 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Vatican is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Vatican will cost around €174 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €174.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Zurich for Vatican on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 681 km distance in an average of 12 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 28 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 12 h 28 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.
7:33 AM12h28Zurich8:01 PMVatican€1741One-way0 transfers
- 7:33 AM12h28Zurich8:01 PMVatican€1741One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Vatican
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Vatican among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €58, and a train costs an average of €113.
Distance: 423 miles (681 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€167 Average price | €158 Average price | €76 Average price Cheapest | €156 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 14m Average total duration 11h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 46m Average total duration 17h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Vatican is a bus with an average price of €76.
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Vatican:
A bus is €82 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Vatican costing on average €158.
A bus is €91 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Vatican costing on average €167.
The fastest way to travel from Zurich to Vatican is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 35m.
Other travel options to Vatican take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 44m.
Bus takes on average 17h 16m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich and Vatican including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich to Vatican among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around €167 compared to roughly €156 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-11.82. The journey takes 11h 44m versus 9h 14m 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.
Live departures
Zurich to Vatican train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Vatican trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:33 AM Zurich | 12h28 | 8:01 PM Vatican | 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 Vatican 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.
Wed
Aug 05
Aug 05
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Aug 07
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Aug 11
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Vatican
Switzerland
Vatican City State
Trains from Zurich to Vatican run on average 18 times per day, taking around 11h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €113 but you can travel from only €58 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 21:28. The fastest train covers the 423 miles (681 km) distance in 8h 13m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €58
Distance 423 miles (681 km) |
Average train duration 11h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price €113 |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 8h 13m |
First train 5:40 AM |
Last train 9:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €58
Train companies: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich to Vatican trainsSwiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Vatican from €58. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 46m
Cheapest Price
€233
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
10 a day
Complete guide to Vatican
Things to do in Vatican
Discover the best of Vatican — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Vatican trip today.
- Must visit
Raphael Rooms
Home to Raphael’s fresco cycles, including The School of Athens. These rooms are among the Vatican’s greatest artistic highlights and a major museum draw.
- Must visit
Gallery of Maps
This gallery presents maps of Italy in a long frescoed corridor. It is both visually striking and historically fascinating within the museum route.
- Must visit
St. Peter's Square
This broad ceremonial piazza is Vatican City’s main gathering place, offering classic basilica views, fountains, and a powerful sense of scale.
- Must visit
Bernini's Colonnades
Bernini’s embracing colonnades create one of the world’s great urban spaces. Walk here for architecture, symmetry, and changing light across the square.
- Must visit
St. Peter's Dome
The basilica dome terraces deliver one of Rome’s most famous viewpoints, with close-up architecture and sweeping city vistas.
- Vegetarian
Cacio E Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a Roman pasta with Pecorino Romano and black pepper. It is a local staple around Vatican City for its simplicity and strong regional identity.
Pasta Alla Carbonara
Carbonara is pasta with egg, Pecorino Romano, guanciale, and pepper. It is one of Rome's most famous dishes and widely served in trattorias near the Vatican.
Pasta All'Amatriciana
Amatriciana is pasta with tomato, guanciale, and Pecorino Romano. Though linked to Amatrice, it is a classic Roman favorite commonly eaten near the Vatican.
Il Sorpasso
Traditional Roman trattoria in Prati known for pasta classics and a lively local atmosphere, convenient for Vatican visitors.
Da Vito e Dina
Long-established Roman restaurant near the Vatican serving cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and other regional staples in a classic setting.
La Zanzara
Refined dining room in Prati with polished Roman and Italian dishes, strong wine list, and a more upscale atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Very high tourist demand and limited lodging nearby make stays pricey. Dining is similar to central Rome, while transit costs are low if using Rome buses and metro.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- €20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3.50 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. Small change is fine at cafés.
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Vatican
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Vatican 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 Vatican, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Zurich to Vatican can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €113, while the average price is around €167.
The train from Zurich to Vatican takes 8h 13m and runs 18 per day.
The distance by train from Zurich to Vatican is 423 miles (681 km).
The first train from Zurich to Vatican leaves at 5:40 AM.
The last train from Zurich to Vatican leaves at 9:28 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Zurich to Vatican.
There is no direct train service currently available from Zurich to Vatican.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Zurich to Vatican.
The train station in Zurich that goes to Vatican is Zurich HB, which connects to Rome S. Pietro.
The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Vatican is by bus, with a cost of around €58.
The train journey from Zurich to Vatican offers scenic views, especially as you travel through the Swiss Alps and the picturesque Italian countryside, providing a visually stunning experience with mountains, lakes, and charming towns along the way.
A day trip from Zurich to Vatican is not feasible due to the journey taking 8h 13m. However, there are 17 train trips available per day for this route.
One day is typically sufficient to explore the main attractions of Vatican City, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Vatican.
Since both Zurich and Vatican are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Vatican include Civitavecchia, Fiumicino, Rome, Santa Marinella, Tivoli.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich to Vatican among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Vatican City uses the euro (€) as its official currency. Travelers find it convenient to use both cash and cards, but cash is often preferred for small purchases and in places where card acceptance may be limited.
In the Vatican, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums. Scams involving unofficial ticket sellers offering overpriced or fake entry passes are common, so purchasing tickets from official sources is recommended. Additionally, travelers should be aware of aggressive vendors selling souvenirs outside key sites. Security checks are strict, so following all regulations and respecting dress codes is important to avoid issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Vatican
Most Zurich to Vatican trains use the Zürich HB to Roma San Pietro station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Vatican train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Zurich
Arrival train stations in Vatican
Which Zurich station do trains to Vatican leave from?
Trains from Zurich to Vatican leave from Zürich HB. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Zurich city centre at Bahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
Zürich HBBahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11
City-centre transport
Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS, 9 · 3m · €3 · every ~3 min
S11, Sn11, S12, S15, S16, Sn1, Sn, S20, S23, S3, S5, Sn5, S6, Sn6, S7, Sn7, S9, Sn9, S · 3m · €1 · every ~43 min
Bus31, 33 · 5m · €2 · every ~16 min
N4, N5, N91 · 5m · €2
Tram11, 15, 4 · 8m · €2 · every ~19 min
Zürich HB train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
More options for your journey from Zurich to Vatican
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Vatican and Zurich
Most popular train connections to Vatican
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