- Recommended
Kurpfälzisches Museum
Heidelberg’s main city museum with archaeology, paintings, decorative arts, and regional history in a historic palace on Hauptstraße.
Cheapest price
$78
Average price
$109
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
3 h 45 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
227 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Heidelberg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Heidelberg will cost around $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Heidelberg without transferring at least once.
IC 188 · ICE 1092
IC 186 · ICE 116
IC 284 · ICE 2090
IR 2072 · ECE 4 · ICE 1572
IR 1772 · IC 620 · ECE 4 · ICE 1572
IC 772 · ICE 278 · S3
ICE 200 · S3
ICE 370 · S3
ICE 108 · S3
IC 776 · ICE 276 · S3Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Heidelberg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $170.
Distance: 141 miles (227 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$83 Average price | $34 Average price Cheapest | $286 Average price | $118 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 6m Average total duration 3h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration 4h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.4kg 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 Heidelberg:
A bus is $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Heidelberg costing on average $83 (€68).
A bus is $252 (€207) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Heidelberg costing on average $286 (€235).
Other travel options to Heidelberg take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 36m.
Bus takes on average 4h 38m.
The journey is about 11m faster (3h 36m by train vs 3h 47m by car) and roughly $35 (€29) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($83 (€68) vs $118 (€97)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with ÖBB | Nightjet.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Heidelberg trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 200 · S3 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 3h45 | 11:44 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 282 · ICE 1094 | On time 8:37 AM Zurich HB | 4h07 | 12:44 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IR 2064 · ICE 6 · ICE 1576 | On time 9:10 AM Zurich HB | 4h06 | 1:16 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IR 1764 · IC 612 · ICE 6 · ICE 1576 | On time 9:29 AM Zurich HB | 3h47 | 1:16 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 108 · S3 | On time 9:59 AM Zurich HB | 3h46 | 1:45 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 · S3 | On time 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 3h45 | 2:44 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IR 2068 · ICE 72 · S2 | 11:10 AM Zurich HB | 4h13 | 3:23 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IR 1768 · IC 616 · ICE 72 · S2 | 11:29 AM Zurich HB | 3h54 | 3:23 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 · 4110 | 11:59 AM Zurich HB | 3h44 | 3:43 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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 Heidelberg run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 141 miles (227 km) distance in 3h 42m.
Distance 141 miles (227 km) |
Average train duration 3h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€29) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 42m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Heidelberg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heidelberg trip today.
Heidelberg’s main city museum with archaeology, paintings, decorative arts, and regional history in a historic palace on Hauptstraße.
Specialized museum inside Heidelberg Castle presenting the history of pharmacy, medicine jars, laboratories, and historic remedies.
Modern anatomy museum with plastinated human specimens, focused on health, the body, and medical education.
Heidelberg’s old town is the city’s essential walking area, packed with historic streets, churches, shops, and classic views.
Famous hillside path with sweeping views over Heidelberg, the river, and the castle; especially popular for photos.
One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, ideal for strolling through the heart of the old town.
A regional Palatinate specialty near Heidelberg made from pork, potatoes and spices stuffed into a stomach casing, then sliced and pan-fried. It is one of the best-known traditional dishes of the area
Large Swabian stuffed pasta pockets often filled with minced meat, spinach, onions and herbs, commonly served in broth or fried. They are widely eaten in Baden-Württemberg, including Heidelberg
Soft egg noodles typical of southern Germany, often served as a side with gravies or prepared as Käsespätzle with cheese and fried onions. A staple comfort food in the region
Long-established fine dining restaurant in nearby Heidelberg-Handschuhsheim, respected for refined cuisine and formal service in an elegant historic setting
Historic, well-known Old Town restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes in a lively, rustic setting. Popular for schnitzel, sausages and traditional atmosphere
One of Heidelberg’s most famous traditional inns, known for classic German cooking, historic interiors and a long-standing student and visitor following
Moderate by German standards. Student spots are affordable, but central hotels and tourist-area dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up for cafés and taxis; in restaurants, 5-10% is customary for good service. Tip in cash or tell the server the total amount when paying.
Official public transport app
Heidelberg Hbf, Heidelberg -> Bismarckplatz, Heidelberg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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