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Trip Summary
There are 30 daily trains from Essen to Zurich. Traveling by train from Essen to Zurich usually takes around 9 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest DB Intercity-Express train can make the trip in 5 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 290 mi (467 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 45m |
| Lowest price | $44.44 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 5 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Essen to Zurich?
In the last month, $66.83 was the average price of a train ticket from Essen to Zurich. This is a great price, especially considering the length of the route. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 15 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $99.29 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Essen to Zurich often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in December when the average ticket price is only $115,
If you're thinking of traveling from Essen to Zurich during January, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $171 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in January, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Essen to Zurich?
There are 5 train lines with service from Essen to Zurich. Deutsche Bahn is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 77 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Eurocity | 2 | 6h 55m | $133.82 |
| DB Intercity-Express | 7 | 6h 51m | $164.92 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 77 | 7h 43m | $166.73 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 17 | 7h 42m | $155.60 |
| FlixTrain | 2 | 14h 29m | $71.90 |
The most popular Deutsche Bahn ICE routes travel to Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Munich. Seating is spacious with a good amount of legroom, and onboard amenities include complimentary WiFi, restrooms, and a restaurant car selling beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Unlike the rest of the Deutsche Bahn network, ticket prices on Deutsche Bahn ICE services are not based on a per-kilometer rate but on specific station-to-station links.
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Essen to Zurich start from $82, and on average cost . Daily there are 17 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Zurich. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Essen leaves from Essen-Dellwig and 15 other stations. And in Zurich trains arrive at Zürich HB .
From Essen to Zurich train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 7 hours and 42 minutes. If you are looking to get to Zurich faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 5 hours and 45 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers 21 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Zurich.
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 2 daily trips to Zurich from Essen. The train usually departs from Essen Hbf in Essen and arrives at Limmatstrasse 5 in Zurich after about 14 hours and 29 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
The distance between Essen and Zurich is approximately 290 miles, or 467 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 45 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains departing from Essen to Zurich tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Essen at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 30 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Essen to Zurich. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Zurich to Essen.
City Information
Zurich
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in the heart of Europe, the Swiss capital lies at the northwestern tip of the eponymous Lake Zurich. This cosmopolitan city is buzzing year-round with vibrant city life, while the relaxing and peaceful Alps are less than an hour away.
Lake Zurich provides an elegant focal point of the city, with daily cruises available to explore this vast lake. Many chic cafes and restaurants are dotted along the banks, epitomizing Zurich's urban and cosmopolitan vibe.
The Old Town, or Altstadt, is arguably one of the city's most beautiful areas, characterized by winding cobblestone streets and medieval-style architecture. Here, you'll discover some of Zurich's most iconic landmarks, such as St Peter's church with its impossibly large clock face, the largest clock in Europe.
If the weather isn't suited to wandering, there are over 50 museums within Zurich to explore. Go traditional with the Swiss National Museum, or opt for something a bit more exhilarating at the FIFA Museum.
Zurich's airport is the largest in Switzerland, and it is just 10 kilometers from the city center. Several train carriers, including the German Deutsche Bahn network, operate routes to Zurich from across Europe. Long-distance buses also make it easy to reach Zurich from cities like Bern, Stuttgart, Munich, and Milan.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Essen?
Image credit: wwwuppertal
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Train Station
Essen Hauptbahnhof is the central railway station in Essen in Western Germany. The station has been rebuilt numerous times due to damage from the Second World War and other structural issues, and now over 400 trains serve the station daily. In addition, long-distance Deutsche Bahn ICE trains run regularly to destinations including Berlin, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Vienna. Regional trains travel cities such as Aachen, Dusseldorf, Wuppertal, and Munster. Inside the station are a variety of shops, restaurants and bakeries, banks, a pharmacy, ticket offices, and information desks. The station is in the center of Essen, so there are hotels, restaurants, and attractions a short walk away.
All train stations in Essen:
Train Station
Essen-Kupferdreh
Essen-Werden
Kettwig Stausee
Kettwig
Essen-Dellwig
Essen-Zollverein Nord
Essen Hbf
Essen-Altenessen
Essen-Gerschede
Essen-Borbeck
Essen-Steele
Essen-Steele Ost
Essen-Horst
Essen-Eiberg
Where is the train station in Zurich?
Image credit: Jun Seita
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Zürich HB
Zurich HB is Zurich's central railway station and is the largest and most major transport hub in Switzerland, seeing up to 3,000 trains pass through daily. It's been regularly featured as the busiest station in Europe and one of the best for efficiency and facilities-- mostly since it has an entire underground shopping mall! It also hosts seasonal events such as Christmas markets and open-air cinemas in the large main hall. Trains include S-Bahn services traveling within Zurich and neighboring cities, plus international services to cities including Hamburg, Paris, Venice, Amsterdam and Zagreb, among others. The station sits in the center of Zurich, meaning the surrounding area is home to countless shops, restaurants, attractions, and other transport connections such as buses and trams.
Train stations in Zurich:
Zürich HB
Limmatstrasse 5
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