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Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Essen and Zurich. The average train journey from Essen to Zurich takes 14 hours and 27 minutes, but some FlixTrain train trips are as short as 13 hours and 56 minutes.
| Distance | 290 mi (467 km) |
| Fastest train | 13h 56m |
| Lowest price | $32.90 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Essen to Zurich?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Essen to Zurich was $40.74. This is an excellent price given the length of the route. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $24.59 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Essen to Zurich?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Essen to Zurich. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 3 | 14h 28m | $53.16 |
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 3 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 28 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Essen and Zurich is approximately 290 miles, or 467 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 56 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 Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. 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 Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Essen at 12:00pm 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
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?
Main departure station: Essen Hbf
There is one train station in Essen.
All train stations in Essen:
Essen Hbf
Where is the train station in Zurich?
Main arrival station: Limmatstrasse 5
Zurich Central Bus Station is directly next to Zurich HB (the city's central train station), and buses operate here to various destinations across Europe. Although there are few amenities for the station, most people rely on the train station's extensive shopping facilities, including restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, and souvenir shops. There is also a large, multi-story parking garage and stops for different services, such as Flixbus and OneBus. Flixbus also has a ticket and information center here, although they encourage passengers to buy tickets online in advance. Destinations include Paris, Nantes, Salzburg, Sofia, and Bucharest.
All train stations in Zurich:
Limmatstrasse 5
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Need a return trip from Zurich to Essen?
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