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Trip Summary
You can pick from 52 daily train trips between Kiel and Zurich. The average train journey from Kiel to Zurich takes 12 hours and 7 minutes, but some Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train trips are as short as 10 hours and 11 minutes.
| Distance | 485 mi (780 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 11m |
| Lowest price | $75.22 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Kiel to Zurich?
2 train services operate from Kiel to Zurich. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company usually has more trains scheduled, with 30 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bahn | 22 | 12h 29m | $106.94 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 30 | 11h 53m | $120.25 |
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Kiel to Zurich start from $75, and on average cost . Daily there are 30 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Zurich. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Kiel leaves from oppendorf and 3 other stations. And in Zurich trains arrive at Zürich HB .
From Kiel to Zurich train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 11 hours and 53 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 10 hours and 11 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Kiel and Zurich is approximately 485 miles, or 780 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 11 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 from Kiel to Zurich are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Kiel at 1:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. 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 52 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 Kiel.
City Information
Kiel
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Kiel is a port city on the coast of the Baltic Sea, known for its role in WWII as the base of Germany's submarine fleet. Large ferries transport visitors from Scandinavia into the city. So, if you're ready to discover Kiel, start at its harbor. Right on the waterfront, the Kiellinie is a promenade that begins at Schlossgarten and ends at Hindenburgufer. It is filled with sailing clubs, cafes, restaurants, and even a small aquarium.
For more water-based attractions, check out the Kiel Canal, a manufactured canal that runs from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. In nearby Holtenau, you can watch ships pass through the locks and learn more in a small museum devoted to the canal.
If you want to experience Kiel's history, then the Schiffahrtsmuseum is a must-see. This maritime museum is appropriately located where Kiel's fish market used to be. Paintings, installations, and even ships showcase the city's legacy in the maritime industry.
There is definitely a lot to see, do, and experience in Kiel. To get to the city, you can ride Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, or FlixTrain. There are also a few buses serving the area, such as FlixBus and Sindbad. The nearest airport is about an hour south in Hamburg.
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 Kiel?
Main departure station: Kiel-Russee
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 5 stops and stations in Kiel where you can board the train.
All train stations in Kiel:
Kiel-Russee
oppendorf
Kiel-Elmschenhagen
ellerbek
Suchsdorf
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.
All train stations in Zurich:
Zürich HB
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