How to take the rail journey from Wien/Vienna to Zürich

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Wien / Vienna to Zürich / Zurich by train

Despite the distance between the Austrian capital and Zurich, there are multiple daily departures to select from, plus unusually there are two overnight journey options.
If you'll be travelling by day by train from Wien/Vienna to Zurich, efforts at setting off early will be rewarded by a stunning journey, with a wonderful climax as the train approaches journey's end

Routes you can take to go from Wien / Vienna to Zürich / Zurich

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Route Information

Option 1: travelling by day
Travel Time (approx)

7hr 50 min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

5 x trains per day


Is the journey from Wien / Vienna to Zurich direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is this journey scenic?
West of Innsbruck it is exceptional - see the Journey Guide for images and videos.


What other tourist locations are along this route from Wien / Vienna to Zurich?
These trains also calls In Linz and Salzburg and Innsbruck - And most trains also call in Landeck - Zams and / or St Anton.
Connect in Buchs for Landquart and Chur


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Zurich Hb from Wien Hbf on this journey option?
After 14:30 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Zurich?
The station is located by the heart of the city centre,
See the Station Guide for more info, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Wien Hbf to Zurich Hb on this journey option
Before 15:30 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to get to the station in Vienna?
The heart of the city, the area around St Stephens cathedral is linked to Wien Hbf by line 1 of the U-bahn.
The eastern areas of the city centre are linked to Wien Hbf by Lines S1, S2 and S3 of the city’s commuter train (S-Bahn network).
See the Station Guide for more information, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Vienna to Zurich trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access guides to how rail tickets are managed in Austria and Switzerland, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Vienna to Zurich trains?
It can be up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.


What are the child ticket terms for these Vienna to Zurich trains?
Adults (aged 15 and over) purchasing discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets for travel in either First or Second class, can take up to four children (aged 14 and under) at no additional cost.


Does the ticket for these Vienna to Innsbruck trains include assigned seats?
No - They are available, but optional.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Vienna to Zurich trains?
No, they are optional.


Is catering available on the Vienna to Zurich trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro service and a restaurant service.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.


What else is good to know about Austrian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Austria.


What else is good to know about Swiss rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Switzerland.

Route Information

Option 2: travelling overnight
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