How to take the rail journey from Zurich to the Swiss capital

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Zürich / Zurich to Bern by train

When making the simple journey by train from Zurich to Bern you can choose between taking the express (IC) trains, or the regional (IR) trains.
The IC trains will get you there faster, but the IR trains can be money savers, particularly if you will be booking last minute at the station.

Routes you can take to go from Zürich / Zurich to Bern

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: taking the express trains
Travel Time (approx)

56 min (IC trains)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

2 x trains per hour


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


Is the journey scenic?
Not particularly, the best of the views occur as the train arrives into Bern


What other tourist locations are along the route from Zurich to Bern?
These express trains are non stop to Bern.


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Bern from Zurich on this journey option?
Before 06:40 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Bern?
Bern station has a very convenient location within a 10 min walk of the old town area.


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Zurich to Bern on this journey option

  • From Zurich HB: Shortly after midnight daily (by IR train)
  • From Zurich Flughafen / Airport: At around 22:45 daily
    Source = European Rail Timetable

How easy is it to get to the station in Zurich?
Zurich HB is at the northern edge of the heart of the city, the old town area is within a 10min walk and more than a dozen routes / lines use the two sets of tram stops.
See the Station Guide for more info, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Zurich to Bern trains?
Yes


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Zurich to Bern trains?
Typically up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though this period of time can be shorter, particularly when searching for journeys more than three months ahead during October and March.


What are the child ticket terms for these Zurich to Bern trains?

  • Children aged 5 or younger travel free of charge
  • Children aged 6-15 and travelling with a person aged 16 and over, pay 50% of the adult rate per journey - see the Ticket Guide for more info.

Does the ticket for these Zurich to Bern trains include assigned seats?
No, reservations are available, but are not mandatory.
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 Zurich to Bern trains?
No


Is catering available on the Zurich to Bern trains?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.


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

Route Information

Option 2: taking the regional (IR) trains
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