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Zürich / Zurich to Graz by train
How to take the rail journey from Zurich to Graz
There are many spectacular rail journeys which can be taken from Zurich, but this route to Graz taken by the 'Transalpin Express' may be the best of all of them.
It's so fabulous that one of the First Class coaches usually included in the train's formation is an observation car.
Though due to the distance it's also possible to take an overnight train on this route
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Routes
Option 1: travelling by day
Journey Summary
9hr 34min
Daily
Travel Information
Final Destination: Graz
The train also calls at: Kitzbuhel and Zell am See
This train is usually scheduled to depart at 08:40 from the platforms/tracks (gleis 3 - 18) which are accessed from the street level concourse in Zurich HB station.
1 x train per day
Tickets
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings open: 3 months ahead of the travel date
The prices of the tickets are usually cheaper on OBB, particularly as its cheapest 'Sparschiene' tickets can now be booked up until the day of travel (if they haven't sold out) - previously Sparscheine tickets had to be booked at least 3 days ahead.
However, it's worth comparing prices with SBB, but remember that the price on SBB will be in Swiss Francs and not euros.
On SBB look for the 'Saver' price, on the SBB website it is listed below the standard price.
Where to book
| Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| OBB | from €35 | |
| SBB | from €35 | |
| Trainline | from €35 | |
| Happy rail | from €35 |
On this journey
Travelling On
Journey Features
Good to Know
The train will reverse direction on departure from Buchs.
Journey description:
Step on board one of Europe's most epic rail journeys, with amazing views of two Swiss lakes AND a passage through the stunning Arlberg Pass.
Sit on the left (when facing the direction) of travel) on departure from Zurich for the best views.
Within 10 minutes of departing from Zurich there are a series of stunning views of not one, but two lakes, the Zurichsee...
...and then the Wallensee.
...can both be seen from the left of the train.
The best of the views as the train travels through the Arlberg pass will be over on the right, but the train will reverse direction on departure from Buchs.
Between Buchs and Feldkirch the train will travel through Liechtenstein, then after departure from Bludenz, the train threads through the stunning Arlberg Pass - though in summer the trees can get in the way.
In the pass, the best and most spectacular views of the entire journey are over on the right; even on a grey day.
But after St.Anton the best of the views are over on the left...
... with a particular highlight of the journey being the descent to Landeck station.
Then after Innsbruck this train takes a route that no other train from Zurich follows, through Alpine Valleys virtually all the way to Graz.
Option 2: Travel through the night on a Nightjet
Journey Summary
10hr 20min (approx)
Nightly
Travel Information
The train is usually scheduled to depart from Zurich HB at 20:40 and arrive in Graz just after 07:00, though it can arrive around an hour later.
Final Destination: Graz
If the timings of the daytime train suit, it's usually scheduled to depart from Zurich at 08:40 and arrive in Graz at 18:14, then take it - particularly if you're a fan of wonderfully scenic railway journeys.
1 x train per night
Tickets
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings open: 6 months ahead of the travel date
The train conveys:
- Compartment Seats (Sitzwagen)
- Couchettes (Liegewagen); 4 berths AND 6 berths
- Standard sleeping cars (Schlafwagen) with 3 bed, 2 bed and 1 cabins
- Deluxe sleeping cars with showers (Schlafwagen) with 3 bed, 2 bed and 1 cabins
The first price you will see on the OBB ticketing site will be for the compartment seats.
Click the train details or more info including the rail pass reservation fees:
Our step-by-step guide to booking a Nightjet train on the OBB ticketing site is available HERE
Rail pass users must reserve before boarding these trains,
You can now book rail pass reservations without paying booking fees on the OBB website (OBB operates these trains).
Though the process for doing so isn't particularly obvious, hence this step-by-step guide.
Where to book
| Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| OBB | * |
On this journey
Travelling On
Journey Features
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