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How to take the rail journey from Zurich to Vienna/Wien
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Zürich / Zurich to Wien / Vienna by train
It's possible to take a direct train when travelling during the day from Zurich to the Austrian capital.
There's no hiding the fact that it's a long ride, but the spectacular scenery on the first half of the journey will make the time fly by.
Though due to the distance you can also opt to travel through the night; and what's unusual is that there is a choice of overnight options on this route.
Routes you can take to go from Zürich / Zurich to Wien / Vienna
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:
Looking for connections?
Route Information
Option 1: travel during the day
Station Guides
Travel Time (approx)
7hr 50 min
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
4 x trains per day
Is this journey from Zurich to Vienna direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
Yes, there are lakeside and mountain and river views on the first half of the journey until Kufstein - see the Journey Information for images and videos, plus tips on how to make the most of the journey.
What other tourist locations are along the route from Zurich to Salzburg?
Most trains call at either / or St. Anton and Landeck-Zams and /or Otzal - for ski resort connections and in Innsbruck and Linz and Salzburg
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Wien Hbf?
Around 14:30 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Vienna?
The U-bahn line 1 links Wien Hbf to the heart of the city.
Lines S1, S2 and S3 of the city’s commuter train (S-Bahn network) all provide a useful link from Wien Hbf to the eastern areas of the city centre.
See the Station Guide for more information, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Zurich to Salzburg?
Around 14:40 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 Vienna trains?
Yes
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Zurich to Vienna 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 Zurich to Vienna trains?
- Children aged 5 or younger travel free of charge.
- Up to four children aged 6-14 and travelling with a person aged 15 and travel free or charge - see the Ticket Guide for more info.
Does the ticket for these Zurich to Vienna 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 Vienna trains?
No - and that includes when travelling in June to August.
Is catering available on the Zurich to Vienna 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.
What else is good to know about Austrian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Austria.
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