Trains from Geneva to Zurich Hb
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Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Travelling by train from Geneva to Zurich
Make your way from Geneva to Zurich in comfort on a high-speed train. You’ll be in the heart of the city in under 3 hours, arriving at Zurich's biggest station, with SBB running plenty of direct services every day. Leave early and you’ll arrive with the whole day ahead to continue your Swiss adventure.
You may even meet some friendly locals on the way to practice your language skills with, or just gaze out of the wide windows and soak in the sights of that famous Swiss scenery. Once you've arrived in Zurich, it's just a quick stroll from Zurich HB to some of the best hotels in the city center - drop your bags and get sightseeing! Make sure to check out the lakes near the city, as well as Zurich's selection of boat tours and watersports!
Need to find out more? Scroll down for the FAQs and train times for this popular train route from Geneva to Zurich.
Geneva to Zurich Hb by train
| First train | 07:31 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:15 | |
| Departure station | Geneva | |
| Arrival station | Zurich Hb | |
| Journey time | From 8h 55m | |
| Distance | 139 miles (224 km) | |
| Frequency | 17 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
SBB trains from Geneva to Zurich Hb
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
More information
Intercity classes from Geneva to Zurich Hb
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity when traveling from Geneva to Zurich Hb.
Economy Class
Take advantage of the dining car which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Traveling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
First Class
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual power outlets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Onboard services on Intercity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Geneva to Zurich Hb.
You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are power outlets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family car.
You can take your bicycle on board SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.
Cheap train tickets from Geneva to Zurich Hb
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Geneva to Zurich Hb by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Explore Switzerland this winter with SBB
If you fancy visiting a winter wonderland this year, why not travel around Switzerland on an SBB train?
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to explore more of Europe, take the train!
Hop on an SBB train to travel across the country and explore Switzerland's natural beauty and stunning landscapes. Free WiFi ensures you can stay connected while you travel, while the onboard restaurant means you can arrive at your destination well-fed and ready to explore. If you need any help during your journey, customer hosts are available to help answer your questions. Travel in style and comfort with SBB.
Travel from Geneva to Zurich in less than three hours – giving you more time to discover the city and soak up the atmosphere. Plus, SBB trains can take you from city center to city center – there's no waiting around at the airport for transfers. Simply jump off the train and start sightseeing!
If you’re looking to see more of Switzerland, why not get inspired and check times and prices for trips from Geneva to Zermatt, or from Zurich to Lucerne?
FAQs for Geneva to Zurich Hb
Want to know more about your journey from Geneva to Zurich Hb? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Geneva to Zurich Hb take?
The average journey time by train between Geneva and Zurich Hb is 14 hours and 50 minutes, with around 17 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Geneva and Zurich Hb by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Geneva to Zurich Hb is 8 hours and 55 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Geneva to Zurich Hb?
No, there are no direct train services from Geneva to Zurich Hb. Travelling from Geneva to Zurich Hb by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Geneva to Zurich Hb leave?
The first train from Geneva to Zurich Hb leaves at 07:31. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Geneva to Zurich Hb leave?
The last train from Geneva to Zurich Hb leaves at 21:15. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Geneva and Zurich Hb by train?
Trains travelling from Geneva to Zurich Hb cover a distance of around 139 miles (224 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Zurich Hb to Geneva.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.