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The train is a stress-free way to travel from Interlaken to Zurich. While there are no direct services, the majority of services require just one change at Bern. The fastest services take 1h 58m, with 42 trains per day running between Interlaken and Zurich. The first train leaves at 04:40 and the last train at 23:00, and you’ll arrive into the heart of the city at Zurich Main Station. If you’re heading to Zurich Airport, it’s super-easy to jump on a connecting train from the station. There are train services running every few minutes throughout the day which take just 10m to reach the airport meaning you can fly home easily from your Swiss holiday.
If you haven’t got a flight to catch, why not take the longer, scenic train route from Interlaken to Zurich? It takes 2h 52m and involves a change at Lucerne, rather than Bern, but the views along the way are stunning. The leg from Interlaken to Lucerne takes you through the Brünig mountain pass, during which you’ll climb to 1000m above sea level into beautiful Alpine surroundings. Learn more about scenic trains in our handy guide on the best scenic train journeys in Switzerland.
Ready to travel to Zurich? View ticket prices and journey times in our Journey Planner – we’ll always show you the cheapest tickets for your chosen day of travel. And if you need more info on the journey, scroll down for FAQs, train timetables and money-saving tips.
First train | 05:30 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 20:04 | |
Departure station | Interlaken Ost | |
Arrival station | Zurich Hb | |
Journey time | From 1h 58m | |
Distance | 57 miles (92 km) | |
Frequency | 33 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Train and bus operators |
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).
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.
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).
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.
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 Interlaken Ost to Zurich Hb by booking early.§
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.
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!
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.
The average journey time by train between Interlaken Ost and Zurich Hb is 2 hours and 10 minutes, with around 33 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Interlaken Ost to Zurich Hb is 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Interlaken Ost to Zurich Hb without having to change trains. There are 7 direct trains from Interlaken Ost to Zurich Hb each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Interlaken Ost to Zurich Hb leaves at 05:30. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Interlaken Ost to Zurich Hb leaves at 20:04. 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.
Trains travelling from Interlaken Ost to Zurich Hb cover a distance of around 57 miles (92 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Zurich Hb to Interlaken Ost.