Travelling from Paris to Zurich by train
Want to spend some time in Switzerland’s largest city and need more information on how to take the train from Paris to Zurich? Start your journey here!
On average, the journey time from Paris to Zurich is 5h 27m, but can take just 4h 4m on the fastest TGV Lyria services. Each day, around 5 direct services run from Paris to Zurich, so you don’t need to worry about changing along the way.
If you’re travelling on this popular route, you’ll hop on a high-speed TGV Lyria train at Paris Gare de Lyon or Paris Gare de l’Est station, before travelling at speeds of up to 200mph and arriving at Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB) station. TGV Lyria trains provide spectacular views of the French countryside, so make sure you book a spot on the top deck of your double-decker train to take it all in.
If you want to travel from Paris to Switzerland by train but aren’t sure which city to visit – Zurich is the ideal choice! Once you’ve arrived at Zurich HB station, you’ll be in the heart of the city. From here, you can take a half-mile stroll up to Lindenhof Hill, which was once the site of a Roman fort and boasts excellent views over the city. If you’re a soccer fan, you should head straight to the FIFA World Cup Museum, accessible via the regional S-Bahn train service.
Feeling ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Paris to Zurich today! Just head to our Journey Planner at the top of the page and we’ll point out the cheapest fares. If you’d like to read more information first, cast your eyes down this page for useful journey information, including train times, tickets prices and FAQs.
Paris to Zurich Hb by train
TGV Lyria trains from Paris to Zurich Hb
TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).
More information
Cheap train tickets from Paris 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 Paris 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.
FAQs for Paris to Zurich Hb
How long does the train from Paris to Zurich Hb take?
The average journey time by train between Paris and Zurich Hb is 5 hours and 12 minutes, with around 14 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 Paris and Zurich Hb by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Paris to Zurich Hb is 4 hours and 4 minutes.
How much does the train from Paris to Zurich Hb cost?
Train tickets from Paris to Zurich Hb can start from as little as $27.13 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Paris to Zurich Hb?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Paris to Zurich Hb without having to change trains. There are 5 direct trains from Paris to Zurich Hb each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Paris to Zurich Hb leave?
The first train from Paris to Zurich Hb leaves at 07:22. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Paris to Zurich Hb leave?
The last train from Paris to Zurich Hb leaves at 20:35. 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 Paris and Zurich Hb by train?
Trains travelling from Paris to Zurich Hb cover a distance of around 303 miles (488 km) during the journey.