Trains from Zürich to Calais
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About the train journey from Zürich to Calais
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The train from Zürich to Calais usually takes 9 hours 52 minutes on average to travel 628 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 6 hours 40 minutes. You can expect to find 13 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Zürich and Calais, you'll need to make 1 change on your way to Calais. You can choose to travel with TGV, ICE or SNCF to get to Calais. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Zürich to Calais in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from $90.03.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Calais, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Zürich to Calais by train
It takes an average of 9h 52m to travel from Zürich to Calais by train, over a distance of around 390 miles (628 km). There are normally 13 trains per day traveling from Zürich to Calais and tickets for this journey start from $90.03 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:08 |
|---|---|
| Last train | 21:34 |
| Departure station | Zürich |
| Arrival station | Calais |
| Journey time | 6h 40m |
| Distance | 628 miles (390 km) |
| Frequency | 13 trains per day |
| Changes | 1 change |
| Price | From $90.03 |
| Train and bus operators | TGV Lyria, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, SBB CFF FFS, BlaBlaCar Bus |
TGV Lyria, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF and SBB trains from Zürich to Calais
TGV Lyria
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF
SBB
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).
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The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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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).
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Cheap train tickets from Zürich to Calais
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 Zürich to Calais 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 Zürich to Calais
How long does the train from Zürich to Calais take?
The average journey time by train between Zürich and Calais is 9 hours and 52 minutes, with around 13 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 Zürich and Calais by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Zürich to Calais is 6 hours and 40 minutes.
How much does the train from Zürich to Calais cost?
Train tickets from Zürich to Calais can start from as little as $90.03 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 Zürich to Calais?
No, there are no direct train services from Zürich to Calais. Travelling from Zürich to Calais by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Zürich to Calais leave?
The first train from Zürich to Calais leaves at 00:08. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Zürich to Calais leave?
The last train from Zürich to Calais leaves at 21:34. 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 Zürich and Calais by train?
Trains travelling from Zürich to Calais cover a distance of around 390 miles (628 km) during the journey.