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How to travel from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb? Look no further.
There are around 7 trains per day running between Pontarlier and Zurich Hb, which usually take 4 hours 28 minutes to complete the 108 miles (174 km) journey. It can take as little as 2 hours 50 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Zurich Hb from Pontarlier, you'll just need to make 1 change along the way. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with SNCF, SBB or TGV Lyria, as these are the main train operators on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from £86.89. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Trains to Zurich Hb from Pontarlier
It takes an average of 4h 28m to travel from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb by train, over a distance of around 108 miles (174 km). There are normally 7 trains per day travelling from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb and tickets for this journey start from £86.89 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:56 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:06 | |
| Departure station | Pontarlier | |
| Arrival station | Zurich Hb | |
| Journey time | From 2h 50m | |
| Distance | 108 miles (174 km) | |
| Frequency | 7 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £86.89 | |
| Train and bus operators | SBB CFF FFS, SNCF, SNCF Voyageurs, TGV Lyria |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb?
Want to know more about your journey from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What's the fastest journey time between Pontarlier and Zurich Hb by train?
Can you take a train directly from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb?
How close is Pontarlier to Zurich Hb by train?
Which train companies operate from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb?
Is it possible to get from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb?
What time does the first train from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb leave?
What time does the last train from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb leave?
How often are trains from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb?
Do you need to book the train from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb?
TER, SNCF, TGV Lyria and SBB trains from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb
TER
SNCF
TGV Lyria
SBB
TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are the regional service from SNCF that allow you to make trips to nearby towns and villages located within the same region. With 20 regions in France, TER trains are ideal for travelling to destinations not covered by high-speed services, although ticket prices vary between each region. TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles and allow animals on board. Not all TER trains include a First Class carriage.
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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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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 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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What TGV Lyria, Intercity and TER classes are there from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb?
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV Lyria, Intercity and TER when travelling from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb.
TGV Lyria
Intercity
TER
Standard
TGV Lyria’s Standard Class offers comfortable seats and access to the dining car, perfect for an economical trip in comfort.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Unlimited drinks
Première
When travelling in Première with TGV Lyria, you will have additional legroom, the comfort of a first-class seat, as well as food sold at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Unlimited drinks
Première Signature
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Première Signature class and enjoy a welcome drink, a meal on board and much more.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility (1)
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Unlimited drinks
- (1) Check conditions when selecting the ticket.
Economy
Take advantage of the restaurant carriage which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Travelling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- 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 plug sockets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Second Class
Most TER trains don't have First or Second Class so the services offered on board are the same for all passengers. Please note that WiFi is not available on TER trains at the moment.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
What are the onboard services on TGV Lyria, Intercity and TER?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb.
TGV Lyria
Intercity
TER
What luggage limits are there? | You can take luggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains: Le Bistrot: Available in the café-bar carriage or at your seat, with a Standard or Première TGV Lyria ticket. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Families can reserve two different areas on the train: The Family Square, located in carriages 6, 16, 7 or 17 in Standard (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a pushchair. You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table on the upper deck of carriages 7 and 17, and the lower deck of carriages 1 and 11.
|
Can I bring a bike on board? | Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm). |
Can I bring pets on board? | Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7. Dogs on a lead may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20. |
What special assistance is available? | 2 seats in carriages 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair. |
What else do I need to know? | You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers. |
What luggage limits are there? | You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage 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. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family carriage. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bicycle onboard 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. |
Can I bring pets on board? | 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. |
What special assistance is available? | SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet. |
What else do I need to know? | There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains. |
What luggage limits are there? | There are no size limits for the luggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any luggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated luggage storage spaces on the train. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave! |
What onboard entertainment is available? | TER trains do not currently have WiFi available. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | All children under 12 years old get 50% off the price of a TER ticket - input the age of your child when searching your journey and the discount will be applied automatically. Children under the age of 4 travel for free if they're sat on your lap throughout the journey. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | On TER trains, it's free to take your bicycle on board. You can hang it up or store it in a dedicated bicycle area. There are a fixed number of spaces available on each train - they're first come, first served and can't be reserved. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Animals weighing less than 6kg must travel in an appropriate carrier (no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm), stored at your feet or on your lap. Tickets for small animals cost 7€. Animals weighing more than 6kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for larger animals cost 50% of the price of a second class ticket. Up to 2 animals or 2 carriers allowed per passenger. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on board all SNCF trains. |
What special assistance is available? | If you are disabled or have reduced mobility, you can reserve special assistance through 'Accès TER'. Someone can meet you at the station and accompany you to your train or TER bus, helping you to get around more easily. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Pontarlier to Zurich Hb?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts
6. Take a night train
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.