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About the train journey from Zürich to Chiavari
Want to travel from Zürich to Chiavari by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Zürich to Chiavari usually takes 6 hours 59 minutes on average to travel 215 miles (346 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 5 hours 54 minutes. You can expect to find 18 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Zürich and Chiavari, you’ll need to make 1 change on your way to Chiavari. You can choose to travel with Frecciabianca, Trenitalia or SBB to get to Chiavari. 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 Chiavari in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Chiavari, 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 Chiavari by train
| First train | 07:33 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:05 | |
| Departure station | Zürich | |
| Arrival station | Chiavari | |
| Journey time | From 5h 54m | |
| Distance | 215 miles (346 km) | |
| Frequency | 18 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators | Trenitalia, SBB CFF FFS, Trenord |
FAQs about the train journey from Zürich to Chiavari
Want to know more about your journey from Zürich to Chiavari? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How close is Zürich to Chiavari by train?
Which train companies operate from Zürich to Chiavari?
Is it possible to get from Zürich to Chiavari without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Zürich to Chiavari?
What time does the first train from Zürich to Chiavari leave?
What time does the last train from Zürich to Chiavari leave?
How often are trains from Zürich to Chiavari?
Do you need to book the train from Zürich to Chiavari in advance?
Trenitalia, SBB, Trenord and Intercity trains from Zürich to Chiavari
Trenitalia
SBB
Trenord
Intercity
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
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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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Founded by Trenitalia and FNM (Ferrovie Nord Milano), Trenord run suburban and regional trains in Lombardy and from Lombardy to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. With Trenord, you can travel between Milan, Bergamo, Como, Varese, Pavia, Brescia, Chiasso, Milan Malpensa Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport in total comfort. All Trenord trains have First and Second Class and offer special discounts to travellers under 14, over 60 and groups.
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Trenitalia's Intercity trains run on standard lines outside the high-speed network, offering more than 90 trains a day that guarantee long and medium distance connections, ensuring wide coverage of the rail network. All Intercity trains are modern and comfortable with plenty of seats, retractable tables, power sockets, air conditioning, courtesy lights and plenty of luggage space. Intercity Night trains allow you to travel overnight in cabins with beds, berths or seating.
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Frecciabianca, Intercity, Eurocity and Intercity classes from Zürich to Chiavari
Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciabianca, Intercity, Eurocity and Intercity when travelling from Zürich to Chiavari.
Frecciabianca
Intercity
Eurocity
Intercity
Second Class
In Second Class, you'll find comfy seats with fold-down tables, reading lights and power sockets. Feeling peckish? Head to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get food and drinks.
- Air-conditioning
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- More legroom
First Class
Enjoy larger and comfier seats in Frecciabianca's First Class. In carriage 3, you'll also find a bar service as well as baby changing facilities, if you're travelling with your baby.
- Air-conditioning
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- More legroom
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
Economy
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power sockets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, at-seat dining and plenty of space for your luggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
Second Class Easy
Travel in Second Class Easy and enjoy seats with fold-down tables, power sockets and a bar carriage in the middle of the train.
- Air-conditioning
- Clothes hanger
- Vending machine
- Luggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- Reading light
- More legroom
First Class Plus
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class Easy, you'll get to enjoy more spacious seats and legroom in First Class Plus.
- Air-conditioning
- Clothes hanger
- Vending machine
- Luggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets at each seat
- Reading light
- More legroom
Onboard services on Frecciabianca, Intercity, Eurocity and Intercity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zürich to Chiavari.
Frecciabianca
Intercity
Eurocity
Intercity
- You can take your bags on board Frecciabianca trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
- You can also order your favourite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
At the moment, Frecciabianca trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power sockets that are available at your seat.
- Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (standard fare).
- Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
- Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
- You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciabianca trains, provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm.
- Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
- Small pets can travel on all Frecciabianca trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage with max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on all Frecciabianca trains.
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
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.
There are plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
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.
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.
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.
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
Many SBB Eurocity 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.
There are plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard.
You can take your bike onboard SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when travelling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office.
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.
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet onboard, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.
There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Intercity trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in coach 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
At the moment, Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power sockets that are available at your seat.
- Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (standard fare).
- Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
- Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
- You can travel with your bike for free on all Intercity trains, provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm. Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
- If you can't fold your bike, some Intercity trains allow you to take your bike on board. However, you’ll need to book a space and buy a ticket. There are 6 bike spaces in coach 3 and 2 e-bike chargers.
- Small pets can travel on all Intercity trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.
Cheap train tickets from Zürich to Chiavari
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 Chiavari 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.