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How to travel from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport? Look no further.
There are around 14 trains per day running between Zürich and Cologne Bonn Airport, which usually take 5 hours 44 minutes to complete the 250 miles (403 km) journey. It can take as little as 5 hours 3 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 Cologne Bonn Airport from Zürich, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way. All or part of your journey will be on board a ÖBB train, as they are the main operator of trains on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport if you book in advance. 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.
Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport by train
| First train | 00:08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 18:59 | |
| Departure station | Zürich | |
| Arrival station | Cologne Bonn Airport | |
| Journey time | From 5h 3m | |
| Distance | 250 miles (403 km) | |
| Frequency | 14 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport
Want to know more about your journey from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How close is Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport by train?
Which train companies operate from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport?
Is it possible to get from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport?
What time does the first train from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport leave?
What time does the last train from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport leave?
How often are trains from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport?
Do you need to book the train from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport?
ÖBB trains from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
More information
- ÖBB /
- Railjet /
- Nightjet /
- Trains in Austria
Intercity classes from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity when travelling from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport.
Economy
When travelling on ÖBB’s InterCity trains, Economy class is perfect if you’re looking for spacious seats and generous luggage storage at an affordable price.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Air-conditioning
- Onboard app service
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
First Class
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to First Class on your ÖBB’s InterCity service and you’ll take advantage of adjustable seats and additional legroom.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Air-conditioning
- Onboard app service
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Onboard services on Intercity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport.
You can take your luggage free of charge onboard all ÖBB Intercity trains, provided that it is stowed in the luggage racks above or below your seat or in the areas provided for hand luggage.
The pieces of luggage must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 60 x 40cm. These dimensions can only be exceeded if you’re travelling with skis and snowboards, ski and hiking poles, wind, string or plucked instruments, wheelchairs, or strollers.
Unfortunately, a restaurant carriage is not available on ÖBB Intercity trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off!
Unfortunately, ÖBB Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. Also, WiFi is not always available.
If you’re travelling with your child, you’ll get a discounted ticket. Children aged 0-5 travel for free on ÖBB Intercity trains, while those aged 6-14 get a half-price ticket. Kids aged 15 or over need a full-price ticket.
Many ÖBB Intercity trains offer special compartments for children in Economy Class – they come with 6 seats and can be booked for any route. Breastfeeding compartments are available too – they have curtains that block the view for more privacy. These seats can’t be booked.
You can travel with your bike for free on all ÖBB Intercity trains, provided that it can be folded and is not larger than 90 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm. You won’t need to book a space for your bike.
If you can’t fold your bike, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket to reserve your space. You can book your ticket up to 6 months in advance from ÖBB Ticketshop online. If possible, we recommend you print out your bike reservation and attach it to your bike where it is clearly visible to the ticket inspector.
Small pets can travel for free on ÖBB Intercity trains if they’re placed in a carrier or cage. If you can’t carry them in a carrier or cage, you’ll need to buy a ticket for them. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost and don’t need to wear a muzzle.
ÖBB Intercity trains come with accessible toilets. Depending on the type of coach, several wheelchair bays including one seat for an accompanying person can be booked free of charge.
On many trains, the wheelchair bays are in First Class. However, passengers with wheelchairs and the person accompanying them can travel in First Class with their Second Class tickets and can also make use of the at-seat meal service on offer there.
Cheap train tickets from Zürich to Cologne Bonn Airport
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 Cologne Bonn Airport 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.