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Travelling from Zürich to Gießen by train

Looking to travel from Zürich to Gießen by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 6 hours 1 minute to travel from Zürich to Gießen by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 4 hours 57 minutes though. You'll usually find 21 trains per day running along the 221 miles (356 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 1 change during the journey to Gießen, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be travelling with ICE, DB or SBB on your way to Gießen, as these are the main rail operators on this route.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Zürich to Gießen start from £37.49 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.

If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Gießen by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Trains to Gießen from Zürich

It takes an average of 6h 1m to travel from Zürich to Gießen by train, over a distance of around 221 miles (356 km). There are normally 21 trains per day travelling from Zürich to Gießen and tickets for this journey start from £37.49 when you book in advance.

First train

00:08

Last train

21:59

Departure stationZürich
Arrival stationGießen
Journey time

From 4h 57m

Distance

221 miles (356 km)

Frequency

21 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £37.49

Train and bus operators

BlaBlaCar Bus, SBB CFF FFS, Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Zürich to Gießen?

Want to know more about your journey from Zürich to Gießen? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I get from Zürich to Gießen?

You can travel from Zürich to Gießen by train in about 6 hours and 1 minute. With around 21 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Zürich to Gießen?

On average, the train journey from Zürich to Gießen takes around 6 hours and 1 minute, with 21 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

How much is the train from Zürich to Gießen?

Train tickets from Zürich to Gießen start from as little as £37.49, depending on the time of booking, class of service and type of train. Booking in advance often results in cheaper prices.

Can you take a high-speed train from Zürich to Gießen?

Yes, you can travel on a high-speed train between Zürich and Gießen. The fastest journeys can take 4 hours and 57 minutes on ICE (Intercity Express) trains. High-speed trains often offer more comfort, different classes and services on board: check out the classes and onboard services available!

What are the train times from Zürich to Gießen?

Check out the next trains departing from Zürich to Gießen for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:5913:025h 3m, 2 changes
08:5914:025h 3m, 1 change
09:5915:025h 3m, 2 changes
10:5915:564h 57m, 2 changes
11:5917:025h 3m, 2 changes
12:5917:564h 57m, 1 change
13:3418:485h 14m, 1 change
13:5919:025h 3m, 2 changes
14:5920:025h 3m, 2 changes
15:5921:025h 3m, 1 change

SBB, Deutsche Bahn, IC (Intercity) and ICE (Intercity Express) trains from Zürich to Gießen

You can travel from Zürich to Gießen on SBB, Deutsche Bahn, IC (Intercity) and ICE (Intercity Express) trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

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).

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

PhotoFalk2, under licence CC4.0

An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.

PhotoNelso Silva, under licence CC BY-SA 2.0

The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.

What Intercity (IC), ICE, Intercity and Eurocity classes are there from Zürich to Gießen?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity (IC), ICE, Intercity and Eurocity when travelling from Zürich to Gießen.

What are the onboard services on Intercity (IC), ICE, Intercity and Eurocity?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zürich to Gießen.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.

You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageWhat 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.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat 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.

WiFiWiFiWhat 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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan 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.

PetPetCan 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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.​

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

There are plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

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.

PetPetCan 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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet onboard, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Zürich to Gießen?

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

The price of train tickets from Zürich to Gießen starts at £37.49§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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