From Geneva to Zurich By Train: Duration, Prices, Schedules

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Are you heading from Geneva to Zurich by train? What may sound like a complicated journey is actually a breeze - with some proper planning.

Our blog post addresses the most commonly asked questions about how to reach Zurich from Geneva by train. You have asked us over the years whether flying into GVA makes sense. And whether it is challenging to plan the onward journey to Zurich.

We are here to tell you: no.

Getting from Geneva to Zurich by train is easy, even for first-timers to Switzerland. This blog post explores all your options, including travel times, ticket prices, and train schedules.

Intercity IC 1 train passing vineyards in the Lavaux region

Taking the train from Geneva to Zurich Main Station

After a long trip from your home country to Geneva, the last thing you would want is a complicated onward journey.

Now, if you've read any of our posts about train travel in Switzerland, you will know that railways are our preferred option. The Swiss railway network runs like, well, clockwork.

Trains operated by Swiss Federal Railways depart from Geneva to Zurich twice an hour. From the wee hours in the AM to nearly midnight, these perfect train connections are a straight shot to the Zurich main station.

You can get onto the trains at Geneva Airport or the downtown Geneva main station in Geneva.

The Intercity trains IC 1 and IC 5 are the best connections to travel from Geneva to Zurich. Without any transfers, the trip takes just short of three hours:

IC 1 destined for St. Gallen: 2 hrs 57 min
IC 5 destined for Rorschach: 2 hrs 54 min

Insider tip: your train ticket lets you get off anywhere between Geneva and Zurich within a 24-hour window. Think of cities like Lausanne, Bern, or Neuchâtel.

With all this flexibility, deposit your luggage in a train station locker and do some sightseeing. Then, once you are ready to move on, reclaim your bags and hop onto the next connection destined for the Zurich main station.

Train providers: SBB from Geneva to Zurich trains

Swiss Federal Railway (SBB) is the primary train provider on the Geneva to Zurich tracks. The train compositions of IC 1 and IC 5 feature first-class and second-class cars, plus a designated restaurant, business, and family coach.

Read our expert guide to train travel in Switzerland for information on ticket discounts for students, seniors, and groups. As you can tell, several options exist for different budgets and travel styles.

Geneva to Zurich train times: twice hourly departures

Between 4:47 AM and 8:32 PM, SBB trains depart from the Geneva Airport and Geneva Cornavin stations twice an hour.

Half the trains are routed through Bern (IC 1), while the other half pass through Neuchâtel (IC 5). But both pull into the Zurich main station before continuing to Zurich Airport.

Neither the IC 1 nor the IC 5 train lines involve a transfer. That way, you can store your luggage, sit back, and relax. There are many additional Geneva to Zurich train times, but they all involve one or two transfers.

Geneva Train Station Entrance — Geneva train station entrance

Geneva to Zurich trains: services on board

Before you depart from Geneva, you can reserve a seat in either first or second-class cabins.

Seat reservations on this stretch are really only needed on weekends during peak season. Unless you are traveling as a group or have chosen rush hour, these trains have plenty of available seats.

That's especially true in first class: enjoy extended legroom, armrests, power sockets, and a quieter environment.

Second-class passengers still have relatively comfortable seats and are privy to the restaurant car. In either travel class, there is space for suitcases. But even with this being Switzerland, make sure to keep an eye on your luggage at all times. Especially during stops when someone might grab a suitcase right before the doors close.

In either travel class, small pets that can fit in a bag, or guide dogs, can travel free of charge. Larger dogs will have to pay half the fare of an adult ticket. But the point here is that larger dogs do need their ticket.

From Zurich HB/Zurich Main Station to Geneva/Geneva-Cornavin

All the above advice applies to return trips as well. From the Zurich main station or Zurich Airport, you can take the same IC 1 and IC 5 trains to Geneva or Geneva Airport.

Without any transfers, the trip takes a bit less than three hours:

IC 1 destined for Geneva Airport: 2 hrs 55 min
IC 5 destined for Geneva Airport: 2 hrs 52 min

Between 5:19 AM and 6:32 PM, non-stop trains depart from the Zurich main station to Geneva twice an hour.

Either of these hourly connections provides a smooth transfer between the two cities and their major airports: ZRH and GVA.

With a staggering 34 trains connecting Zurich with Geneva daily, there is hardly a reason not to travel by railway.

Please note that there are later connections, but these involve one or two transfers. The last train to depart from Zurich to Geneva is at 9:02 PM.

Insider tip: maybe we can someday zip from Geneva to Zurich in just 15 minutes. If the innovative Swissloop project ever lifts off, we could save lots of time someday. But then again, we'd be missing out on the beautiful scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the train trip from Geneva to Zurich?

The fastest train between the main stations at Geneva and Zurich is 2 hours and 51 minutes.

The longest train connection is 7 hours 46 minutes, but that's hypothetically speaking. This overnight connection has you sleep in the Lausanne train station until the day's first train departs.

A more realistic longest train connection from Geneva to Zurich is 2 hours 57 minutes, or six additional minutes compared to the shortest connection.

The average journey time by train between Geneva and Zurich is 2 hours 55 minutes. There are no fewer than 31 non-stop train connections per day.

For some, three hours on a train might seem like a long time. But trust me, with Switzerland being as scenic as it is around every bend, the time will pass quickly.

How much does a train ticket from Geneva to Zurich cost?

One-way, full-fare tickets from Geneva to Zurich in second class start from 92 francs when booked beforehand.

A significant benefit of using the SBB website and the SBB mobile app is the "Saver" fares. These tickets can easily save you 20 percent off the regular ticket fare. The only stipulation is that you must travel on a particular connection, giving you less flexibility in return for significant savings.

Prices can vary depending on the time of day, route, and class. For complete budget control, consider buying a Swiss Travel Pass. This popular "hop on/hop off" transportation pass covers all train fares.

And what does the Zurich to Geneva train cost?

One-way, full-fare tickets from Zurich to Geneva in second class start from 72.20 francs when purchased online.

Look out for "Saver" fare tickets labeled with a percentage mark (%). While tied to a particular connection, these tickets provide up to 20% savings compared to flexible point-to-point tickets.

How many daily trains are there between Geneva and Zurich?

There are currently 34 non-stop trains operating between Geneva and Zurich daily.

They all depart from the Geneva Airport station, pass through the Geneva Cornavin main station, and arrive at the Zurich Airport via Zurich main station.

Two direct Intercity trains leave Geneva to Zurich HB every hour: IC 1 and IC 5. Both train lines do not require you to switch along the way, taking just short of three hours.

What train station in Geneva goes to Zurich?

You can board the train at the Geneva Airport train station, the initial departure point. One of the benefits is that more seats are available if you get to the platform early.

But you may also board those same trains at the downtown Geneva train station, Geneva Cornavin. At the latter, trains headed for Zurich will typically depart from platforms 4 and 6.

How far is Zurich from Geneva by train?

The train journey from Zurich to Geneva is 224 kilometers, equivalent to 139 miles.

Which train companies travel from Geneva to Zurich?

Swiss Federal Railway (SBB) is the main train company on the Geneva to Zurich route. It operates both high-speed intercity trains, as well as regional lines.

What's the cheapest way to go from Geneva to Zurich?

The cheapest way to go from Geneva to Zurich is by train. Even with tickets costing upward of 92 francs, this is still cheaper than the alternatives.

Insider tip: avoiding rush hour can help you find cheaper tickets online at sbb.ch or in the SBB mobile app. Flexible travel dates during the peak season will ensure a hassle-free experience. Pick weekdays with fewer tourists on the go, and select mid-morning or mid-afternoon connections for fewer crowds.

What's the fastest journey time between Geneva and Zurich HB by train?

The fastest journey time between Geneva and Zurich main station by train is 2 hours and 51 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Geneva to Zürich?

Yes, there are two direct trains every hour departing from Geneva and headed for the Zurich main station. The same is true for the opposite direction.

What time does the first train from Geneva to Zurich HB leave?

The first non-stop train from Geneva to Zurich main station leaves at 5:19 AM.

What time does the last train from Geneva to Zurich HB leave?

The last non-stop train from Geneva to Zurich main station departs at 8:32 PM. There are additional connections later in the evening, but they involve one or more transfers.

Do you need a seat reservation on the train?

Generally, you do not need to make seat reservations. This is especially true for regional train lines that do not even offer reservations.

However, during the summer travel period (May to September) and on public holidays, we advise you to make a reservation on intercity trains between major cities. You may end up standing in the hallways or sitting on the floor without a guaranteed seat.

Is the train from Geneva to Zurich scenic?

Yes, the train ride from Geneva to Zurich is most definitely scenic. The views of the mountains, valleys, and lakes will take your breath away:

For the best views on IC 1, try to find a window seat on the upper deck on the right-hand side of the train. You will see the sparkling Lake Geneva, the vineyards, and the old town of Bern.
For the best views on IC 5, grab a window seat on the right-hand side of the train. This composition does not offer an upper deck. A long stretch of the journey will take you along Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel, both located on the right-hand side.

Conclusion

Getting from Geneva to Zurich by train is the most convenient way. Intercity trains operate frequently and are a comfortable and efficient way to cover the distance.

Book train tickets from Geneva to Zurich online at least a day before departure for the best fares. An all-inclusive Swiss Travel Pass takes the guesswork out of ticketing, providing you peace of mind as you travel from Geneva to Zurich - and onward.

Enjoy the ride!

Additional Switzerland train resources

How to travel Switzerland by train in just five days

5 jaw-dropping train journeys in Switzerland in 2023

Buy a Swiss Travel Pass at RailEurope

Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass online at the most reputable vendor starting at EUR 238. You will receive an immediate email confirmation with a PDF ticket.

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