Vienna to Zurich by train
ÖBB Railjet Xpress trains link Wien Hauptbahnhof and Zürich HB in about 8 hours, roughly every two hours by day, plus an overnight Nightjet.
- Origin
- Vienna
- Destination
- Zurich
- Main stations
- Wien Hbf to Zürich HB
- Countries
- Austria, Switzerland
ÖBB Railjet Xpress trains run from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Zürich HB in about 8 hours, and the Nightjet makes the same trip overnight.
Railjet Xpress by day
From 13 December 2026, five Railjet Xpress trains a day run direct from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Zürich HB, leaving roughly every two hours between early morning and mid-afternoon. The journey takes about 7 hours 52 minutes. Catch the first one and you reach Zürich in the early afternoon.
Stops include Wien Meidling, St. Pölten, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, St. Anton am Arlberg, Feldkirch, Buchs SG and Sargans. Between Salzburg and Kufstein the train crosses a short stretch of Germany without stopping. You keep the same seat the whole way.
Changes until 12 December 2026
Until 12 December 2026, works between Salzburg and Zürich slow the day trains to about 8 hours 25 minutes. Some Railjets end at Sargans instead of Zürich HB, and a connecting SBB train covers the last hour; others still run through.
From 18 November 2026 the Arlberg line is closed between Ötztal and Bludenz until 22 November, and SBB lists changes, mainly to night trains, until 23 November. Replacement buses run from Ötztal to Sargans, with trains on to Zürich, and the night trains are diverted through Germany. Check your exact connection if you travel between 18 and 23 November.
Overnight on the Nightjet
The ÖBB Nightjet leaves Wien Hauptbahnhof in the evening and reaches Zürich HB the next morning, calling at Wien Meidling, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Feldkirch. From 13 December 2026 it takes about 10 hours 40 minutes. Choose a seat, a couchette, a Mini Cabin or a sleeper compartment. The reservation comes with the ticket.
It suits you if you want a full evening in Vienna and a morning arrival without paying for a hotel.
Works from February to July 2027
The Deutsches Eck line between Freilassing and Rosenheim, the Railjet's shortcut through Germany, closes from 8 February to 9 July 2027. Several direct Railjets keep running on a diversion and take about 9 hours 50 minutes. Other daytime journeys involve a change.
Tickets and seat reservations
ÖBB sells cheaper Sparschiene tickets for both the Railjet and the Nightjet. They are limited, non-flexible and valid only on the booked train, so the lowest prices go first. Day trains open for booking up to six months ahead, the Nightjet up to 360 days ahead.
A seat reservation on the Railjet is optional. On a ride of almost 8 hours it is worth having, and Interrail pass holders pay €3 for it. The Nightjet is different. Reservation is compulsory, pass holders pay from €4.90 for a seat, and couchettes and sleepers cost more. Bikes travel on the Railjet and the Nightjet only with a bike reservation.
Stops
Where to book
Train service
- Check times & prices
ÖBB is Austria's national railway, with Railjet high-speed and Nightjet sleeper services plus regional trains across Austria and neighbouring countries.
Official website
Find places to stay in Zurich
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Vienna to Zurich take?
About 7 hours 52 minutes on a direct Railjet Xpress from 13 December 2026. Until 12 December 2026 works stretch the day trains to about 8 hours 25 minutes, and from 8 February to 9 July 2027 the direct Railjets take about 9 hours 50 minutes. The overnight Nightjet takes about 10 hours 40 minutes from 13 December 2026.
Is there a direct train from Vienna to Zurich?
Yes. From 13 December 2026, five Railjet Xpress trains a day run direct from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Zürich HB, and the Nightjet runs direct overnight. Until 12 December 2026 some Railjets end at Sargans, so on those you change there for the last hour to Zürich.
Is there a night train from Vienna to Zurich?
Yes, the ÖBB Nightjet. It leaves Wien Hauptbahnhof in the evening and arrives at Zürich HB the next morning, with seats, couchettes, Mini Cabins and sleeper compartments. The reservation is included in the Nightjet ticket. During the Arlberg closure, from 18 to 22 November 2026 (SBB lists changes until 23 November), the night trains are diverted through Germany and run to different times.
Do I need a seat reservation with an Interrail pass?
Not on the Railjet Xpress, where a reservation is optional and costs pass holders €3. It is still sensible on a journey of almost 8 hours. On the Nightjet you must reserve: seats start from €4.90 for pass holders, and couchettes and sleepers cost more.
Should I board at Wien Hauptbahnhof or Wien Meidling?
Wien Hauptbahnhof for most travellers, as the direct Railjets and the Nightjet start there. Wien Meidling is the next stop a few minutes later, so board there only if it is closer to where you are staying.
Can I take a bike on the train from Vienna to Zurich?
Yes, on the Railjet Xpress and the Nightjet, but only with a bike reservation, and spaces are limited. Book the bike place when you buy your ticket.
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