Zurich to Vienna by train
Railjet Xpress trains run from Zürich HB to Wien Hauptbahnhof in about 8 hours, every two hours by day, and an ÖBB Nightjet runs overnight.
- Origin
- Zurich
- Destination
- Vienna
- Main stations
- Zürich HB to Wien Hbf
- Countries
- Switzerland, Austria
Railjet Xpress trains link Zürich HB and Wien Hauptbahnhof in about 8 hours, and the ÖBB Nightjet makes the same trip overnight.
Direct Railjets and the Transalpin
From 13 December 2026, five direct Railjet Xpress trains leave Zürich HB for Wien Hauptbahnhof each day, every two hours from early morning to late afternoon. The trip takes about 7 hours 52 minutes. The last one gets into Vienna just after midnight.
On the way the Railjet calls at Sargans, Buchs SG, Feldkirch, St. Anton am Arlberg, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Linz and St. Pölten, among others. Its final stop before Wien Hauptbahnhof is Wien Meidling.
If you would rather ride in a panorama car, take the morning EC Transalpin. It carries a first-class panorama car, and you ride it to Innsbruck, then change to a Railjet. The whole journey takes about the same time.
Changes until 12 December 2026
Until 12 December 2026, works between Zürich and Salzburg lengthen the trip to about 8 hours 30 minutes. Some daytime Railjets still leave Zürich HB direct; for the others you take an SBB train to Sargans and join the Railjet there.
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. Railjets to Vienna do not run between Zürich and Ötztal, replacement buses link Sargans and Ötztal, and night trains are diverted through Germany. Check your exact connection if you travel between 18 and 23 November.
Works from February to July 2027
From 8 February to 9 July 2027 the Deutsches Eck line between Rosenheim and Freilassing is closed. Several direct Railjets keep running on a diversion and take about 9 hours 50 minutes, while other daytime journeys involve a change.
The Nightjet to Vienna
The ÖBB Nightjet leaves Zürich HB in the evening and arrives at Wien Hauptbahnhof just before 08:00. It calls at Feldkirch, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Linz and Wien Meidling. From 13 December 2026 the trip takes about 10 hours 20 minutes.
You can book a seat, a couchette, a Mini Cabin or a sleeper compartment, and the reservation is part of the ticket. Take it if you want a last evening in Zürich and the morning in Vienna.
Fares and reservations
SBB sells Zurich to Vienna tickets from CHF 43 in second class and CHF 76 in first. That starting price applies only on direct Railjet Xpress trains, and few seats are sold at it. ÖBB sells its own Sparschiene tickets, which open up to six months ahead for day trains and up to 360 days ahead for the Nightjet.
Railjet seat reservations are optional, and Interrail pass holders pay €3. Book one for a ride this long. On the Nightjet a reservation is compulsory: pass holders pay from €4.90 for a seat, and couchettes and sleepers cost more. Bikes need a reservation on the Railjet, the EC Transalpin and the Nightjet.
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 Vienna
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Zurich to Vienna take?
About 7 hours 52 minutes on a direct Railjet Xpress from 13 December 2026. Until 12 December 2026 works stretch the trip to about 8 hours 30 minutes, and from 8 February to 9 July 2027 the direct Railjets take about 9 hours 50 minutes. The Nightjet takes about 10 hours 20 minutes overnight.
How many direct trains run from Zurich to Vienna each day?
Six from 13 December 2026: five Railjet Xpress trains by day and the overnight Nightjet. Until 12 December 2026 some daytime Railjets start at Sargans instead, so on those you take an SBB train from Zürich HB and change at Sargans.
How much is the train from Zurich to Vienna?
SBB fares start from CHF 43 in second class and CHF 76 in first class. The starting price is limited and valid only on direct Railjet Xpress trains. Nightjet prices depend on whether you book a seat, couchette, Mini Cabin or sleeper, and on demand.
Is there a sleeper train from Zurich to Vienna?
Yes, the ÖBB Nightjet. It leaves Zürich HB in the evening and reaches Wien Hauptbahnhof just before 08:00, with seats, couchettes, Mini Cabins and sleeper compartments. 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 reservation with an Interrail pass?
On the Railjet Xpress a reservation is optional and costs pass holders €3, though it is worth it for nearly 8 hours. On the Nightjet it is compulsory, from €4.90 for a seat, with couchettes and sleepers costing more.
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