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Trains from Zurich to Geneva
For lovers of waterside style, taking the train from Zurich to Geneva is just the ticket. Speed from Lake Zurich to Lake Geneva in less than three hours, and with 27 services a day, you don’t have to cut short your exploration of one of Switzerland’s happiest cities before heading to one of its most beautiful.
Trains from Zurich to Geneva are operated by SBB – the main rail operator in Switzerland – who offer plenty of different options to make your journey as comfortable as possible, including one-way, multi-journey and day pass tickets that let you extend your adventure even beyond these two enchanting cities.
Travelling First Class from Zurich to Geneva
If you want to travel in style, why not choose a First Class train ticket from Zurich to Geneva? SBB trains have a First Class ticket that offers wider more comfortable seats, with more legroom and power sockets. You'll also get access to quiet and business zones on board.
Want to find out more about First Class train travel in Europe? Check out our guide to First Class v Second Class on European trains.
Ready to book? Find train times and tickets in our Journey Planner above, or keep reading for FAQs about the journey from Zurich to Geneva by train.
FAQs about the train journey from Zurich Hb to Geneva
Want to know more about your journey from Zurich Hb to Geneva? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How far is the train ride from Zurich Hb to Geneva?
Who operates the trains from Zurich Hb to Geneva?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Zurich Hb to Geneva?
What is the best way to travel to Geneva from Zurich Hb?
What time does the first train run from Zurich Hb to Geneva?
How late does the train from Zurich Hb to Geneva run?
How many trains go from Zurich Hb to Geneva per day?
When do tickets from Zurich Hb to Geneva go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Zurich Hb to Geneva?
SBB trains from Zurich Hb to Geneva
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).
More information
Intercity classes from Zurich Hb to Geneva
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity when travelling from Zurich Hb to Geneva.
Economy
Take advantage of the restaurant carriage which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Travelling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
First Class
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual plug sockets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Onboard services on Intercity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zurich Hb to Geneva.
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
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.
There are plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
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.
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.
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.
SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.
Cheap train tickets from Zurich Hb to Geneva
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 Zurich Hb to Geneva 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.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
An enjoyable journey from Zurich to Geneva by train
I recently took the train from Zurich to Geneva with SBB, travelling in Second Class. The journey from Zurich HB to Geneva takes just under three hours.
What I enjoyed about the journey
I was impressed with the onboard facilities on the SBB train I took to Geneva. The train was clean and had comfortable seating and plenty of legroom, as well as enough luggage storage for everyone on board. There were also places to store bicycles, which was great.
I also liked that there was a quiet carriage available on the train for passengers who wanted to travel without noise or distractions.
The train was on time, and I was happy with the fast journey time. I was able to sit back and enjoy the great views of the Swiss countryside before we arrived in Geneva right on time, around three hours after leaving Zurich.
What I didn’t like about the journey
One thing I didn’t like about my journey was the fact that there wasn’t any WiFi available on the train.
Overall, I really enjoyed my trip from Zurich to Geneva by train. The train had good facilities on board and the journey was fast and punctual.
About Shivani
Shivani, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between Zurich and Geneva. The review has been written by one of our travel writers, based on a survey including multiple-choice questions regarding pros and cons of the journey.