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Travelling from Zürich to Bonn by train
Looking to travel from Zürich to Bonn by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 6 hours 15 minutes to travel from Zürich to Bonn by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 5 hours 35 minutes though. You'll usually find 22 trains per day running along the 241 miles (387 km) route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes on your way to Bonn. Trains on this route are usually operated by either DB or SBB. On board you'll find modern comfortable seating and plenty of room for luggage as standard.
Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Zürich to Bonn.
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 Bonn by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
FAQs about the train journey from Zürich to Bonn
Want to know more about your journey from Zürich to Bonn? 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 Zürich to Bonn?
Who operates the trains from Zürich to Bonn?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Zürich to Bonn?
What is the best way to travel to Bonn from Zürich?
What time does the first train run from Zürich to Bonn?
How late does the train from Zürich to Bonn run?
How many trains go from Zürich to Bonn per day?
When do tickets from Zürich to Bonn go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Zürich to Bonn?
Deutsche Bahn, SBB, IC (Intercity) and EC (Eurocity) trains from Zürich to Bonn
Deutsche Bahn
SBB
IC (Intercity)
EC (Eurocity)
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.
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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).
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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.
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EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria – it's often a good alternative to air travel.
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- Eurocity /
- Trenitalia /
- Deutsche Bahn /
- SBB /
- ÖBB
Intercity (IC), Eurocity (EC) and Eurocity classes from Zürich to Bonn
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity (IC), Eurocity (EC) and Eurocity when travelling from Zürich to Bonn.
Intercity (IC)
Eurocity (EC)
Eurocity
Second Class
Enjoy comfy seats with power sockets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Air-conditioning
- Luggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Air-conditioning
- Luggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Second Class
Travelling in Second Class? Enjoy air-conditioning, power sockets and a bar carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
First Class
Fancy treating yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom, a quiet area and at-seat catering service.
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
Economy
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power sockets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, at-seat dining and plenty of space for your luggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
Onboard services on Intercity (IC), Eurocity (EC) and Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zürich to Bonn.
Intercity (IC)
Eurocity (EC)
Eurocity
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.
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.
Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With EC, you can enjoy food and drink 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.
In First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB trains offer a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on their EC trains.
When travelling with EC, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t require a ticket. Also, children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board most EC trains, you will find a family compartment or area suitable for families with babies and children up to the age of 3 years old.
When travelling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle with you. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Usually, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
If you’re travelling on a EC train, you can take your pet with you. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an additional 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 extra 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.
The Mobility Service can help you with board, disembark and change trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
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.
There are plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard.
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.
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.
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet onboard, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.
There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.
Cheap train tickets from Zürich to Bonn
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 Zürich to Bonn 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.