Munich to Zurich by Train
Direct EuroCity via Lake Constance
In the current timetable, eight direct EuroCity trains a day run from München Hauptbahnhof to Zürich HB, roughly every two hours, in about 3 hours 40 minutes. The line runs west through the Allgäu to Lindau on Lake Constance, briefly through Austria at Bregenz, and on via St. Gallen and Winterthur to Zurich, with a stop at Zurich Airport just before the city.
This guide covers the direct train and its stops, the route through the Allgäu and along Lake Constance, tickets, seat reservations and Interrail, and arriving at Zürich HB or the airport.
Travelling before 4 December 2026? Engineering works between Munich and Lindau affect the direct EuroCity on several dates, with replacement buses on some journeys. Check your specific date before travelling.
Book Munich to Zurich
Omio sells the direct EuroCity between München Hauptbahnhof and Zürich HB, alongside slower journeys with changes, so check that the train you choose is shown as direct. You can also book with Deutsche Bahn or SBB, the two railways that run it. Seat reservations are optional, but worth considering on busy services, and saver fares are only valid on the train you booked.
Railero may earn a small commission if you book via the link above, at no extra cost to you.
The Direct EuroCity from München Hauptbahnhof
München Hauptbahnhof, Germany · 48.140°N, 11.558°E
The direct train is a EuroCity, run by Deutsche Bahn as far as Lindau and by SBB in Switzerland. In the current timetable there are eight a day, roughly every two hours from early morning to the evening, and each takes about 3 hours 40 minutes to Zürich HB with no change of train.
There is a restaurant car on board, and wifi on the Swiss section. Bicycles need a reservation and space is limited. If you need step-free help, arrange assistance in advance.
Current Timetable (to 12 December 2026)
- RouteMünchen Hbf → Zürich HB, no change
- TrainEuroCity, run by DB and SBB
- Direct trainsEight a day, roughly every two hours
- Journey timeAbout 3h40 - check current schedules
- Typical stopsBuchloe, Memmingen, Lindau-Reutin, Bregenz, St. Margrethen, St. Gallen, Winterthur, Zürich Flughafen
- ReservationsOptional for seats; compulsory for bicycles
The Route through the Allgäu and Lake Constance
Bavaria, the Bodensee and eastern Switzerland
Leaving Munich, the train heads west across the Bavarian countryside to Buchloe, then through the green, rolling farmland of the Allgäu via Memmingen. It reaches Lake Constance, the Bodensee, at Lindau, where Germany, Austria and Switzerland meet around the lake.
From Lindau-Reutin the line runs to Bregenz in Austria, then crosses the Rhine into Switzerland at St. Margrethen. It continues via Rorschach on the lakeshore and up to St. Gallen, then west through the eastern Swiss countryside to Winterthur, Zurich Airport and Zürich HB.
Typical Stops
Tickets, Reservations and Interrail
Where to book, seat reservations and passes
You can book the direct EuroCity through Omio, or directly with Deutsche Bahn or SBB. Saver fares reward booking ahead and are only valid on the train you booked; tickets usually go on sale several months ahead. Whichever site you use, check that the train is shown as direct.
Seat reservations are optional, but worth considering on busy services; any valid ticket lets you board and take an unreserved seat. Interrail passes are valid on the direct train. Bicycles are different: a bicycle reservation is compulsory, and space is limited.
Quick Rules
Check it is direct: planners also show slower journeys with changes.
Seat reservation: optional, worth considering on busy services.
Interrail: valid on the direct EuroCity.
Bicycles: reservation compulsory, limited space.
Arriving at Zürich HB and the Airport Stop
Zürich HB, Switzerland · 47.378°N, 8.540°E
The train ends at Zürich HB, Switzerland's biggest station, at the top of the Bahnhofstrasse. The old town is just across the river Limmat, and trams leave from outside the station, so most of the city centre is a short walk or tram ride away.
The stop before is Zürich Flughafen, at Zurich Airport. If you are flying onward, you can get off there instead of travelling into the city and back out.
From Zürich HB
Timetable Changes and Engineering Works
Before you book
The current timetable, with eight direct trains a day, is valid until 12 December 2026. The next annual timetable is not yet fully published, so if you are travelling after that date, check your train before booking.
Engineering works also affect this line from time to time, especially between Munich and Lindau, and can mean longer journey times or replacement buses on some trains. Journey planners show these changes for your date, so check the details when you book.
Hotels in Zurich
Zürich HB puts you at the top of the Bahnhofstrasse, with the old town across the river - stay central and the city works entirely on foot and tram.
Zurich - lakefront, foot of the Bahnhofstrasse
The city's legendary grand hotel since 1844, in its own park between the Bahnhofstrasse and the lake - old-money Zurich at full polish.
Zurich - directly opposite the station
A polished traditional hotel across the square from Zürich HB - the practical luxury pick for rail travellers, with the tram network at the door.
Zurich - Niederdorf, in the old town
A cheerful, fairly priced hotel in the pedestrian lanes of the Niederdorf, with its famous Swiss-fondue restaurant downstairs - ten minutes' walk from the platforms.
Hotel links open Booking.com. Railero may earn a commission on bookings at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a direct train from Munich to Zurich?
- Yes. Direct EuroCity trains run from München Hauptbahnhof to Zürich HB with no change, operated by Deutsche Bahn in Germany and SBB in Switzerland. In the current timetable there are eight a day.
- How long does the train from Munich to Zurich take?
- About 3 hours 40 minutes from München Hauptbahnhof to Zürich HB in the current timetable. Engineering works sometimes change journey times, so check current times when you book.
- How often does the Munich to Zurich train run?
- Eight direct trains a day in the current timetable, roughly every two hours from early morning to the evening. The current timetable is valid until 12 December 2026; if you are travelling after the annual timetable change, check your date.
- Where does the Munich to Zurich train stop?
- The direct EuroCity typically calls at Buchloe, Memmingen, Lindau-Reutin, Bregenz in Austria, St. Margrethen, St. Gallen, Winterthur and Zürich Flughafen before Zürich HB. Check the stops for your train when you book.
- Do I need a seat reservation?
- Seat reservations are optional, but worth considering on busy services. Any valid ticket lets you board and take an unreserved seat. If you are taking a bicycle, a bicycle reservation is compulsory and space is limited.
- Can I use Interrail between Munich and Zurich?
- Yes, Interrail passes are valid on the direct EuroCity between Munich and Zurich. A seat reservation is optional, as for other passengers. Check the rules for your pass and date when you plan your trip.
- Should I book with DB, SBB or Omio?
- You can book the direct train through Omio, which lets you compare options in one search, or directly with Deutsche Bahn (bahn.de) or SBB (sbb.ch), the two railways that run it. Whichever you use, check that the train you choose is shown as direct, as journey planners also list slower journeys with changes.
Continue Your Journey
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Continue south from Zurich: Milan by EuroCity
View Route
Interrail and the Swiss Travel Pass — when a pass beats point-to-point tickets and when it does not.
When reservation is mandatory, which side of the train has the views, and how to choose your class.
Munich to Zurich is a straightforward direct trip: in the current timetable, eight EuroCity trains a day take about 3 hours 40 minutes from München Hauptbahnhof to Zürich HB, through the Allgäu, along Lake Constance and via St. Gallen. Check that your train is shown as direct, consider a seat reservation on busy services, and check your date if travelling during engineering works or after the December timetable change.
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