How to get to Zurich?
Heading to Zurich! Easily book your trip by train, bus or carpooling to reach Switzerland's largest city.
4.7 out of 1146 reviews
How to Get to Zurich?
Dreaming of visiting Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, but don't know where to start? No need to worry, we'll guide you through all the options for getting there easily, without breaking the bank.
Every year, thousands of travellers head to Zurich. Thanks to train, bus, carpooling or even car journeys, this must-visit European destination is more accessible than ever.
The train is a fast, comfortable and low-carbon solution. From Paris, the TGV Lyria takes you directly to Zurich in around 4 hours. Other French cities (Lyon, Dijon, Mulhouse, Strasbourg) also offer journeys with or without a connection. See Paris → Zurich journeys or Zurich → Paris.
Flying may seem quick, but you need to add transfer time and formalities. From Paris or Lyon, you reach Zurich in a 1h15 flight, then 10 to 15 minutes by train to reach the city centre from the airport. Less eco-friendly, this option can sometimes still be worthwhile in terms of price.
The bus is the most affordable option. Companies like FlixBus or BlaBlaCar Bus offer journeys to Zurich from €25, from Paris, Lyon or Strasbourg. The journey is longer (between 8h and 12h), but perfect for smaller budgets.
Carpooling with BlaBlaCar is also an excellent alternative. Sociable, flexible and sometimes direct, it's ideal for last-minute journeys or if you're leaving from a city with fewer connections.
But why use a platform like Tictactrip to organise your trip to Zurich?
Travel sustainably: By choosing the train or bus, you reduce your carbon footprint while discovering Europe differently.
Simplified booking: With Tictactrip, compare all transport options in one click. Whether you're travelling alone, with friends or with family, find the route suited to your needs and budget.
Now that you know the benefits of going through Tictactrip, let's go over the different ways of getting to Zurich.
What Modes of Transport for Getting to Zurich
Zurich is very well connected, whether by train, bus, carpooling or even car:
Train: The TGV Lyria connects Paris to Zurich in 4h, with no connection. From other cities such as Strasbourg, Mulhouse or Dijon, journeys are possible via TER trains and regional connections.
Bus: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer numerous departures to Zurich. Expect between 8h and 12h depending on your starting point. Prices start at around €20 to €30.
Car: If you prefer the road, Zurich is around 6h30 from Paris. Keep in mind, though, tolls, fuel costs and parking once you're there.
Carpooling: A flexible, affordable and often direct solution. Available from major French cities and cross-border cities such as Basel or Geneva.
What Cities Are Near Zurich
Zurich is also an excellent starting point for exploring Switzerland or neighbouring countries:
Lucerne: 50 minutes by train, a charming city on a lake, with mountains as a backdrop.
Basel: 1h10 from Zurich, this artistic city on the Franco-Swiss border is well worth the detour.
Bern: The Swiss capital is around 1h30 by train from Zurich. Perfect for a historic getaway.
Constance (Germany): Accessible in 1h30 by train, a border city on the shores of Lake Constance.
Thanks to combined journeys on Tictactrip, exploring Switzerland and its surroundings from Zurich becomes child's play. Discover our journey and getaway ideas around Zurich on the blog.
How to Pay Less for Your Tickets on Tictactrip
Travelling to Zurich without blowing your budget is possible with Tictactrip:
Compare prices: Access the best train, bus, carpooling deals... all in one place.
Mix journeys: Combine different modes of transport (TER + TGV, train + bus, bus + carpooling, etc.) to optimise your time or budget.
With thousands of satisfied users and an average rating of 4.4/5, Tictactrip is your travel companion for a smart, smooth and eco-friendly journey.
Transport Companies for Getting to Zurich
Here are some of the popular companies partnered with Tictactrip serving Zurich:
- SNCF & TGV Lyria: For fast, comfortable train journeys from France.
- FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus: For affordable journeys from across Europe.
- BlaBlaCar: For flexible, sociable carpooling.
- TER / regional trains: To connect French cities to the TGV or Swiss network.
The history of Zurich
Want to discover Zurich without breaking the bank? Several options are available: train, bus, carpooling or even plane. Each mode of transport has its advantages depending on your budget, timing and desire for comfort or adventure.
The train is a fast, comfortable and eco-friendly way to reach Zurich. From Paris, the TGV Lyria takes you in just 4 hours to Zurich's main station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof), right in the heart of the city. It's the best option to avoid queues and enjoy the Alpine scenery along the way. Discover Paris → Zurich routes here or Zurich → Paris available on Tictactrip.
The bus remains the most economical option to reach Zurich. FlixBus or BlaBlaCar Bus offer trips from Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg or Marseille at low prices. The journey takes between 8 and 12 hours depending on the departure city, but modern buses are comfortable: Wi-Fi, power outlets, reclining seats... A great solution for tight budgets.
Carpooling, especially with BlaBlaCar, is a flexible and friendly alternative. It's perfect for last-minute departures or if you're leaving from a less well-connected city. The atmosphere on board is often more relaxed, and you can make significant savings.
Flying remains an option, though less eco-friendly. The Paris–Zurich flight takes about 1h15, with airlines such as Swiss, Air France or easyJet. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is very well connected to the city center by a fast train (10 to 15 minutes), making travel easy.
Zurich, the Swiss pearl between nature and modernity
Welcome to Zurich, an elegant and dynamic city where the Swiss art of living really comes into its own. Located on the shore of its lake and surrounded by mountains, Zurich combines tradition, innovation and quality of life.
Start your visit in the old town (Altstadt) with its cobbled streets, iconic churches such as the Grossmünster and colorful facades. Stroll along the shores of Lake Zurich or climb Uetliberg for a breathtaking panoramic view.
On the culture side, don't miss the Swiss National Museum, the Cabaret Voltaire (birthplace of Dadaism), or the WOW Museum for an interactive experience. And for food lovers: fondue, Lindt chocolate and Zurich specialties are on the menu!
Zurich is lively all year round. In summer, the lake becomes a real hub of life, with swimming, festivals and cruises. In winter, the Christmas markets and illuminated facades create a magical atmosphere. Find our visit ideas and Zurich tips on the blog.
What about savings? The bus remains the most affordable option to reach Zurich. But thanks to Tictactrip, you can compare and combine transport modes (train + bus, bus + carpooling, etc.) to find the best route at the best price, with total ease.
So, ready to explore Switzerland's largest city? Book your trip and set off to discover Zurich, between nature, culture and refinement. Gute Reise! 🇨ðŸ‡
