Day Trips from Zurich by Train

October 29, 2026

Zurich is the rail hub of Switzerland, so several excellent day trips need nothing more than a train ticket. Others look easy on a map but make for very long days. Prices are in Swiss francs (CHF).

Rhine Falls

Direct regional trains run from Zürich HB to Neuhausen Rheinfall or Schloss Laufen, in about 50 minutes. The falls are about 23 m high and 150 m wide. At Schloss Laufen a path, a platform and a lift cost CHF 5 for adults and CHF 3 for children aged 6 to 16, with longer hours in summer (from 08:00 to 18:00 in June to August) and shorter ones in winter. Boat trips in the basin run in the warmer months, but fares and operating dates vary, so check with the operator. Schaffhausen, five minutes further on by train, has a medieval centre and the round Munot fortress.

Lucerne

Fast InterRegio trains reach Lucerne in 41 to 50 minutes. From the station, walk to the wooden Chapel Bridge and its water tower, then on to the Lion Monument and the Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten), where the fee and closing day should be checked.

Rigi

Rigi can join a Lucerne day. Take the train to Arth-Goldau, then the rack railway to Rigi Kulm at 1,797 m, and come down to Vitznau for a boat to Lucerne. Rigi is free with a Swiss Travel Pass or GA travelcard. Without a pass, the Vitznau to Rigi Kulm return is about CHF 55.

Stein am Rhein

This well-preserved town of painted half-timbered houses is about 1 hour 10 minutes from Zürich by train, and it belongs to the canton of Schaffhausen. Allow a relaxed half day around the Rathausplatz.

Winterthur and Technorama

The Technorama science centre is about 30 minutes away by S-Bahn and bus. Prices are about CHF 33 to 34 for adults, but confirm them before you go.

Uetliberg

The local mountain is a short ride from the centre, but the S10 does not run from Zürich HB to Selnau until 13 December 2026 because of temporary works. Walk 12 minutes to Selnau or take tram 3 or 14 to Stauffacher. Afterwards the train takes about 25 minutes. The Zürich Card covers a trip up the Uetliberg.

Jungfraujoch and Titlis

Both are possible from Zurich, but each is a very long, costly day. Packaged day tours from Zurich start at about CHF 290. If these peaks are a priority, stay a night nearby (Interlaken is the better base for the Jungfrau region). See multi-day trips from Zurich .

Tickets and tours

Rail times and fares are on sbb.ch and the Rhine Falls castle is covered at zuerich.com . If you would like a guided option, a search for Zurich day trips lists what is on offer.