There are 11 ways to get from Florence to Zürich by train, bus, night bus, car or plane
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
Recommended option
Train • 5h 50m
Cheapest option
Night bus • 8h 25m
9 alternative options
Train via Como • 6h 3m
Train via Locarno • 8h 19m
Bus • 8h 43m
Drive • 5h 53m
Fly Florence to Zurich • 4h 8m
Train to Bologna, fly to Zurich • 4h 40m
Train to Pisa, fly to Zurich • 5h 21m
Train to Venice, fly to Zurich • 6h 5m
Florence to Zürich by train
The train journey time between Florence and Zürich is around 5h 50m and covers a distance of around 557 km. This includes an average layover time of around 42 min. Operated by Trenitalia Frecce, ItaloTreno, Trenitalia Intercity and others, the Florence to Zürich train service departs from Firenze S.M.N. and arrives in Zürich HB. Typically 151 trains run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.
Travel safe during COVID-19
International entry into Switzerland from Italy
- Entry is fully open for citizens and permanent residents of Italy
Conditions of entry into Switzerland from Italy
- There are no current restrictions
Rules to follow in Switzerland
m
Regional advice
Considerations leaving from Italy
The official advice is to avoid non-essential international travel to high risk countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, entry into Switzerland is currently allowed from Italy.
Explore travel optionsDomestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply
- Face masks are recommended
- Observe COVID-19 safety rules
- Regional restriction measures in place
- Health pass is required for long-distance travel by plane, train or coach, as well as in some public venues
The national COVID-19 helpline number in Zürich is 0041 58 463 00 00.
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Zürich is subject to regional advice.
Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 0041 58 463 00 00.
No, returning to Italy from Switzerland is currently allowed.
See options for return travel.
Last updated: 3 Aug 2022
Exceptions may apply, for full details: Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.
We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.
This information is compiled from official sources. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.
Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help.
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Florence to Zürich is to night bus which costs €29 - €35 and takes 8h 25m.
The quickest way to get from Florence to Zürich is to fly which costs €90 - €340 and takes 4h 8m.
Yes, there is an overnight bus departing from Florence and arriving at Zurich Bus Station station. This bus operates every day. The journey takes approximately 8h 25m.
No, there is no direct train from Florence to Zürich. However, there are services departing from Firenze S.M.N. and arriving at Zürich HB via Milano Centrale and Lugano. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 50m.
It is 451 km from Florence to Zürich. It is approximately 579.9 km to drive.
The best way to get from Florence to Zürich without a car is to train which takes 5h 50m and costs €70 - €220.
It takes approximately 5h 50m to get from Florence to Zürich, including transfers.
Florence to Zürich bus services, operated by FlixBus, depart from Florence station.
Florence to Zürich train services, operated by Trenitalia Frecce, depart from Firenze S.M.N. station.
The best way to get from Florence to Zürich is to train which takes 5h 50m and costs €70 - €220. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €50 - €75 and takes 8h 43m, you could also fly, which costs €90 - €340 and takes 4h 8m.
- Distance: 450.7 km
- Duration: 5h 50m
What companies run services between Florence, Italy and Zürich, Switzerland?
You can take a train from Florence to Zürich via Milano Centrale and Lugano in around 5h 50m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Florence to Zürich via Milan in around 8h 43m.
- Website
- swiss.com
Flights from Florence to Zurich
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 16m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- SFr 140 - SFr 460
Flights from Bologna to Zurich
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- SFr 110 - SFr 290
Flights from Florence to Basel via Zurich, Munich
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 40m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- SFr 370 - SFr 1800
Flights from Pisa to Zurich
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- When
- Tuesday and Friday
- Estimated price
- SFr 95 - SFr 410
Flights from Venice to Zurich
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 8m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- SFr 120 - SFr 550
- Website
- lufthansa.com
Flights from Florence to Zurich via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 25m
- When
- Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- SFr 180 - SFr 700
Flights from Bologna to Zurich via Munich
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 12m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- SFr 360 - SFr 650
Flights from Bologna to Zurich via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 20m
- When
- Sunday
- Estimated price
- SFr 150 - SFr 550
Flights from Florence to Basel via Munich
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 48m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- SFr 160 - SFr 600
Flights from Florence to Basel via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 4h
- When
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
- Estimated price
- SFr 180 - SFr 700
Flights from Pisa to Zurich via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 30m
- When
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- SFr 190 - SFr 750
- Website
- klm.com
Flights from Florence to Basel via Paris Charles de Gaulle
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 16m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- SFr 130 - SFr 650
Flights from Florence to Basel via Amsterdam Schiphol
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 22m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- SFr 140 - SFr 800
- Website
- airfrance.com
Flights from Florence to Basel via Paris Charles de Gaulle
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 16m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- SFr 130 - SFr 650
- Website
- flyedelweiss.com
Flights from Pisa to Zurich
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- When
- Tuesday and Friday
- Estimated price
- SFr 95 - SFr 410
Trenitalia’s high-speed Frecce trains run on specialised tracks and have a greater level of service and comfort than InterCity and regional trains. There are three types of Frecce trains: Frecciarossa, (the fastest; connects major Italian cities); Frecciargento (mostly connect Rome to other Italian cities); and Frecciabianca (the slowest Frecce trains). Frecciarossa trains offer four classes of service, all with free Wi-Fi: Standard, Premium, Business and Executive. All Frecce tickets include a seat reservation and must be purchased before boarding the train.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 06 68475475
- Website
- trenitalia.com
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Milano Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 2h
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- SFr 23 - SFr 80
- Website
- Trenitalia Frecce
- Super Economy
- SFr 23 - SFr 35
- Base Standard
- SFr 40 - SFr 60
- Base Premium
- SFr 50 - SFr 80
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 38 min
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- SFr 10 - SFr 45
- Website
- Trenitalia Frecce
- Super Economy
- SFr 10 - SFr 15
- Base Standard
- SFr 24 - SFr 35
- Base Premium
- SFr 30 - SFr 45
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Venezia Mestre
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 3m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- SFr 19 - SFr 70
- Website
- Trenitalia Frecce
- Super Economy
- SFr 19 - SFr 27
- Base Standard
- SFr 35 - SFr 55
- Base Premium
- SFr 45 - SFr 70
Private train company Italotreno operates high-speed trains in Italy on the same tracks as Trenitalia. The routes service 21 stations across the country, including popular routes Milan-Florence, Rome-Venice and Bologna-Naples. Choose from four classes of service, all with free Wi-Fi: Smart, Comfort, Prima and Club Executive. Italo also operates Italobus – an integrated train-bus service that takes passengers from the main train stations to other Italian cities.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 060708
- Website
- italotreno.it
Train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Milano Centrale Station
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 15m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- SFr 20 - SFr 60
- Website
- Italo Treno
- Smart Economy
- SFr 22 - SFr 35
- Smart Low Cost
- SFr 20 - SFr 28
- Smart Flex
- SFr 40 - SFr 60
Train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 39 min
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- SFr 11 - SFr 35
- Website
- Italo Treno
- Smart Economy
- SFr 14 - SFr 20
- Smart Low Cost
- SFr 11 - SFr 17
- Smart Flex
- SFr 25 - SFr 35
Train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Mestre
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 7m
- Frequency
- Every 3 hours
- Estimated price
- SFr 17 - SFr 55
- Website
- Italo Treno
- Smart Economy
- SFr 20 - SFr 28
- Smart Low Cost
- SFr 17 - SFr 25
- Smart Flex
- SFr 35 - SFr 55
Trenitalia’s Intercity (IC) trains are slower than the high-speed Frecce trains but are still a good way to travel between major cities and towns, with routes including Rome to Naples, Venice to Bologna and Milan to Genoa. Tickets usually open for booking 90 days ahead of travel, and you’ll need make a seat reservation before boarding. All IC trains have 1st and 2nd class carriages as well as a bar buffet car, air conditioning and power sockets. InterCity trains that run at night are called InterCity Notte (ICN).
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 06 68475475
- Website
- trenitalia.com
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Milano Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 42m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- SFr 18 - SFr 26
- Website
- Trenitalia Intercity
- 2nd Class
- SFr 18 - SFr 26
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 24m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- SFr 6 - SFr 10
- Website
- Trenitalia Intercity
- 2nd Class
- SFr 6 - SFr 10
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Venezia Mestre
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 35m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- SFr 15 - SFr 22
- Website
- Trenitalia Intercity
- 2nd Class
- SFr 15 - SFr 22
The national railway company of Switzerland, Swiss Railways operates trains throughout the country and adjacent European nations including Germany, France, Italy and Austria. Tickets are sold in two classes - First and Second - with most long-distance trains offering a bistro car serving beverages and snacks. Individual tickets can be bought easily at stands, while a variety of travel passes are on offer to suit different travel needs.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +41 51 220 11 11
- Website
- sbb.ch
Train from Milano Centrale to Lugano
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- SFr 29 - SFr 55
- Website
- Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Train from Lugano to Zürich HB
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 53m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- SFr 50 - SFr 90
- Website
- Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Train from Milano Centrale to Chiasso
- Ave. Duration
- 46 min
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- SFr 22 - SFr 40
- Website
- Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Train from Chiasso to Zürich HB
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 22m
- Frequency
- Every 2 hours
- Estimated price
- SFr 55 - SFr 100
- Website
- Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Train from Milano Centrale to Tenero
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 46m
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- SFr 35 - SFr 70
- Website
- Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Train from Basel SBB to Zürich HB
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 9m
- Frequency
- Every 15 minutes
- Estimated price
- SFr 30 - SFr 60
- Website
- Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
The primary train operator in Italy, Trenitalia was created in the year 2000. Trenitalia offers national rail connections in Italy as well as international connections to Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland. The company operates regional and long-distance trains, as well as high-speed trains called Frecce that travel on specialised tracks on speeds of up to 360km/h. Trenitalia tickets are available online, in stations across the country or from many travel agents that offer bookings.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 06 68475475
- Website
- trenitalia.com
Train from Milano Centrale to Lugano
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 18m
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- SFr 23 - SFr 65
- Website
- Trenitalia Eurocity
- 2nd Class
- SFr 23 - SFr 35
- 1st Class
- SFr 45 - SFr 65
Train from Lugano to Zuerich Hb
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 57m
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- SFr 30 - SFr 70
- Website
- Trenitalia Eurocity
- 2nd Class
- SFr 30 - SFr 45
- 1st Class
- SFr 50 - SFr 70
Train from Milano Centrale to Chiasso
- Ave. Duration
- 48 min
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- SFr 19 - SFr 55
- Website
- Trenitalia Eurocity
- 2nd Class
- SFr 19 - SFr 25
- 1st Class
- SFr 40 - SFr 55
Train from Chiasso to Zuerich Hb
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 22m
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- SFr 35 - SFr 80
- Website
- Trenitalia Eurocity
- 2nd Class
- SFr 35 - SFr 50
- 1st Class
- SFr 55 - SFr 80
- Phone
- +41 58 580 70 70
- info@sob.ch
- Website
- sob.ch
Train from Tenero to Zürich HB
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 16m
- Frequency
- Every 3 hours
- Website
- Südostbahn
- Schedules at
- fahrplan.sbb.ch
The primary train operator in Italy, Trenitalia was created in the year 2000. Trenitalia offers national rail connections in Italy as well as international connections to Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland. The company operates regional and long-distance trains, as well as high-speed trains called Frecce that travel on specialised tracks on speeds of up to 360km/h. Trenitalia tickets are available online, in stations across the country or from many travel agents that offer bookings.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 06 68475475
- Website
- trenitalia.com
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 44m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- SFr 6 - SFr 13
- Website
- Trenitalia
- 1st Class
- SFr 11 - SFr 13
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Pisa Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 21m
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- SFr 5 - SFr 12
- Website
- Trenitalia
- 1st Class
- SFr 10 - SFr 12
Frequently asked questions
France’s high-speed TGV train network runs at speeds of up to 320km/h connecting major cities across France and into neighbouring countries. All TGV tickets include a seat reservation; seating is 1+2 in 1st class, 2+2 in 2nd class. Popular routes include Paris to Marseille and Paris to Strasbourg. Most TGVs have a cafe area, power points at each seat and WiFi.
Contact Details
- Phone
- 0033 892 353535
- Website
- sncf-connect.com
Train from Basel Sbb to Zuerich Hb
- Ave. Duration
- 53 min
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- SFr 24 - SFr 35
- Website
- Oui.SNCF
- 2nd Class
- SFr 29 - SFr 34
- 1st Class
- SFr 24 - SFr 29
- Phone
- +49 (0) 7531 915109
- info@sbb-deutschland.de
- Website
- sbb-deutschland.de
Train from Basel SBB to Zürich HB
- Ave. Duration
- 58 min
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Website
- SBB GmbH
One of Europe’s leading bus companies, Flixbus serves 2000+ destinations in 29 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Croatia and into Scandinavia and eastern Europe, as well as some US cities. Coaches have toilets, free WiFi and power outlets, plus snacks and drinks for purchase on board. Flixbus is a good choice for the budget-conscious traveller; purchase tickets in advance for the cheapest fares (note: there is no option to reserve a seat in advance).
Rome2rio's guide to FlixBus
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 30 300 137 300
- service@flixbus.com
- Website
- flixbus.de
Bus from Florence to Milan
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 15m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- SFr 16 - SFr 20
- Website
- flixbus.co.uk
Bus from Milan to Zurich Bus Station
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 40m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- SFr 14 - SFr 18
- Website
- flixbus.co.uk
Night bus from Florence to Zurich Bus Station
- Ave. Duration
- 8h 25m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- SFr 28 - SFr 35
- Website
- flixbus.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
- Phone
- +420 542 42 42 42
- info@regiojet.cz
- Website
- regiojet.com
Bus from Milan Lampugnano to Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 40m
- Frequency
- Once a week
- Estimated price
- SFr 8 - SFr 12
- Website
- RegioJet
- Phone
- +39 080 3112335
- info@marinobus.it
- Website
- marinobus.it
Bus from Milan Lampugnano to Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 20m
- Frequency
- Once a week
- Estimated price
- SFr 24 - SFr 35
- Website
- Marino Autolinee
- Phone
- 48/796 473 308
- biuro@autokarpolska.com.pl
- Website
- autokarpolska.com.pl
Bus from Milan to Zurich
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 27m
- Frequency
- Once a week
- Estimated price
- SFr 35 - SFr 50
- Schedules at
- autokarpolska.com.pl
Want to know more about travelling around Switzerland
Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.
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Read the travel guideMore Questions & Answers
The quickest flight from Florence Airport to Zurich Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 15m.
Florence to Zürich bus services, operated by FlixBus, arrive at Zurich Bus Station.
Florence to Zürich train services, operated by Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), arrive at Zürich HB station.
Yes, the driving distance between Florence to Zürich is 580 km. It takes approximately 5h 53m to drive from Florence to Zürich.
Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa and Swiss offer flights from Florence Airport to Zurich Airport.
Book your Florence to Zürich bus tickets online with FlixBus.
There are 258+ hotels available in Zürich. Prices start at SFr 87 per night.
The best way to get from Florence to Florence Airport is to tram which takes 18 min and costs €2.