How to get from Rome to Zürich by train, bus, car or plane

Trains departing Saturday, June 26, 2021

https://www.italiaonline.it/

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Standard class interior

ItaloTreno

2nd class interior

ItaloTreno

Club executive class

ItaloTreno

EVO train at Venice

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Train at Zurich station

Dariusz Sieczkowski

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

First class interior

Kecko

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Luzern Hauptbahnhof

Ron Fisher

Italy → Switzerland

Partially open

Travel safe during COVID-19

International entry into Switzerland from Italy

Entry is partially open for citizens and permanent residents of Italy

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Allowed for: All visitors

Restricted for: There are no current restrictions

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Conditions of entry into Switzerland from Italy

Pre-departure COVID-19 test (with a negative test result) taken 3 days before boarding for all arrivals by air

This applies to all arrivals by air

A negative result for COVID-19 is a condition to end the quarantine obligation earlier. It is tested in quarantine on day 7
Health declaration required
Entry is dependent on the visitor residing at least 10 days in a non high-risk area
Arrivals vaccinated against COVID-19 are exempted from compulsory quarantine
Travellers with a certificate of vaccination are exempted from providing a negative COVID-19 test
Proof of a negative test is not required if the traveller has recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months (certificate needed)
Quarantine is not required if the traveller has recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months (certificate needed)

This applies to arrivals from all countries, with no exceptions
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10-day mandatory quarantine and a negative COVID-19 test issued at most 3 days before arrival

This also applies to arrivals from the following regions:
France: Paris, Centre-Val de Loire, Hauts-de-France, Normandy, Pays de la Loire

This applies to arrivals from Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Georgia, India, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, Paraguay, Seychelles, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, United Kingdom and Uruguay

Pre-departure COVID-19 test (with a negative test result) taken 3 days before boarding for all arrivals by air

This applies to all arrivals by air

A negative result for COVID-19 is a condition to end the quarantine obligation earlier. It is tested in quarantine on day 7
Health declaration required
Entry is dependent on the visitor residing at least 10 days in a non high-risk area
Arrivals vaccinated against COVID-19 are exempted from compulsory quarantine
Travellers with a certificate of vaccination are exempted from providing a negative COVID-19 test
Proof of a negative test is not required if the traveller has recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months (certificate needed)
Quarantine is not required if the traveller has recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months (certificate needed)

This applies to arrivals from all countries, with no exceptions

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Rules to follow in Switzerland

1.5m

Mandatory

Considerations leaving from Italy

The official advice is to avoid non-essential international travel to high risk countries

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I allowed to travel from Italy to Switzerland?

Yes, but conditions apply when entering Switzerland from Italy.

Explore options for future travel

What are the travel restrictions in Zürich?

Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply

Face masks are mandatory
There is a social distancing requirement of 1.5 metres
Observe COVID-19 safety rules
Regional restriction measures in place

Explore travel options

What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Zürich?

The national COVID-19 helpline number in Zürich is 0041 58 463 00 00.

Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Zürich?

Wearing a face mask on public transport in Zürich is mandatory.

What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Zürich?

Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 0041 58 463 00 00.

Are there restrictions returning to Italy from Switzerland?

No, but conditions apply when returning to Italy from Switzerland.

See options for return travel.

Last updated: 21 Jun 2021
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

Is it cheaper to fly, bus, train or ferry from Rome to Zürich?

The cheapest way to get from Rome to Zürich is to bus which costs €40 - €50 and takes 12h 20m.

What is the fastest way to get from Rome to Zürich?

The quickest way to get from Rome to Zürich is to fly which costs €70 - €230 and takes 4h 40m.

Is there a direct bus between Rome and Zürich?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Rome Tiburtina Bus station station and arriving at Zurich Bus Station station. Services depart once daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 12h 20m.

Is there a direct train between Rome and Zürich?

No, there is no direct train from Rome to Zürich. However, there are services departing from Roma Termini and arriving at Zuerich Hb via Milano Centrale and Lugano. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 7h 33m.

How far is it from Rome to Zürich?

The distance between Rome and Zürich is 683 km. The road distance is 853.9 km.

Get driving directions

How do I travel from Rome to Zürich without a car?

The best way to get from Rome to Zürich without a car is to train via Lugano which takes 7h 33m and costs €85 - €260.

How long does it take to get from Rome to Zürich?

It takes approximately 7h 33m to get from Rome to Zürich, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Rome to Zürich bus from?

Rome to Zürich bus services, operated by FlixBus, depart from Rome Tiburtina Bus station.

Where do I catch the Rome to Zürich train from?

Rome to Zürich train services, operated by Trenitalia Frecce, depart from Roma Termini station.

https://www.italiaonline.it/

Train, bus or fly from Rome to Zürich?

The best way to get from Rome to Zürich is to train via Lugano which takes 7h 33m and costs €85 - €260. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €40 - €50 and takes 12h 20m, you could also fly, which costs €70 - €230 and takes 4h 40m.

Mode details

Launch map view

Distance: 683.2 km
Duration: 7h 33m

What companies run services between Rome, Italy and Zürich, Switzerland?

You can take a train from Rome to Zürich via Milano Centrale and Lugano in around 7h 33m. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Rome Tiburtina Bus station to Zurich Bus Station once daily. Tickets cost SFr 45 - SFr 55 and the journey takes 12h 20m.

Airlines

Alitalia

Website: alitalia.com

Flights from Rome to Zurich

Ave. Duration: 1h 35m
When: Every day
Estimated price: SFr 65 - SFr 340

Flights from Rome to Milan Malpensa

Ave. Duration: 1h 14m
When: Every day
Estimated price: SFr 140 - SFr 750

Flights from Rome to Milan Linate

Ave. Duration: 1h 10m
When: Every day
Estimated price: SFr 65 - SFr 170

Lufthansa

Website: lufthansa.com

Flights from Rome to Zurich via Frankfurt

Ave. Duration: 3h 50m
When: Every day
Estimated price: SFr 150 - SFr 500

Flights from Rome to Basel via Frankfurt

Ave. Duration: 3h 50m
When: Every day
Estimated price: SFr 150 - SFr 320

Flights from Rome to Basel via Munich

Ave. Duration: 4h 20m
When: Every day
Estimated price: SFr 150 - SFr 320

Neos

Website: neosair.it

Flights from Rome to Milan Malpensa

Ave. Duration: 1h 15m
When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday
Estimated price: SFr 17 - SFr 210

Swiss

Website: swiss.com

Flights from Rome to Zurich

Ave. Duration: 1h 35m
When: Every day
Estimated price: SFr 70 - SFr 360

Ethiopian Airlines

Website: ethiopianairlines.com

Flights from Rome to Milan Malpensa

Ave. Duration: 1h 10m
When: Every day
Estimated price: SFr 120 - SFr 550

easyJet

Website: easyjet.com

Flights from Rome to Basel

Ave. Duration: 1h 40m
When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Estimated price: SFr 40 - SFr 140

Middle East Airlines

Website: mea.com.lb

Flights from Rome to Milan Malpensa

Ave. Duration: 1h 10m
When: Monday
Estimated price: SFr 70 - SFr 130

Train operators

Trenitalia Frecce

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 Roma Termini to Milano Centrale

Ave. Duration: 3h 40m
Frequency: Hourly
Estimated price: SFr 45 - SFr 140
Website: Trenitalia Frecce

Super Economy: SFr 45 - SFr 60
Base Standard: SFr 75 - SFr 110
Base Premium: SFr 95 - SFr 140

Standard class interior

FrecciaRossa interior

Skyscraper City

FrecciaRossa

Wiki Commons

TrenItalia Ticket Machine

MEI Group

FrecciaRossa

Wiki Commons

Roma Termini Entrance

Milano Centrale Entrance

ItaloTreno

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 Roma Termini to Milano Centrale

Ave. Duration: 3h 40m
Frequency: Hourly
Estimated price: SFr 35 - SFr 100
Website: Italo Treno

Smart Economy: SFr 35 - SFr 55
Smart Low Cost: SFr 35 - SFr 50
Smart Flex: SFr 70 - SFr 100

2nd class interior

Club executive class

EVO train at Venice

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

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 Zuerich Hb

Ave. Duration: 1h 57m
Frequency: Hourly
Estimated price: SFr 50 - SFr 90
Website: Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Train from Monza to Zürich HB

Ave. Duration: 3h 5m
Frequency: Every 3 hours
Estimated price: SFr 65 - SFr 120
Website: Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Train from Basel SBB to Zürich HB

Ave. Duration: 1h 13m
Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Estimated price: SFr 30 - SFr 60
Website: Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Train from Malpensa Aeroporto T2 to Mendrisio

Ave. Duration: 1h 14m
Frequency: Hourly
Estimated price: SFr 24 - SFr 45
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 Zuerich Hb

Ave. Duration: 2h 22m
Frequency: Hourly
Estimated price: SFr 55 - SFr 100
Website: Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Train at Zurich station

Trenitalia Eurocity

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: Twice daily
Estimated price: SFr 26 - SFr 75
Website: Trenitalia Eurocity

2nd Class: SFr 26 - SFr 40
1st Class: SFr 50 - SFr 75

Train from Lugano to Zuerich Hb

Ave. Duration: 1h 57m
Frequency: 3 times a day
Estimated price: SFr 35 - SFr 80
Website: Trenitalia Eurocity

2nd Class: SFr 35 - SFr 50
1st Class: SFr 55 - SFr 80

Train from Milano Centrale to Chiasso

Ave. Duration: 48 min
Frequency: Twice daily
Estimated price: SFr 21 - SFr 60
Website: Trenitalia Eurocity

2nd Class: SFr 21 - SFr 29
1st Class: SFr 45 - SFr 60

Train from Chiasso to Zuerich Hb

Ave. Duration: 2h 22m
Frequency: 3 times a day
Estimated price: SFr 40 - SFr 90
Website: Trenitalia Eurocity

2nd Class: SFr 40 - SFr 55
1st Class: SFr 65 - SFr 90

2nd class carriage

Fist class carriage

Eurocity Venice-Geneva

Eurocity Italy-France

SNCF

Milano Centrale Entrance

Milan - Zurich train

The front lounge of an ICE 3 (2nd class)

Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express

German rail company Deutsche Bahn is known for its efficient and comfortable service. It offers many different types of rail transportation, including ICE or Intercity-Express for high-speed services between major cities and regions, IC (InterCity) for long-distance trains, RE (Regional Express) trains that connect regions and cities, and the S-Bahn rapid transit service. There are two main tickets on offer: the Flexpreis that has full flexibility, and the Sparpreis which is the cheaper, advanced fare (bookings usually open 6 months in advance for domestic tickets).

Contact Details

Phone: +49 0180 6 99 66 33
Website: bahn.com

Train from Basel Sbb to Zuerich Hb

Ave. Duration: 54 min
Frequency: Every 4 hours
Estimated price: SFr 26 - SFr 40
Website: Deutsche Bahn

ICE3 2nd class seats

Man in Seat61

ICE first class interior

Rail Europe

ICE 3

Sebastian Terfloth

Sebastian Terfloth

ICE 4 Berlin Hauptbahnhof

Andre_de Wikipedia

Exterior of DB Intercity Express (ICE)

Caef

Interior of ICE train

VoI

Intercity-Express train

Zurich main station

Exterior view Menton - Paris Gare de Lyon

TGV inOui

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: en.oui.sncf

Train from Basel Sbb to Zuerich Hb

Ave. Duration: 53 min
Frequency: 5 times a day
Estimated price: SFr 27 - SFr 40
Website: Oui.SNCF

2nd Class: SFr 33 - SFr 39
1st Class: SFr 27 - SFr 32

Serge (Sergio) Passera

TGV interior normal class

Deutsche Bahn Eurocity

Deutsche Bahn’s EuroCity (EC) trains connect German cities to major cities in neighbouring European countries, and are operated in conjunction with their national train company. All EC trains offer First and Standard class; cars are air-conditioned and food and drinks are available onboard. Tickets can be booked up to 180 days in advance of travel. Seat reservations are not compulsory but are recommended for popular routes.

Contact Details

Phone: +49 30 2970
Website: bahn.com

Train from Basel Sbb to Zuerich Hb

Ave. Duration: 54 min
Frequency: Once daily
Estimated price: SFr 16 - SFr 23
Website: reiseauskunft.bahn.de

DB Eurocity

Pjedro22

Berlin Warsaw Express

BahnBilder

Zurich main station

Trenord

Trenord operates regional and suburban lines throughout Italy’s Lombardy region, including the Malapensa Express from Milan’s Malapensa Airport and local lines around Lake Como and the Italian Lakes. Trenord train tickets can be purchased from machines at any train station and don’t need to be booked in advance.

Contact Details

Phone: +39 02 7249 4494
Email: my-link@trenord.it
Website: trenord.it

Train from Malpensa Aeroporto T.1 to Mendrisio

Ave. Duration: 1h 8m
Frequency: Hourly
Estimated price: SFr 5 - SFr 7
Website: Trenord

Train exterior

Davide Oliva

Interior view

Ticket machine at Milan

globalrail.com

Trenord Train Exterior

Trenord Train Interior

Trenord Train Exterior

Trenord Train Interior

Fleet of buses front view

Trenord train in Milano

Wiki Commons

Train exterior

Wiki

Bus operators

FlixBus

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 1807 123 99 123
Email: info@flixbus.de
Website: flixbus.de

Bus from Rome Tiburtina Bus station to Zurich Bus Station

Ave. Duration: 12h 20m
Frequency: Once daily
Estimated price: SFr 45 - SFr 55
Website: flixbus.co.uk

Flixbus

Flixbus interior

Flixbus

Consorzio Autolinee S.r.l.

Phone: 0984 401468
Email: info@consorzioautolinee.it
Website: consorzioautolinee.it

Bus from Tiburtina Station to Orte A1

Ave. Duration: 1h
Frequency: Twice a week
Estimated price: SFr 15 - SFr 23
Schedules at: consorzioautolinee.it

Consorzio Autolinee

Bus side entrance with disabled access

Consorzio Autolinee

Bus side entrance with ramp

L'Aurora Viaggi

Phone: +39 0963 313116
Email: info@viaggiaurora.it
Website: viaggiaurora.it

Bus from Orte A1 to Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai

Ave. Duration: 11h 25m
Frequency: Twice a week
Website: L'Aurora Viaggi

Calanda Viaggi

Phone: 0041 (0)81 284 62 32
Email: info@calandareisen.com
Website: calandaviaggi.com

Bus from Orte A1 to Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai

Ave. Duration: 11h 55m
Frequency: Twice a week
Estimated price: SFr 55 - SFr 75
Website: Calanda Viaggi

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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