Zurich to Chur by SBB InterRegio (IR) Train
Chur is the capital of the Swiss Canton of Grisons and the starting point of the Bernina Express, and most people travel there by train from Zurich.
In this short guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about this rail connection, including how to get the best ticket deal and what it is like on board the train.
The SBB InterRegio (IR) train from Zurich to Chur. ©AndyBTravels
Taking the train from Zurich to Chur
Throughout most of the day, there are multiple hourly train departures from Zurich to Chur, which is a scenic ride.
The most frequent services are the InterCity (IC) and InterRegio (IR) trains operated by SBB, the Swiss Federal Railways.
The IC takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cover the route, while the IR trains take around 20 minutes longer, as they stop at more stations along the way.
You can also find a few infrequent InterCity Express (ICE) trains on the Zurich–Chur route, although these are best avoided, as they originate in Germany and are therefore prone to delays on their long journey to Switzerland.
View from the train over Lake Walen, one of the scenic highlights of the train ride to Chur. ©AndyBTravels
Booking tickets
As excellent as rail travel in Switzerland is, with comfortable and highly punctual trains, it does have the downside that tickets can be rather expensive.
An adult full-fare, fully flexible ticket on the Zurich-Chur route costs 72 CHF (£64, €77) in first class or 42 CHF (£37, €45) in second class.
These tickets do not sell out and can therefore also be bought on the day of travel at the railway station.
If you book in advance, you can get cheaper saver fares, though these are not flexible and tie you to the train departure you select.
It is possible to get a cheaper deal with a Swiss Half Fare Card, which entitles you to a 50% discount on all train journeys in Switzerland and can be a worthwhile investment if you plan multiple trips across the country.
Alternatively, a rail pass such as Interrail or Eurail might be worthwhile if you plan extensive train travel around Switzerland (and beyond).
Read my article about Swiss rail passes, where I explain everything you need to know about the different train passes for this Alpine country!
You can use the search tool below from the reliable booking website Omio to look up train schedules and book point-to-point tickets.
Impression of a Zurich to Chur train ride
It’s a highly pleasant and comfortable train ride to get from Zurich to Chur.
In the YouTube video below, you can get a good impression of what it is like to travel from Zurich to Chur on one of SBB’s regional trains.
Conclusion
The train journey from Zurich to Chur is highly scenic, and with some careful planning, you can enjoy it without spending a fortune.
There are multiple trains each hour, including InterCity (IC) and InterRegio (IR) trains.
Although point-to-point tickets can be expensive, especially if bought on the day of travel, you can save by booking in advance, using a Swiss Half Fare Card, or choosing a rail pass.
