Hello there!!
I have a question please.
When I am laving Luzern for the Zurich airport there are two trains at the exact same departure time from the exact same platform. One has a change at Zurich HB and the other train goes direct to the airport. I must take the direct train. How am I able to distinguish the two trains. I am so surprised that they are on the same platform. Anyways, can you assist me so I get the correct train? Thanks ever so much. It has not stopped raining in Luzern. But you know what they say..there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. I brought all my rain gear. I planned ahead and it makes all the difference !!
Thanks again
Posted by
Florida
1450 posts
The trains should have different numbers or be on different tracks on the same platform. When in doubt, ask the conductors who will be happy to point you to the one you want.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17427 posts
It is the same train. Looking at the 9:35 departure, on IR 75, the train comes in to Zurich main station on Track 8 and waits there 10 minutes before continuing on to the airport. So you have the option of getting off the train, heading to Track 34 (a long walk and downstairs) to catch a suburban railway that will get you to the airport 2 minutes sooner.
So you can just board the train in Luzern and stay on to reach the airport.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
I was dubious until I checked myself. Th computer is being stupid. The trains from Luzern to Zürich airport go via Zürich HB.
For example:
Luzern dep 10:35 1 h 7 min 1 change Zürich Flughafen arr 11:42
Luzern dep 10:35 1 h 9 min 0 changes Zürich Flughafen arr 11:44
If you look at the first option in detail:
Luzern dep 10:35 Pl. 5 InterRegio 75 Richtung: Konstanz Zürich HB arr 11:25 Pl. 5
Change
Zürich HB dep 11:33 Pl. 34 InterCity 1 Richtung: St. Gallen Zürich Flughafen arr 11:42 Pl. 1
And the second one arrives at the same platform 5 Zürich HB at 10:25, but leaves at 10:35.
It is exactly the same train!!
The trains sits for 10 minutes in Zürich HB (10:25 to 10:35). During that time, you could change to another trains and get to the airport a whole 2 minutes earlier (11:42 vs 11:44).
Nobody sensible would do this, get up from your seat and go from platform 5 to 34 (underground) just to save 2 minutes. A computer is not sensible, just programmed to find the quickest option.
Computers are stupid.
Posted by
OP
new jersey
149 posts
Thank you so very much. It also did not make sense to me, from any angle I studied. I try to answer my own question before seeking assistance form the forum.Really appreciate you confirming this for me. I am at peace now. No confusion and all clear. Clarity is a cherished feeling when traveling. This is just great. You are wonderful.
Posted by
OP
new jersey
149 posts
can you check for the timing of 7:35 am on a weekday. Is it the same train there as well? If you have time
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17427 posts
The timing and the train number are the same; the track number is different.
I checked Thursday of this week and Tuesday of next week (14 May) just to make sure. In both cases, the 7:35 from Luzern is IR 75, departing from Gleis 5. With no changes at Zurich main station, the journey takes 1 hour 9 minutes.
Posted by
OP
new jersey
149 posts
Thank you very very much!