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Transferring at Zurich train station -- enough time?

We plan to purchase train tickets from Salzburg to Dijon, FR transferring at Zurich main station, taking advantage of the prepaid discounted ticket fare. After the 5 hour trip from Salzburg to Zurich, the train from Salzburg arrives in Zurich at 13:20; there is a 14 minutes transfer from arrival on track 9 to the Dijon departure on track 14, which departs at 13:34. This is the published and valid connection on the SBB website for the trip.

The question is: if, for some reason, the train from Salzburg arrives just a few minutes late, and we miss the connection to Beaune, is the prepaid ticket valid on the next train to Dijon at 15:34?

Conversely, if we were to play it safe and buy the later connection to Dijon at 15:34, and we make it onto the 13:34 connection, will the later ticket be accepted on the earlier connection?

We have travelled in Switzerland before, and are well aware of the efficiency of the train system. But it seems a delay of just a few minutes from Salzburg could mess up a 14 minute connection. What are the opinions of you experts out there? Does the published 14 minute connection give us any recourse if the train arrives into Zurich late? Thanks!

Posted by
20100 posts

The question is: if, for some reason, the train from Salzburg arrives just a few minutes late, and we miss the connection to Beaune, is the prepaid ticket valid on the next train to Dijon at 15:34?

Yes. you will need to stop in at the SBB ticket office or help desk and get new seat reservations for the TGV-Lyria to Dijon.

Conversely, if we were to play it safe and buy the later connection to Dijon at 15:34, and we make it onto the 13:34 connection, will the later ticket be accepted on the earlier connection?

No. You would have to wait for the 15:34 or buy new full fare tickets to ride 13:34.

Posted by
32767 posts

Yes, it is a valid concern, and Sam's answer hits it on the head.

What I would do if it were me, I'd want to stretch my legs for a while and have a nice lunch. Zurich station has a large choice of eating places and you could go for a tram ride or a walk down to the lake.

After a 5 hour trip my joints need movement, more than you get walking the aisles of a train.

A 2 hour gap sounds a lot, but you'll eat it up (no pun intended).