Traveling from the US for a week-long trip to Switzerland in September of 2027. After our tour, we're going to take the train from the Zurich airport to spend some time in Munich for Oktoberfest. I know if we were flying directly back to the US from Zurich, we would need to allow 2-3 hours to check in for international travel. Does anyone know if I need to allow a similar amount of extended time to check in for the train, seeing as it is staying within the EU? Or will we still be dealing with extended passport control lines? Thank you!
Posted by
1 posts
If you're taking the train from Zurich to Munich, I wouldn't expect you to need the same 2–3 hour buffer that you would for an international flight. Train travel generally doesn't have an airline-style check-in process, so arriving at the station 20–30 minutes before departure should usually be plenty.
That said, since you'll be crossing from Switzerland into Germany, you should have your passport with you. Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, as is Germany, so there normally isn't routine passport control at the border. However, temporary checks can be introduced, so it's smart to allow some extra flexibility and not schedule a tight connection.
I'd also check the specific train operator's guidance closer to your September 2027 trip, since border procedures and schedules can change.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7683 posts
Within the Schengen zone there is no Passport Control as such, unlike the London/Paris Eurostar route. In occasional circumstances, border guards may do a spot check at the station or on board, but that's it. Arrival 30 minutes in advance is all that's needed, especially if the station is new to you. Of course you would all have your passports with you, either on your person or in your personal bag, since you are travelling. Are you on one of the frequent direct trains, or one requiring connections?
Posted by
Green Bay
23739 posts
If you are already in Switzerland, why are you going to the airport to get the train to Munich? It originates at Zurich HB, in the city center, which might be a more convenient location.
Posted by
Arctophilia (x-27), Northamptonshire, England
37184 posts
are you sure that you will need to start at the airport station after a tour of Switzerland? I'd have thought that if you wanted to start in Zürich for the trip to Munich you might start at the main train station, called Zürich HB.
Is it possible that this is your first train trip? If so the Man in Seat 61 can help with everything train. https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-switzerland.htm
Posted by
Wengen
4202 posts
If you are at the station 20 minutes beforehand you will be there far earlier than the train. The train only stops for a few minutes there, and being at the platform a few minutes before that is sufficient.
An even though the train is international a lot of the people boarding at Zurich Airport will not even be going to Germany. The train makes multiple stops, and people get on and off at each one of them.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all for the quick and super informative responses! I appreciate the question re: why I just don't go to the Zurich HB station. Our tour actually ends in Luzern and the tour company takes us to the airport the last morning of our trip so I thought that would be the best bet. But thanks to Nigel's The Man in Seat 61 info, it looks like if we're staying at the Hotel Schweizerhof, Zurich HB is right across the street (hotel accommodations aren't finalized yet but it's one of the choices). I never would have thought to look for that other train station so thanks again Sam and Nigel and all who answered to give me peace of mind re: the schedule and process times. Happy travels!