How to get from Interlaken to Zurich
Getting between two of the most popular sites in Switzerland means witnessing the richness of Swiss nature and collecting memories of incredible views. From scenic train journeys to private car trips that leave you time to explore, here are all the different ways you can get from Interlaken to Zurich!
About traveling from Interlaken to Zurich
Interlaken by Josef Ivan Jimenea
Once you're within the borders of Switzerland, you’re in for a ride of constant fascination. This natural wonder of a country is hugged by magnificent peaks and ranges of mountains, the most famous being the Swiss Alps. Cascading rivers flow and curl in between valleys and lakes are ever-inviting portals to the best swims you’ll ever have. Thanks to all this variety of nature, as seasons follow each other, things to enjoy in nature change shape but always persist. Whether you ski-suit up and dive into the icy adventure or leave no lake not dipped and no river not kayaked, Switzerland will make sure you’ll have a blast!
Switzerland is famous for having some of the best ski resorts in Europe. But summers here also hit different. Considering it never really gets extremely warm, summer months are the best time to enjoy some of the best that Switzerland has to offer: alpine wonders and all the nature you can imagine on one hand, and some of Central Europe’s best towns and cities on the other. They too are best explored in this season, since they come alive with music, dance, and art.
Interlaken is one of those best towns, surrounded by Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. It serves as a gateway to the Bernese Oberland's impressive landscapes. In Interlaken, indulging in some adventurous activities ranging from paragliding to canyoning is one of the most inviting options for visitors. The town also offers delightful tranquility alongside thrills, with lovely streets filled with cafes and shops.
Zurich, on the other hand, becomes a hub for lively festivals. It hosts Street Parade, the largest techno festival in the world, Caliente, the biggest Latin festival in Europe, and so many more! Lucerne is another Swiss city that transforms into a different paradise in summer, with cruises on Lake Lucerne, hikes to Mount Pilatus, and strolls through the bustling center. With lively festivals, scenic walks, and cold swims, all cities and towns of Switzerland are too good to pass up in the traditional winter season or in summer—if your summer vacation ideas don’t include Switzerland, then it’s high time to consider adding it!
How to get from Interlaken to Zurich
Henrique Ferreira’s photo displays the blend of history and nature in Zurich.
Traveling from Interlaken to Zurich is a short but wonderful journey through some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking valleys dotted with lakes of vivid blues and rivers snaking between. You can cover this distance in different ways, and choosing one is pretty much up to your preferences. Whether you prioritize convenience, luxury, budget travel, or swiftness, here are all the ways you can make sure you can get from these two hotspots while making the most of your trip.
Interlaken to Zurich by train
Taking a train from Interlaken to Zurich is the most popular option for this route. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) offers many train connections on this route on a daily basis. SBB has direct routes more or less three times a day, and many other options that require a change or two, most often in Lucerne or Bern. Both train rides with a transfer and direct ones take similar times to get to Zurich, around two hours. Any train journey through Switzerland is going to be extremely scenic, though keep in mind that the reputation for Swiss timeliness is well earned: you'll have to schedule your travels around existing timetables, and trains won't wait if you're running late!
Interlaken to Zurich by bus
Though not as frequent as trains, there are also buses you can take to get from Interlaken to Zurich. Flixbus provides one direct bus connection a day, which takes around two and a half hours. You can also catch a bus with Shuttler, but keep in mind that there are only five connections a week, one on Fridays and four on the weekends. Shuttler takes less time to get to Zurich than Flixbus, around two hours, which can be more at times because of traffic conditions. That said, if you're looking for a cost-effective option, then taking a bus is for you. Take a look at the timetable of the buses beforehand to align it with your plans.
Interlaken to Zurich flight
The distance between Interlaken and Zurich is only around 75 miles (120 km). Because of such close proximity and the lack of an airport in Interlaken itself, traveling between these two places by plane is not a practical option. The closest place you’d need to get to is Bern, whose international airport Bern-Belp rarely provides flights to Zurich, and when it does, the time, cost, and transfers don’t really pay off. Not only is flying such a short distance impractical, but it's also relatively harmful to our planet: especially over short distances like this, it’s better to prioritize sustainable travel.
Interlaken to Zurich by private car
Lucerne’s landmark, the Chapel Bridge, by Geertje Caliguire.
If ground transportation is the best way to travel on this route, then a private car service like Daytrip is the most convenient option for it. Traveling with Daytrip is more than getting from Interlaken to Zurich in the ultimate comfort and luxury: it turns this two-hour trip into an exploration of some lovely places on your way to the capital. Lucerne is right on the way, a fairytale town that perfectly preserves its centuries-old history. Switzerland’s first sacred Baroque building, the Jesuit Church, is nestled here, and the Chapel Bridge is a pretty romantic sight to enjoy. Afterwards you can enjoy a small hike on Mount Rigi, or get to the peak by one of the mechanized modes of transport and marvel at the views from the summit. Your Daytrip driver can even take you up, wait for you at the bottom, or meet you somewhere in between!
Questions & answers about traveling from Interlaken to Zurich
Is there a direct train from Zurich to Interlaken?
Yes, there is a direct train from Zurich to Interlaken. There are around three direct trains per day operated by Swiss Federal Railways. On their timetable, there are also other train connections requiring transfers, usually either in Lucerne, Bern main train station, or Thun.
How long is a train ride from Interlaken to Zurich?
Taking a train from Interlaken to Zurich takes around two hours, whether the connection is with transfers or not. Traveling by train is one of the most common ways to get to Zurich from Interlaken, but doing so requires keeping in mind the railway's schedule and lacks the opportunity to explore other Swiss towns along the way.
How to transfer from Interlaken to Zurich?
There are several different ways to travel from Interlaken to Zurich. Direct buses and trains are operated on this route, which are popular options. Flying generally isn't possible and isn't recommended. Traveling by a private car offers the utmost convenience and comfort.
Is Interlaken to Zurich scenic?
Traveling from Interlaken to Zurich is one of the most scenic routes in Switzerland. By choosing ground transportation, you’ll go through magnificent mountains and past bright blue lakes. The small villages climbing up the foothills from the rivers look straight out of postcards.
Transferring from Interlaken to Zurich should be one of the highlights of your Switzerland trip, especially if you get to enjoy this journey with Daytrip. Choosing the right way to travel is the key to a smooth holiday, so prioritize comfort and book your ride!
