By Train to Zurich – A New Route via Germany
Discover a fresh travel alternative with the new direct connection from Prague to Zurich via Germany. Unlike the longstanding route through Austria, this night train offers both sleeper and couchette carriages, as well as seated compartments. The service is operated in collaboration with ÖBB and is branded as a NightJet.
The expanded range of carriages and services has influenced the pricing, which is in line with other NightJet services – hence, it’s higher than the Austrian route. The timetable closely mirrors the southern route, making it an attractive option for those continuing westward to France or the Benelux countries.
Journey Details
The night train EN 458 Canopus departs regularly at 18:26 from Prague, heading towards Ústí nad Labem and Děčín. It then proceeds through Dresden, Leipzig, Frankfurt, and Karlsruhe, reaching Basel and finally Zurich just after 10 am.
| Vlakem do Švýcarska | EN 458 Praha - Curych | EN 459 Curych - Praha |
|---|---|---|
| Praha hl.n. | 18:25 | 09:38 |
| Praha - Holešovice | 18:34 - 18:35 | 09:25 - 09:30 |
| Ústí n.L.hl.n. | 19:37 - 19:39 | 08:16 - 08:19 |
| Děčín hl.n. | 19:54 - 20:01 | 07:54 - 08:02 |
| Bad Schandau | 20:19 - 20:21 | 07:31 - 07:33 |
| Dresden Hbf | 20:54 - 21:10 | 07:05 - 07:08 |
| Leipzig Hbf | 22:19 - 23:46 | 04:48 - 05:45 |
| Frankfurt(Main)Hbf | 04:28 - 04:43 | 00:39 - 00:54 |
| Karlsruhe Hbf | 05:55 - 05:57 | 23:05 - 23:07 |
| Offenburg | 06:43 - 06:46 | 22:29 - 22:31 |
| Basel SBB | 08:19 - 08:46 | 20:58 - 21:13 |
| Curych HB | 10:08 | 19:59 |
What’s the Train Experience Like?
The German route offers sleeper compartments, couchette carriages, and seated compartments. The sleeper carriage, WLABmz826, is an air-conditioned compartment with both Economy and Deluxe sections (the latter having a private shower and toilet). Corridor facilities include toilets and a shower. If you opt for the DELUXE compartment, you’ll enjoy an ensuite shower and toilet. Refreshments and drinks can be purchased from the train attendant.
Beds are equipped with a pillow and blanket. Compartments can be three-bed (triple), convertible to double or single. All compartments have a sink with hot and cold water.
Each compartment offers a power socket and WiFi connectivity throughout the journey. However, neither bicycle nor dog transportation is available in the sleeper carriage.
The couchette carriage offers compartments for six or four passengers. Unlike the sleeper carriage, these compartments lack sinks, WiFi, and passengers must make their own beds. The bedding, including pillows and blankets, is less comfortable, as are the beds themselves.
Seated carriages are available as open-plan or compartments. Power sockets and WiFi are available. From Leipzig, a dining car is attached. Bicycles can be transported in the seated carriage, but not in the couchette or sleeper compartments.
Ticket Pricing and Purchase
Tickets can be purchased not only at Swiss Rail counters and their e-shop but also via the Czech Railways e-shop. They can also be bought in person at international counters. Ticket sales commence 180 days before the departure date, providing ample time for travel planning. However, ticket prices vary based on availability for each price category, meaning earlier purchases increase the chance of securing a lower fare.
| Prices in CZK | Sparschiene from | Adult person | Child from 6 - 15 years | Interrail / Eurail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 1711 CZK | 1500 CZK | 74 CZK | |
| Couchette T6 | ||||
| Couchette T4 | ||||
| Bed T3 | 2207 CZK | 1240 CZK | 1711 CZK | |
| Double | 2703 CZK | 1736 CZK | 2207 CZK | |
| Single | 4935 CZK | 3968 CZK | 4439 CZK |
Cancellation Policy
Sparschiene Tickets: These tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. They are person-specific.
Other Tickets: Can be refunded up to 24:00 the day before validity with a 10% deduction. On the day of departure, a 50% fee applies (with a minimum of 3 EUR per seat/night).