How to Book Train Travel From Zurich to Hamburg

For travelers in Central Europe, the rail system offers the most comfortable, affordable and dependable method of travel within and between countries. From Zurich to Hamburg, the popular "CityNightLine" train or the InterCity Express (ICE) will glide you smoothly through the heart of Germany. Follow these steps to book your ticket.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Passport
• A credit card

Plan Your Trip from Zurich to Hamburg

1. Decide whether you want to take the night train or the day train. If you want to take in the scenery, take the ICE train during the day. If you prefer traveling overnight, book a seat aboard the "CityNightLine" train.
2. Look at the available seating and pricing information for each. Obviously, the more comfortable and the more private, the higher the ticket price will be. So, be prepared to pay a good bit extra for the privacy of a single-bed sleeper cabin to Hamburg.
3. Look into multi-day rail passes if you're planning to continue traveling on past Hamburg at a later date. Oftentimes, these multi-day rail passes will save you a good deal of money. Compare its cost with the price of separate point-to-point tickets.

Book Your Train Ticket from Zurich to Hamburg

4. Talk to a travel agent in Zurich or in the States before you leave. While you may not necessarily need the travel agent to book the tickets directly, he or she may offer you valuable advice on the best ticket to buy for your needs. Travel agents can also offer wonderful advice about "must-see" stops.
5. Check out the Rail Europe Web site (see Resources below). This site offers valuable information and will allow you to book your ticket or your multi-day rail pass online.
6. Navigate the ICE site in your own tongue. For the English-language version of the site, click the link in Resources below. You can change the language with a pull-down menu in the upper right-hand corner.
7. Pick up your tickets at the Zurich train station ("Hauptbahnhof") or have your tickets or pass mailed directly to you. If you have planned far enough in advance, getting the tickets mailed to you is the best option.
8. Know where you're headed. In addition to "Hauptbahnhof," its main train station, Hamburg is also home to the "Altona," "Harburg," "Dammtor" and "Berged" train stations. Choose the station nearest to your accommodations.
9. Call 877-257-2887 from the United States to book train tickets from Zurich to Hamburg through Rail Europe.

Tips & Warnings

• Book your train travel in advance to ensure availability.
• If you want a couchette or cabin on the train, book well in advance.
• Bring a light jacket or blanket for air-conditioned trains.
• Multi-day tickets sometimes have confusing rules. Try to learn these rules well in advance of your departure date.
• If you have a lot of luggage, you may not have enough room in second-class seating.