How to Book Train Travel From Zurich to Berlin

While air travel may be the quickest way to get from Zurich to Berlin, a trip on the railway offers a more scenic and classic European journey. Modern rail travel is comfortable and relatively inexpensive. Plus, it's filled with travelers like yourself who choose to savor the journey as well as the destination. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Your passport
• A credit card

Plan Your Trip from Zurich to Berlin

1. Consider taking a night train onboard the popular "CityNightLine." This is a great option if you want to get a good night's sleep on the way. If you want to enjoy the scenery along the way, you should instead take the Intercity Express (ICE) train.
2. Review the timelines and pricing information for the different train options. While the better seats and sleeping arrangements will cost more, the trip is a long one. It may be worth the expense.
3. Look at a map to determine if there are any side trips along the way that might interest you. At the very least, you may want to pick a town along the way to step out of the train and stretch your legs.

Book Your Train Ticket from Zurich to Berlin

4. Log on to the Rail Europe Web site if you are planning more rail travel beyond Berlin (see Resources below). You'll find several rail pass options such as the Eurail Pass that may fit your needs better than a single-day ticket.
5. Talk with a travel agent if you don't want to book your ticket from Zurich to Berlin without some professional advice. Though the Rail Guide Web site is fairly straightforward, discussing your plans with an agent may alleviate some concerns you might have.
6. Make sure you understand where in Berlin you'll be arriving. Berlin's new central station is the "Hauptbahnhof." It's basically a mall with a train station in it! Other stations include the "Ostabahnhof," "Gesundbrunnen" and "Sudkreuz."
7. Have your tickets mailed to you or pick them up at the Zurich station before your departure.
8. Call 877-257-2887 from the U.S. to book train tickets from Zurich to Berlin through Rail Europe.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for age-specific deals. Many students and older travelers can find great bargains.
• Don't wait until an hour before departure to try and book your private cabin. They often sell out.
• If you're breaking your trip into segments to allow for exploration along the way, make sure you give yourself enough time between those segments.
• Understand the small print on your rail pass to know what constitutes an extra travel day.
• Normal seats are not particularly comfortable for an overnight journey.

Who Can Help: