Planning a trip from Zurich to Paris but having trouble deciding whether it would make more sense to travel by plane, train or car? Hopefully, we’ll help you weigh your options and make a decision based on some basic pros and cons.
First: some geography: Zurich is roughly 600 miles from Paris, making flying the most attractive travel option for most people. This is without a doubt the most pragmatic option if you need to get to the French capital as quickly as possible. However, if you can waste the extra time and you wouldn’t mind enjoying the scenic drive, taking the train or renting a car can be an interesting and scenic way to get there.
Flights
International airlines, including Swiss Air and Air France, and regional low-cost carriers, such as Air Berlin, offer daily flights from Zurich to Paris, arriving at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport. However, remember that once in the French capital you will have to move to the city center by commuter train, taxi or bus, adding at least an hour of travel.
Taking the train – a long but often scenic journey
You can get to Paris from Zurich by train in just 4 hours and 30 minutes via direct routes. Trains from Zurich to Paris arrive in central Paris at Gare de L’Est or Gare de Lyon stations. Most of the time you will have to move to Bern, Basel, Lausanne or other cities. A night train that moves to Milano, Italy and arrives at Paris Bercy station is also available via Artesia’s night service, but make sure you don’t have a dislike for those creaky old sleepers, which you’ll have to share with other travelers in bunks, unless you want to shell out extra money for a private car.
Book train tickets from Zurich to Paris direct on Rail Europe
Driving there: another picturesque solution
In light traffic conditions, it can take six hours or more to drive, but it can be a good way to see stretches of Switzerland and eastern France. However, expect to pay quite high toll fees at various points during the trip.
Book a rental car directly through Hertz
Arriving in Paris by plane? Ground transportation options
If you are arriving in Paris by plane, you will have to figure out how to get to the city center from the airports.
Read more: Ground transportation options in Paris
Are you traveling from other European cities? Read more:
- How to travel from Geneva to Paris
- How to travel from Berlin to Paris
- How to travel from Munich to Paris
- How to travel from Hamburg to Paris
- How to travel from Frankfurt to Paris
- How to travel from Amsterdam to Paris
- How to travel from London to Paris
- How to travel to Paris from other cities in Europe
