Zürich / Zurich to Engelberg by train

Engelberg is one of the Swiss alpine resort towns which can be easily accessed by train from Zurich, it has particularly good access from Zurich Aiport.

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Routes

From Zürich HB / Zurich main station to Engelberg

Journey Summary

Travel Information

1 x connection per hour

Change trains in: Luzern

This is one of the easiest Zurich to ski resort by train transfers.

The connecting time between trains at Luzern is around 21 mins and it is an exceptionally easy station in which to change trains, so a stress-free transfer is virtually guaranteed.

Tickets

Booking Tickets:

Tickets can be booked online for this end-to-end journey which involve taking a SBB train + the train(s) on to Engelberg which are operated by Zentralbahn

‘Individual tickets’ can be used on any train(s) on your travel date, but they tend to be comparatively expensive.

Supersaver tickets are cheaper, the portion of the journey by the SBB train can be discounted by up to 50%, but these tickets are train departure specific, see our Swiss Tickets guide for more advice on how to book these tickets

If you book a Supersaver ticket and a flight delay etc, causes you to miss a train you are booked on to, you will have to book another full-price ‘Individual Ticket(s).
You can then apply for a refund of the Supersaver ticket, but the application costs CHF 10.

Hence it’s worth comparing the ticket price of a journey with the price(s) of Saver Day Passes – they might save you money and can also allow for a less stressful journey.

Using Saver Day Passes:

Now that the Swiss Transfer tickets have been discontinued a Saver Day Pass may save you money, if you can book at least a couple of weeks ahead (usually), so that you can obtain the pass at a discounted price.

They can be cheaper than tickets for the end-to-end journey, though they are more likely to be a money saver if you will be making a day return trip between Zurich and Engelberg, even if you can book in advance.

They can be used on;

  • the trains between Zurich Fughafen/Airport or Zurich HB station and Luzern
  • the trains between Luzern and Engelberg

They are not train specific, so can still be used in the event of a journey to Switzerland being delayed.
Though as they’re only valid for one day’s travel, the clue is the name, so if you will be travelling back on another date, you’ll need to purchase another Saver Day Pass for your return journey

Though they need to be booked at least a day ahead of your travel date, so won't be an option if you book tickets at the station on arrival in Switzerland.
They're also cheaper the further ahead that you book.

Where to book
Ticket Provider Approximate Cost
SBB *

SBB Guide

SBB is the main national rail operator in Switzerland, but tickets for journeys by the other significant operators including BLS and SOB can be be booked on the SBB website.

SBB also sells tickets for journeys to many destinations which involve a combination of SBB trains and services provided by the many independent operators who serve the Alpine resort towns.
However, if you will be making a long-distance return day trip, look out for he possibility of SaverDay passes being cheaper than tickets.

Though if you download the SBB app, booking tickets on SBB's mobile services can be simper than using the website.
Also watch out for the fact that booking international tickets can be comparatively quirky.

Journey Features

Scenic - YesLake views

Good to Know

Final Destination : Luzern

From Zurich Flughafen/Airport:

There are now direct trains between the station at Zurich Flughafen/Airport and Luzern
You no longer have to change trains at Zurich HB station; though if you board a train at the airport, it will reverse direction on departure from Zurich Hb station.

The brand new Twindexx trains are now used on some departures.

Looking over Lake Zurich from the left of the train Looking over Lake Zurich from the left of the train
Looking down on the lake as the train ascends after Thalwill Looking down on the lake as the train ascends after Thalwill
The view over Lake Zug after the train has departed from Zug The view over Lake Zug after the train has departed from Zug
Distant views over Lake Zug can be seen for around 10 mins Distant views over Lake Zug can be seen for around 10 mins

From left of the train (when facing the direction of travel) there are views over Lake Zurich and Lake Zug, so it can be worth ascending up to the top deck of the double-deck trains used on this route.

Journey Features

Scenic - YesLake viewsMountain views

Good to Know

Final Destination: Engelberg.

The station in Engelberg is 5 -10 min walk from the base station of the Titlisbahn cable car, which gives access to the Engelberg-Titlis ski resort area.

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