Zürich / Zurich to Schaffhausen by train

How to take the rail journey from Zurich to Schaffhausen

A contender for the most spectacular view which can be seen from a European train window is the vista of the Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen.
So if you have a couple of hours to spare while in Zurich, hop on one of these trains!

Share

Routes

From Zürich HB / Zurich main station to Schaffhausen

Journey Summary

Travel Information

Final Destination:
Schaffhausen (the RE trains and some of the IC trains)
Stuttgart (the IC trains on route IC 4)

There are also hourly slower S-Bahn trains, on line S9, between Zurich and Schaffhausen, which follow the same route as these trains.

The IC and RE trains depart from gleis (platforms/tracks) in Zurich HB, which are off the main street level concourse.

1 - 2 x trains per hour

Tickets

Book early and save: No*

Online bookings open: 2 months ahead of the travel date

*SBB does not offer discounted 'Supersaver Tickets' for this journey, so you won't save if you book online.

Where to book
Ticket Provider Approximate Cost
*

On this journey

Journey Features

Scenic - Yes

Good to Know

S-Bahn Line 24 to Schaffhausen:

Zurich S-Bahn commuter line S24 also links Zurich to Schaffhausen; but it takes an alternative route via Winterthur, that crosses above the falls on a bridge; though only the very top of the falls can be seen.

However, if you're making a day trip to Schaffhausen, an idea is to journey there on this mian route (via Bulach) and then return on line S24.

One of the best wow moments on any European train journey One of the best wow moments on any European train journey
The Schaffhausen Falls can be seen on the right The Schaffhausen Falls can be seen on the right
Approaching Schaffhausen station Approaching Schaffhausen station
Crossing the River Thur on route to Schaffhausen Crossing the River Thur on route to Schaffhausen

The stunning view of the Schaffhausen Falls be seen from the right of the train (when facing the direction of travel) around 5 mins before the train arrives in Schaffhausen.
This video was filmed from a train travelling in the opposite direction.

This wow moment is so wonderful that this journey has been featured on the list of the 15 Most Beautiful Swiss Train Rides.

Take the stress out of your journey Everything planned to your specification, so sit back and relax… Try Concierge

Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest travel news stories and to hear about what we've been working on for you.

See if there’s a unique journey guide for your trip, featuring info on the trains, tickets & stations.
Leaving From
Going To
ShowMeTheJourney

This is one of more than 1000 journey guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.