Zurich To Titlis Train: All You Need To Know

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Titlis, at 3,239 meters above sea level, is the highest point of Canton Obwalden. This well-known mountain is convenient to reach from Engelberg village. Titlis is an excellent destination with a panoramic style view, easily accessed from the valley via Stand.

The views of the alps from Titlis are fantastic. You will see the glacier and rock ridges while riding the cable car and at the mountain station. From the mountain station of Titlis, you will only need 219 meters to reach the peak. However, this can only be reached with appropriate alpine climbing shoes good for serious alpine hiking. The marked routes should be strictly followed.

From Titlis, the views of the Rhaetian, Bernese, and Valais Alps are absolutely beautiful.

Image taken from Titlis by Denis Linine from Pixabay

It is possible to go from Zurich to Titlis in one day. Based on the travel time we have already experienced, I estimate at least 2 hours each way. If you would like to have an easier time reaching Titlis, I recommend you stay in Lucerne. From there, it is easier to reach Titlis.

On this page, you can find all the information you need regarding the train journey from Zurich to Titlis.

Overview: Navigating Swiss Trains

You can start by visiting the SBB website: www.sbb.ch. Using the website, you can type in your departure and arrival destinations. It will then guide you to where and when you need to be. An app is also available for iOS and Android devices.

If you wish to pay half the fare for all your train rides in Switzerland, a Half Fare Discount Card is available on www.sbb.ch. This allows you to travel for half the price on all SBB routes and most other railways during the duration of your discount card.

Getting tickets from RailEurope is definitely a convenient option if you’re traveling within Europe and/or visiting multiple countries. A global leader in train tickets and passes, RailEurope is headquartered in Paris, France. A Swiss Pass and a Half Fare Discount Card can also be obtained from RailEurope.

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Using the Swiss Pass, you can travel on Swiss trains, buses, boats, and more. Over 500 museums are also free or discounted, and there are free or discounted excursions to mountain summits.


Are There Direct Trains From Zurich to Titlis?

As of the time of writing (updated December 2022), there are no direct trains from Zurich to Titlis.

Titlis can be reached via Lucerne and Engelberg from Zurich. Most tourists, however, choose to stay in Lucerne and then travel to Titlis from there.


How to Get From Zurich to Titlis

To get from Zurich to Titlis, you will have to take the following connections:

  1. Take the Interregio train from Zurich to Lucerne.
  2. In Lucerne, change to the connecting train that goes to Engelberg.
  3. In Engelberg, take the bus that goes to Engelberg, Titlisbahn.
  4. Once in the valley station, you will take the gondola to Stand.
  5. In Stand, you will take the cable car to Titlis.

Alternatively, you can also simply walk from Engelberg train station to the Titlis valley station. It is a short 10-minute walk from the Engelberg train station to the Titlis valley station.


How to Get From Zurich to Titlis: Guided Tour

If you prefer a guided tour to Titlis, you can find a highly-rated one on GetYourGuide. The tour takes you with a guide and a bus from Zurich to the top of Mount Titlis, with a short stop in Lucerne in between. You will experience the Titlis Cliff Walk bridge and the Ice Flyer Chairlift during the tour. You’ll be riding back to Zurich at the end of the day. You may book this tour on GetYourGuide by clicking here – From Zurich: Mount Titlis Day Tour.


How Long Does It Take From Zurich to Titlis?

The following table shows the travel duration from Zurich to Titlis (updated December 2022):

RouteTravel Duration (Fastest)
Zurich – Lucerne – Engelberg – Titlis Valley Station (Talstation Titlis) – Stand – Titlis2 hours 11 minutes
Zurich Airport – Lucerne – Engelberg – Titlis Valley Station (Talstation Titlis) – Stand – Titlis2 hours 49 minutes

Is the Train Route From Zurich to Titlis Scenic?

Intercity trains from Zurich Airport to Lucerne are not scenic trains. There are fast trains that travel from one big city to another, whose main purpose is to transport passengers as quickly as possible. These trains can reach high speeds.  During the ride, you can still see the scenery, but it won’t be slow and steady like other scenic trains.


How Much Will the Train Ticket From Zurich to Titlis Cost?

As of the time of writing (updated December 2022), here are the train ticket prices from Zurich to Titlis:

RouteFull Fare (CHF)Half Fare (CHF)
Zurich – Lucerne – Engelberg – Titlis Valley Station (Talstation Titlis) – Stand – Titlis107.0053.50
Zurich Airport – Lucerne – Engelberg – Titlis Valley Station (Talstation Titlis) – Stand – Titlis112.0056.00

As you can see, if you avail of the Half Fare Travel Card, you can definitely save on your fare for long train journeys. So this is definitely something to consider during your travel to Switzerland. You can do simple calculations and decide from there if it will be worth it for you.


Do You Need a Seat Reservation on the Train?

No, there is no need to reserve a spot on the train. But you can always add this option if that is your wish.