Kaiserslautern to Zurich Train Ride

I always wanted to go to Switzerland. It’s been my childhood dream and I have never thought that dream finally came true.  I’ve been always fascinated by the cowbells and the traditional clothing of the ladies in Switzerland. So the journey from Kaiserslautern to Zurich train ride begins.

Book your train tickets in advance

Anyway, we had to take a train first from Kaiserslautern to Stuttgart to get to Switzerland. My husband booked the tickets in advance while we were still in the States, which allowed us to secure seat reservations. This makes our travel more comfortable, especially since trains can get quite busy, particularly on popular routes.

Since we were only staying in Switzerland for three days, we left our main luggage at the hotel in Kaiserslautern. We only brought small duffel bags with enough clothes and toiletries for the short stay. This made it much easier for us to move around, especially when we were taking public transportation and a lot of walking.

Simple packing tips for a short trip

• Pack smart: Choose all-around or comfortable clothing that can be mixed and matched, and check the weather forecast to avoid overpacking.
• Travel-size toiletries: Hotels usually provide basic amenities, so bring only what you need.
• Lightweight bags: Ziplocks and foldable can be handy and they don’t need a lot of space in your luggage.

Kaiserslautern to Stuttgart train ride

So, from Kaiserslautern, we took a train to Stuttgart. Fortunately, there weren’t too many people on this train. But we had a seat reservation so we didn’t much worry. Also, if you have a reservation, you will see the numbers on the side of the headrest or at the back of the seat, depending on the train you will be riding.

I should also add that you don’t need a seat reservation to board most trains in Germany. If you have a ticket, you can sit in any open seat. But if someone has reserved that seat, you’ll have to move when they arrive.

A seat reservation isn’t required, but it can make your trip easier, especially when peak hours and seasons when the train is full!

Train Seat Tips from Germany to Switzerland

• How to know if the seat is reserved: Look for a small screen above the seat, on the headrest, at the back of the seat, or above the window. It will show if the seat is taken or not.
• Where to sit if you don’t have a reservation: If you don’t have a reservation, try to board early and look for seats near the doors or in the middle of the train car, as these spots are often free. It also helps to pick a seat near the luggage racks or by a window for a better travel experience.
• Be ready to move: If you’re sitting in a seat that someone has reserved, you’ll need to find another one.
• When to reserve a seat: If you’re traveling during busy times, holidays, or a long trip on fast trains (especially on ICE or IC trains), it’s a good idea to book a seat so you don’t have to worry.

What to do when you experience ear pressure while going through tunnels

On the way to Switzerland, the train passes through several tunnels. If you’re claustrophobic, try to stay calm because each tunnel lasts only a few seconds. Also, if you experience ear pressure, just yawn a few times to relieve it. My husband and I talking to each other also helped, because moving my mouth relieved the pressure. Another great trick is chewing gum – keeping a small pack in your pocket can be useful, as the chewing movement subsides the ear pressure quickly.

One thing to keep in mind when riding trains in Germany – I noticed the attendant’s announcement was in German, not English. If you don’t understand, politely ask for help. Luckily, my husband speaks German, so it wasn’t a problem for us.

From Kaiserslautern Hbf to Stuttgart Hbf was about an hour and a half travel.

Stuttgart to Zurich train ride

When we arrived in Stuttgart, we had to transfer to another train bound for Switzerland. German trains typically do not cross the border into Switzerland, so we transferred to a Swiss train for the next part of our trip. Although Swiss trains are known for their punctuality and comfort, it is important to check schedules in advance and also pay attention to the carriage number you will be boarding in – make sure you board on the right one.

Train amenities

With this train, our seats came with a small table, making it convenient for eating, working, or simply relaxing. And of course, a very wide window for viewing the lovely scenery! In another section of the train, there was a coffee machine (thanks, goodness!) where passengers could buy coffee for a small fee. The ICE train was equipped with amenities, including a small trash can for disposing of waste and digital map monitors displaying travel information and updates. Of course, the train also had bathrooms, to make sure the passengers could have a comfortable experience during the trip.

On this ICE train to Zurich, the announcements were first in German and then in English. Yay! This is because it’s a major route with many tourists. Giving information in both languages helps everyone understand important details about the trip, like stops, delays, or services on board. This made traveling easier for people who don’t speak German.

We took a few videos of the stunning scenery and landscapes along the way. The train ride was so awesome that time passed quickly, and before we knew it, we were arriving in Zurich. While on the Zurich border, we also had the chance to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Rhine Falls. Lucky for me, I caught it on video before the trees blocked the view.

The train ride from Stuttgart to Zurich train station was about 3 hours.

Zurich train station luggage lockers

If you want to explore Zurich right away, you can leave your luggage in the train station locker. There are lockers there from small sizes up to big sizes of luggage and you pay by credit card.

The Kaiserslautern to Zurich train ride experience was an enjoyable and unforgettable one, totaling almost 5 hours.

Planning to visit Kaiserslautern, Germany? Check these places

• Japanese Garden in Kaiserslautern, Germany
• Hohenecken Castle Ruins in Kaiserslautern, Germany