Zurich, Switzerland → Vienna, Austria · ✈ 1h 14min · 🚗 9h 37min
320 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: east
The distance from Zurich to Vienna is 592 km (368 miles). The fastest way to travel is by high-speed train. A high-speed train covers the distance in approximately 2h 7min.
The straight-line distance from Zurich, Switzerland to Vienna, Austria is approximately 592 kilometers (368 miles or 320 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Vienna is located east of Zurich. Zurich is in Europe, in the Zurich region of Switzerland, while Vienna is in Europe, in Vienna, Austria. Both cities are in Europe.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 592 km | ~1h 14min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~770 km | ~9h 37min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~681 km | ~2h 7min | Often faster than flying (no airport time) |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~710 km | ~5h 55min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: high-speed train is typically the best way to travel from Zurich to Vienna. For 592 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 770 km, fuel costs for driving from Zurich to Vienna are approximately $62–$116 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Zurich sits at 47.3769°N, 8.5417°E, while Vienna is located at 48.2082°N, 16.3738°E. The initial compass bearing from Zurich to Vienna is 78° (ENE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Zurich heading roughly ENE. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 0.83° and the longitude difference is 7.83°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Zurich and Vienna is approximately 47.8592°N, 12.4264°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 296 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Zurich and Vienna share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Zurich uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), while Vienna uses the Euro (EUR). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. The primary local language shifts from German / French / Italian in Zurich to German in Vienna. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Zurich is a major city in Switzerland with a population of approximately 421,878. Located in the Zurich region, it is an important hub in Europe. Despite its smaller size, Zurich plays an important regional role in Switzerland and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from Zurich
Vienna is a notable city in Austria with a population of approximately 1,911,191. Situated in the Vienna region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. Vienna offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Austria.
→ See all distances from Vienna
592 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 592 km, the Zurich-Vienna route is about 1.5% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 14min.
The straight-line distance from Zurich to Vienna is approximately 592 kilometers (368 miles, 320 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 14min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 9h 37min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Vienna is approximately Same timezone compared to Zurich.
The estimated road distance is approximately 770 km, which is about 30% longer than the 592 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.