Is 10 mins adequate to change platforms at Zurich HB?
Subrata is planning a trip to Brig and is concerned about having enough time to change trains at Zurich Hauptbahnhof, especially since he and his wife are senior citizens. He wants to know if 10 minutes is sufficient for the transfer without feeling rushed.
- You have more than enough time to change trains at Zurich HB; the platforms for your connection are very close to each other.
- If your incoming train is at the front, simply walk straight to platform 14, which takes about five minutes.
- Look for escalators or ramps if you are in the rear part of the train; they lead directly to the connecting platform.
- Always check the carriage position; first-class is generally closer to the front of the train.
AI-generated summary-
The SBB Timetable displays the time available to change platforms for connecting trains. For example, it shows 10 minutes of walk time at Zurich HB to catch the train bound for Brig (Refer the attached document). I would assume that 10 minutes is sufficient time to walk from one platform to another. However, if it is not so, do I need to actually rush to catch the connecting train? I am asking this because my wife and I are both senior citizens, and we would find it uncomfortable if we have to almost run from one platform to another! I am looking forward to experienced travellers on this forum to apprise me of the actual situation regarding transfer times at the stations.
-
Hello Subrata
DO NOT WORRY. It is clear from the attachment that your incoming train will arrive at platform 12 at 08 22, and your connecting train towards BRIG departs from platform 14. These two platforms are close to each other in the above ground part of Zurich Hauptbahnhof.
Zurich Hauptbahnhof is in four parts. However platforms 3-18 are all in the old above ground dead-end terminus station, to which through underground platforms have been later added.If you are in the front part of the train arriving at 08 22, just walk along the platform to the very front of the train. At the buffer stops turn LEFT. and you will come to platform 14 almost immediately.
If you are in the rear part of the train walk forwards along the platform, but you need not go right to the buffer stops. You will soon come to a pedestrian subway with escalators and/or ramps. Go through the subway, following the signs to platform 14. Remember that the the two platforms are actually very close to each other! The whole walk should, at most, take five minutes.
Note that as a general (but not invariable) rule, first class carriages are close to the buffer stops, second class carriages are further back.
Best wishes on your travels.
Roger
Hello Roger,
As usual you have made the whole issue crystal clear to me. Thanks for allaying all my apprehensions! I certainly value your support.
Regards
Subrata
- The thread ‘Is 10 mins adequate to change platforms at Zurich HB?’ is closed to new replies.
