Romanshorn

How to Get to Romanshorn

Romanshorn is a beautiful port town on Lake Constance, easily accessible via Switzerland’s world-class rail network.

From the Airport

• Primary Airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the main international gateway.
• Train: Take a direct SBB train from the Zurich Airport station to Romanshorn.
  • Frequency: Trains run hourly.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 60 minutes.
  • Cost: Prices vary, but a standard one-way ticket typically costs between €20 and €60 (CHF 24–70), depending on how far in advance you book.
• Tickets & Zones: Unlike some European cities, you do not need to worry about complex "zone" tickets for this intercity journey. Simply purchase a point-to-point ticket from Zurich Airport to Romanshorn.
• Pro Tip: Download the SBB Mobile app or use the SBB website (sbb.ch). Both have excellent English options, allow for digital tickets, and accept major international credit cards. Avoid buying tickets at the last minute if possible to secure lower "Supersaver" fares.

From the City Center As Romanshorn is a compact town, the main railway station (Bahnhof Romanshorn) is centrally located within walking distance of the harbor and most hotels.

• Walking: If you are staying in the town center, you can easily reach the station on foot in 5–15 minutes.
• Regional Bus/Train: Local bus lines and regional trains (Thurbo) connect nearby districts to the station. If your accommodation is outside the immediate center, ask your hotel for a local transit map or check the SBB app for the quickest connection.

By Taxi

• Availability: Taxis are available but are expensive in Switzerland. A taxi from Zurich Airport to Romanshorn will cost approximately €300–€400 and take about 75 minutes. We highly recommend using the efficient and reliable train system instead.

Romanshorn is a straightforward, manageable station that serves as a vital junction on the shores of Lake Constance. Unlike massive metropolitan hubs, this station features a simple, user-friendly layout with a total of five tracks accessed via one side platform and two island platforms. Think of it as a compact, linear arrangement where everything is visible from the central concourse. There are no confusing upper or lower levels to navigate; all platforms are located at ground level, making transfers quick and stress-free.

Because the station is relatively small, you will not need to account for long transit times. Even moving between the most distant tracks takes only a couple of minutes on foot. The station is designed for easy flow, with a pedestrian underpass that provides level access to all platforms, ensuring that you can comfortably reach your connection even with luggage. If you arrive by train, simply follow the clear signage in the underpass to reach your next departure track.

The station’s primary function is to connect regional and long-distance trains with the ferry terminal located just outside. Because the station is situated right next to the harbour, the "Lake Constance" influence is immediate; you will find that the platforms are well-integrated with the town center and the ferry docks. There are no complex zone suffixes or hidden wings to worry about here—just look for your specific track number (1 through 5) on the digital departure boards located in the main concourse or the underpass.

For first-time visitors, the most important thing to remember is the station's role as a through-station for most lines, though it retains a historic feel as a former terminus. Because the layout is so compact, the biggest "trick" is simply to check the departure screens as you exit the underpass to confirm your track, as different regional lines (such as the S7 or S8) may share platforms depending on the time of day. If you have a tight connection, don't worry; the station's modest scale means you are never more than a few minutes away from any track, allowing you to focus on enjoying the beautiful lake views just steps from your carriage.

Tips for First-Time Visitors: Romanshorn

I wish someone had told me how seamless Swiss travel is, but it’s easy to feel intimidated your first time. Don't worry, but do prepare a little to make your arrival in Romanshorn stress-free.

Before You Arrive

• Download the SBB Mobile app: This is essential. It provides real-time platform updates, schedules for trains and boats, and is the most reliable way to buy tickets.
• Ticket Strategy: You don’t need to buy tickets weeks in advance; prices are fixed. You can buy them on the SBB app while standing on the platform. Avoid the stress of searching for machines by using your phone.
• Station Layout: Romanshorn is a beautiful, manageable junction station connecting the lake ferries to regional and intercity trains. It is not a massive, confusing hub, so you’ll find your way easily if you allow yourself an extra 10–15 minutes.

At the Station

• Facilities: While the station is modernized, remember that toilets in Swiss stations are generally paid; carry Swiss Franc coins just in case, though many modern trains have free toilets on board.
• Food: For cheaper snacks, check for local kiosks or the Co-op near the station. It is much more budget-friendly than grabbing a quick meal at a sit-down restaurant.
• Navigation: The ferry terminal is located right next to the railway station. If you are connecting to a boat, follow the clear signage toward the "Hafen" (harbor).
• Luggage: Use the elevators rather than the escalators if you have heavy bags to ensure a smooth transition between platforms.

Common Mistakes

• Platform Changes: Never assume your platform is set in stone two hours early. Check the digital boards or your SBB app 20–30 minutes before departure, as platform changes can happen.
• Ticket Zones: If you are buying a local ticket, ensure you check the zone map. Buying a ticket for the wrong zone can lead to an on-the-spot fine of roughly 100 CHF.
• Class Confusion: Watch for the large "1" or "2" on the outside of train cars. Sitting in first class with a second-class ticket will result in a fine and the need to pay the fare difference immediately.

Through station serving Romanshorn, Switzerland. Opened in 1855, the station is a historic junction connecting the Winterthur–Romanshorn, Schaffhausen–Rorschach, and Romanshorn–Nesslau lines. While the original building dates back to the station’s founding, it underwent significant modernization between 2001 and 2003, which included the construction of a pedestrian underpass, platform upgrades, and the installation of contemporary passenger information systems.

First-time travelers often worry about navigating European rail hubs, but Romanshorn offers a straightforward layout that is easy to manage. The station features five tracks across one side platform and two island platforms, making it compact and well-signposted. You will find clear English-language displays for train departures and connections. Regional and local trains, including S-Bahn services, are the primary operators here.

Is this station huge and confusing? Not at all. It is a manageable, mid-sized regional hub designed for efficiency. To ensure a stress-free experience, allow yourself a few minutes of extra time before your scheduled departure. Keep in mind that platform assignments can occasionally change 30 to 60 minutes before a train departs, so it is good practice to check the digital information boards upon arrival to confirm your track number.