Zurich is located in the center of Switzerland, so most European capitals are reached within 2 hours from Zurich by plane. With its Main Railway Station, Zurich also has the largest railway station in Switzerland – with direct connections to other Swiss cities and the surrounding countries. In the city we recommend public transport, even for car enthusiasts: it’s safe, reliable and gets you everywhere within no time.
Arriving in Zurich by Plane
Zurich Airport has its own train station and is just 10km (6 miles) from the city. So you can take a train to the city center and the trip takes just 10 minutes. A ticket for an adult is 6.80 Sfr and valid for one hour in the whole city (3 zones). If you plan to travel by public transport, make it a 24 hour ticket for just twice the price, or consider buying a ZürichCARD (free transport and free entry to museums). Buy Zurich Card for 24 h or Buy Zurich Card for 72 h
Taxi to central Zurich costs around 60 – 70 Sfr and the journey is about 15 minutes. Taxi stands are just outside Arrivals 1 and 2. Only licensed taxis are allowed to pick up passengers. They are generally safe and reliable.
Tram number 10 takes you from the airport via Oerlikon to Zurich main station as well. The journey takes 37 minutes, same tickets as for the trains are valid. Good option if your hotel is in Zurich North.
- Online Timetable for Tram, Bus, Boat and Train
- Route network for the city of Zurich
- Route network for S-Bahn trains, buses and boats
Shuttle buses (7×7 minibuses) run at least once an hour in both directions between the city center and the airport. All the hotels in central Zurich and Zurich-West are served by the shuttle bus; you will be informed of the departure times when you book. You can reserve the shuttle service online or through the hotel reception. A single journey costs CHF 25 for adults; children aged 12 and under travel free when accompanied by their parents. Info & Online Booking
Car Rental at Zurich Airport – Various car rental firms are based at Zurich Airport. You are best advised to reserve your car in advance of your trip and then pick it up directly at Zurich Airport on arrival.
Arriving in Zurich by Train
Zurich‘s main train station, referred to by locals as HB (Hauptbahnhof), is right in the centre of the city. Zurich‘s major shopping mile Bahnhofstrasse starts just outside. All international and domestic trains leave and arrive here. Zurich Main Station is a major hub and connects Zurich with Paris, Milan, Hamburg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, and other European cities.
From the main station trains to all major Swiss cities leave once or twice an hour. Several direct trains a day leave here for many European destinations, such as Milan (4hrs), Paris (4.5hrs), Munich (4hrs), Berlin (8hrs) or Vienna (9hrs).
Book now with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
Arriving in Zurich by Bus
Diverse bus companies offer bus trips to Zurich. With Eurobus, Eurolines, IC Bus or Flixbus you can travel cheaply from major European cities to Zurich. International buses as well as sightseeing coaches arrive and depart from the bus station (Bus Terminal Sihlquai, F‑10), a two-minute walk north of the main train station.
Arriving in Zurich by Car
The Swiss highways A1, A2, A3 and A4 lead from all directions to Zurich and if you follow the signs to Zurich City the city centre is quite easy to reach. But parking in the centre is scarce and very expensive. Car parks and hotels charge up to 40 Sfr for 24hours.
Driving in Switzerland is generally easy, as roads are in good condition, sign posting is excellent and drivers usually not aggressive. If you‘re using the motorways you will have to buy a vignette for 40Sfr (available in petrol stations and post offices) to stick on your windscreen. When driving in Zurich remember that trams always have right of way.
You may use your home driving license in Switzerland as long as it is valid – if the license is a non EU-one and in a language other than French, English, Italian or German it is recommended that your license be accompanied by an international one.
