Zürich Airport

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is Switzerland's largest and busiest airport, located approximately 13 km north of Zurich city center in Kloten. As the main hub for SWISS International Air Lines (Lufthansa Group), it serves as a critical connection point for Star Alliance carriers and handles around 30 million passengers annually.

The airport is renowned for Swiss precision and efficiency, consistently ranking among Europe's best airports for punctuality and connections.

The airport has one main terminal complex with three airside piers:

• Airside Center: The central hub connecting all piers, featuring shops, restaurants, and lounges. Accessible after security.
• Dock A: Gates A1-A78, primarily Schengen destinations. Connected directly to the Airside Center.
• Dock B: Gates B1-B44, mixed Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Some gates require bus boarding.
• Dock E: Gates E1-E69, primarily non-Schengen long-haul flights. SWISS Business and First Class lounges located here.

All piers are connected airside, making connections efficient. The main terminal building houses check-in (Levels 1-2), arrivals (Level 0), and a direct connection to the railway station below (Level -2).

Zurich Airport is located 13 km (8 miles) north of Zurich city center in the municipality of Kloten.

Travel time overview:

• Train to Zürich HB: 10-12 minutes
• Tram to city center: 30-35 minutes
• Taxi to city center: 15-25 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Bus to other cities: Various regional connections

The airport has a train station directly below the terminal (Level -2), making it one of Europe's best-connected airports by rail. SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) operates frequent trains to Zurich and beyond.

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside the arrivals hall. Swiss taxis are well-regulated with standardized metering.

Destination	Fare	Time
Zürich HB (Main Station)	CHF 50-70	15-25 min
Zürich city center	CHF 50-70	15-25 min
Winterthur	CHF 80-100	25-35 min
Baden	CHF 90-110	30-40 min

Fares are metered with a base fare of approximately CHF 6 plus CHF 3.80 per kilometer. Night and weekend surcharges may apply. Credit cards are accepted.

Uber

Uber operates at Zurich Airport with pickup at designated areas.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to rideshare pickup in the parking area
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Green
• Typical fare to city center: CHF 35-55
• Advance booking: Reserve through the app for guaranteed pickup

Note: Uber prices in Switzerland are often comparable to traditional taxis due to Swiss regulations.

Train (SBB)

The train station is located directly below the terminal at Level -2. Follow signs to "Bahn/Railway" from arrivals.

To Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station):

1. Take escalators down to Level -2 (train station)
2. Board any train marked "Zürich HB" (multiple lines serve this route)
3. Exit at Zürich HB (10-12 minutes)

Ticket Type	Price	Notes
Single adult (2nd class)	CHF 6.80	One-way to Zürich HB
Single adult (1st class)	CHF 12.00	One-way to Zürich HB
Day pass (ZVV network)	CHF 13.60	Unlimited travel in zones 110+121
Swiss Travel Pass	Various	Includes airport train

Frequency: 6-12 trains per hour to Zürich HB Operating hours: Approximately 05:00-00:30

Purchase tickets from SBB machines on the platform (accepts cash, cards, contactless payment) or via the SBB Mobile app before boarding. Swiss trains do not have conductors selling tickets; traveling without a valid ticket results in a CHF 100+ fine.

Direct Train Connections

Destination	Journey Time	Frequency
Zürich HB	10-12 min	Every 5-10 min
Winterthur	25 min	Every 30 min
Bern	1 hour 10 min	Every 30 min
Basel SBB	1 hour 20 min	Every 30 min
Lucerne	1 hour 10 min	Every 30 min
Geneva	2 hours 50 min	Hourly
Interlaken	2 hours	Hourly (change in Bern)

Tram (Line 10)

Tram line 10 connects the airport to Zürich city center, offering a scenic and affordable option.

• Route: Flughafen → Oerlikon → Zürich HB → Bahnhofplatz
• Journey time: 30-35 minutes to Zürich HB
• Fare: CHF 6.80 (same as train)
• Frequency: Every 7-15 minutes

The tram is slower than the train but provides views of Zürich neighborhoods and is useful for destinations along its route.

Bus

Regional buses connect the airport to nearby towns and the Glattbrugg area. Bus stops are located at Level 0 outside arrivals.

Zurich Airport offers extensive parking across multiple facilities.

Terminal Parking

Location	Type	Price
P1	Short-term (covered)	CHF 5/hour, max CHF 50/day
P2	Terminal parking	From CHF 35/day
P3	Terminal parking	From CHF 35/day
P6	Long-term	From CHF 20/day
P60	Economy	From CHF 15/day (shuttle required)

Tips:

• Book online at zurich-airport.com for discounts (up to 40% off walk-up rates)
• P1 is closest to terminals but most expensive
• P6 and P60 offer best value for trips over 3 days
• Electric vehicle charging available in P2

Drop-off

Drop-off zones at departures level allow stopping for a few minutes free of charge. For longer stops, use the short-term parking areas.

Zurich Airport offers diverse dining options reflecting Switzerland's multicultural cuisine.

Airside (After Security)

Sit-down restaurants:

• Montreux Jazz Cafe: Swiss and international cuisine with music theme (Airside Center)
• Walter: Modern Swiss restaurant with views (Dock E)
• Air: Contemporary dining with cocktails (Airside Center)
• Chez Marion: French bistro fare

Quick bites:

• Sprüngli: Famous Zurich chocolatier, excellent pastries and Luxemburgerli (Airside Center)
• Marche: Swiss market-style restaurant, fresh options
• Starbucks: Multiple locations
• Burger King, McDonald's: Fast food options

Landside (Before Security)

• Quince: Upscale restaurant and bar (Level 1)
• Montreux Jazz Cafe: Also has landside location
• Migros Take Away: Budget-friendly Swiss supermarket food
• Various cafes: Coffee and pastries

Swiss Specialties to Try

• Sprüngli Luxemburgerli: Famous small macarons, perfect as gifts
• Toblerone: Classic Swiss chocolate (available everywhere)
• Fondue or Raclette: Traditional cheese dishes (at sit-down restaurants)

Free WiFi is available throughout Zurich Airport with no time limit.

Detail	Information
Network name	ZRH-FREE-WIFI
Registration	Accept terms (no email required)
Time limit	Unlimited
Coverage	All terminals and docks

Quality: Generally reliable for browsing, email, and video calls. Speed may vary during peak hours. For faster connections, airline lounges offer premium WiFi.

Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport.

Where to Buy

• Swisscom: Level 0 arrivals area
• Sunrise: Various locations in terminal
• Salt: Available at electronics stores
• Coop/Migros supermarkets: Budget options in airport shopping area

Prices

Provider	Price	Data
Swisscom	From CHF 20	2GB data, valid 30 days
Sunrise	From CHF 19	Various data packages
Salt	From CHF 19	Budget-friendly options
Coop Mobile	From CHF 10	Basic prepaid

Important: Switzerland is not in the EU, so EU roaming rules do not apply. Check if your home plan includes Switzerland before purchasing a local SIM.

Tip: eSIMs are increasingly popular. Providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad offer instant activation without visiting a store.

ATMs are located throughout the terminal on all levels. Major Swiss banks represented include UBS, Credit Suisse, and Raiffeisen.

ATM Locations

• Arrivals hall (Level 0): Multiple ATMs near exits
• Check-in halls (Level 1-2): Near departure areas
• Airside Center: After security

Currency

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). While some places accept euros, you'll receive change in CHF at unfavorable rates.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange counters are available in arrivals and departures areas. However, exchange rates at airports are typically unfavorable (3-5% worse than market rates).

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw CHF from ATMs using a no-fee debit card
• Use Wise, Revolut, or similar services for better rates
• Pay directly with credit/debit card (widely accepted in Switzerland)

Note: Switzerland is expensive. Budget accordingly, especially for dining and transportation.

Zurich Airport offers excellent shopping, particularly for Swiss products.

Duty Free

Location	Hours
Airside Center	05:30-21:00
Dock E shops	06:00-21:00
Dock A shops	06:00-21:00

Products: Swiss watches, chocolates (Lindt, Sprüngli, Toblerone), Swiss Army knives (Victorinox), perfumes, spirits, tobacco.

Notable Stores

• Sprüngli: Zurich's finest chocolatier, luxury confections
• Victorinox: Swiss Army knives and travel gear
• Swiss Watch Gallery: Luxury timepieces (Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer)
• Bucherer: Watches and jewelry, tax-free shopping
• Lindt: Chocolate shop and flagship store
• Heimatwerk: Traditional Swiss crafts and souvenirs

Tips

• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over CHF 300
• Pre-order online for in-store pickup
• Swiss watches are often cheaper at airport duty-free than city boutiques
• Chocolate makes excellent gifts and is competitively priced

Zurich Airport has numerous lounge options, with SWISS operating premium facilities in Dock E.

SWISS Lounges

SWISS First Lounge (Dock E):

• Access: SWISS First Class, Miles & More HON Circle, Star Alliance First
• Facilities: Full restaurant, champagne bar, private suites, spa treatments
• Hours: 05:00-22:00

SWISS Senator Lounge (Dock E):

• Access: SWISS Business Class, Star Alliance Gold, Miles & More Senator
• Facilities: Hot buffet, bar, showers, work areas, rest zones
• Hours: 05:00-22:00

SWISS Business Lounge (Dock E and Airside Center):

• Access: Star Alliance Business Class, Miles & More Frequent Traveller
• Facilities: Snacks, beverages, seating, work stations
• Hours: 05:00-22:00

Priority Pass Lounges

Aspire Lounge (Dock E, non-Schengen):

• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, day pass (CHF 45)
• Facilities: Snacks, drinks, WiFi, seating
• Hours: 05:30-21:00
• Note: Can get crowded during peak times

Primeclass Lounge (Airside Center, Schengen):

• Access: Priority Pass, various credit cards, day pass
• Facilities: Hot food, bar, comfortable seating
• Hours: 06:00-22:00

Credit Card Access

• Amex Platinum (Swiss): Access to Centurion Lounge (when available) and certain partner lounges
• Priority Pass: Aspire Lounge, Primeclass Lounge
• Diners Club: Various lounge access

Day Passes

Most lounges offer day passes for approximately CHF 45-60 if you don't have membership or qualifying ticket.

Several hotels are connected to or near Zurich Airport.

At the Airport

Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport

• Connected to terminal via covered walkway (5 minute walk)
• 4-star, full-service with restaurant and bar
• Direct access from arrivals
• From CHF 180/night

Hilton Zurich Airport

• Adjacent to terminal, short covered walk
• 4-star, excellent facilities
• Restaurant, fitness center, pool
• From CHF 200/night

Park Inn by Radisson

• Connected to airport via walkway
• 3-star, good value option
• From CHF 130/night

Transit Hotel (Airside)

Transit Hotel Zurich Airport

• Located airside in Dock B
• Ideal for layovers without clearing immigration
• Bookable by the hour or overnight
• Basic but functional rooms
• From CHF 60/6 hours

Near the Airport

• Mövenpick Hotel Zürich-Airport: 10-minute shuttle, from CHF 150/night
• Dorint Airport Hotel: 5-minute shuttle, from CHF 140/night
• Holiday Inn Express: Budget option, shuttle available, from CHF 110/night

Tip: For short layovers, the Transit Hotel (airside) saves clearing passport control. For overnight stays before early flights, airport-connected hotels are worth the premium.

Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and a global financial center, offering a blend of old-town charm, world-class museums, and stunning Alpine scenery within easy reach.

Getting to the City Center

• Train to Zürich HB: 10-12 minutes (CHF 6.80)
• Taxi to city center: 15-25 minutes (CHF 50-70)

Top Attractions

Attraction	Travel Time from Airport	Highlights
Zürich Altstadt (Old Town)	20 min by train + walk	Medieval streets, Grossmünster church, boutique shopping
Lake Zürich	25 min by train	Boat cruises, lakeside promenades, swimming in summer
Bahnhofstrasse	15 min by train	One of Europe's most exclusive shopping streets
Swiss National Museum	15 min by train	Swiss history and culture, next to Hauptbahnhof
Kunsthaus Zürich	25 min by train	Major art museum, Giacometti collection
Uetliberg	45 min by train	Mountain viewpoint, panoramic Alpine views

Layover Recommendations

• 5-hour layover: Train to Zürich HB, walk through Altstadt, visit Grossmünster, stroll Bahnhofstrasse
• 7-hour layover: Add Lake Zürich promenade and a stop at a traditional Swiss cafe
• Day trip from airport: Lucerne (1 hour), Rhine Falls (45 min), Mount Pilatus (2 hours with cable car)

Zurich Specialties

• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: Veal in cream sauce, Zurich's signature dish
• Fondue and Raclette: Traditional Swiss cheese dishes
• Birchermüesli: Invented in Zurich, available at most cafes
• Sprüngli Luxemburgerli: Famous miniature macarons
• Swiss chocolate: Quality beyond compare

Practical Tips

• Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited train, bus, and boat travel plus free museum entry. Excellent value for trips beyond Zurich.
• Zürich Card: 24 or 72 hours of unlimited public transit plus free museum entry (from CHF 27)
• Credit cards: Widely accepted, but some smaller shops prefer cash
• Tipping: Service charge included; small tips (5-10%) appreciated but not expected
• Sunday closures: Most shops closed on Sundays; restaurants and attractions open
• Water: Tap water is excellent and safe to drink throughout Switzerland