Destination Zurich
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is situated to the north-east of the city. It is the main hub for Star Alliance member Swiss and is served by numerous Oneworld and Star Alliance airlines connecting within Europe and to Africa, Asia, North America and South America.
Airport Code – ZRH
Distance to Central Zurich – 6 Miles
Zurich Population – 2,100,000
Language – German
Currency – Swiss Franc (CHF)
Voltage – 230v
Plug – Type J.
Credit Cards – Widely Accepted.
LGBTQ Friendly – Yes.
Zurich Airport to City Transport Options
S-Bahn Train
Car & Pick Up
Tram
The S-Bahn train operates from a station beneath the airport terminal with trains running every 5-10 minutes from 0500-2359.
The journey time to Zurich HB in the city centre takes 10-12 minutes.
You will require a 2 Zone ticket which will cost CHF2.80 (as of 23rd September 2025).
Tickets can be bought from ticket machines at the airport or in advance on the SBB railways website or App.
Taxi
Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Taxis are metered, expect to pay CHF50-70 to the city centre. Journey time is 15-20 minutes.
The usual ride hailing apps are in operation.
Tram line 10 operates from outside the arrivals hall at the airport to the city centre operating every 8-15 minutes. Journey time is around 35 minutes.
A one-way ticket costs CHF6.80 and is valid for one hour or an all day ticket costs CHF8.80. These are available from the blue ticket machines by the tram stop or from the ZVV App.
You must validate your ticket when entering the tram.
Welcome To Zurich
Zurich welcomes visitors with a blend of historic charm and contemporary flair, making it one of Europe’s most captivating destinations. Nestled beside the clear waters of Lake Zurich and framed by the distant Alps, the city invites leisurely strolls along its cobblestone streets and vibrant promenades. Begin in the Altstadt, the Old Town, where medieval buildings lean gracefully over narrow lanes and hidden courtyards. Here, the twin towers of the Grossmünster church rise above the skyline, while the elegant Fraumünster boasts Chagall’s luminous stained-glass windows.
As you wander toward the lake, the atmosphere shifts from ancient to modern. Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, offers high-end boutiques and Swiss watchmakers, yet it is as enjoyable for window-shopping as for splurging. The nearby Lindenhof hill provides a quiet viewpoint where Roman history meets panoramic views of the city’s rooftops and the Limmat River.
Zurich is as much about culture as scenery. The Kunsthaus hosts a remarkable art collection spanning centuries, and the Rietberg Museum showcases treasures from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Music lovers will find performances ranging from classical concerts at the Tonhalle to cutting-edge electronic sets in the city’s renowned nightlife scene. Cafés and restaurants reflect the city’s diversity, from traditional Swiss fondue parlors to sleek establishments serving inventive global cuisine.
Outdoor enthusiasts will discover that Zurich’s natural surroundings are never far away. A boat trip on the lake offers a fresh perspective of the city framed by mountains, while a short train ride leads to hiking trails and alpine vistas. In summer, locals and visitors alike dive into the Limmat or relax at lakefront bathing spots. Winter transforms the nearby peaks into ski playgrounds, all within easy reach.
Whether you are drawn by art and history, shopping and dining, or the call of the outdoors, Zurich balances cosmopolitan sophistication with a laid-back Swiss charm. Each season paints the city in new colors, promising that every visit feels distinct, welcoming travelers to linger and explore at their own rhythm.
Getting Around Zurich
Zurich’s public transport system is one of the most efficient and seamless in the world, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings without ever needing a car. At the heart of the network are the trams, which glide through the streets with clockwork precision. Their routes cover every district, linking the Old Town, shopping avenues, residential neighborhoods, and the lakefront, so you are never far from a stop. Each tram is clearly numbered and color-coded on maps, and real-time displays at every station keep you informed about arrivals.
Complementing the trams are buses that reach areas beyond the tracks, ensuring that even the quieter corners of the city remain accessible. Both trams and buses operate on the same ticketing system, so a single ticket allows easy transfers between them.
For longer journeys, the S-Bahn suburban trains extend from the main station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof to nearby towns, lakes, and hiking trails.
Tickets are purchased by zone, rather than by distance, and are valid across trams, buses, and trains within those zones. Machines at every stop and station accept cards or coins, and day passes are available for unlimited travel. There are no barriers or turnstiles but you must validate your ticket. Inspectors make random checks, so keeping a validated ticket is essential.
Boats on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River are also part of the public network, turning a commute into a scenic cruise. In summer, these ferries are a relaxing way to hop between lakeside neighborhoods or enjoy an evening on the water. Cycling integrates seamlessly with the system too, as many stations provide bike rentals and storage, allowing travelers to mix two wheels with public transport.