About Zurich Airport
Zurich, which is the biggest city of Switzerland leading the finance and banking sectors of Europe, is also home to Zurich Airport as a city symbolizing its cultural richness thanks to hosting many different nations. The number of the terminal buildings was increased to three with the renovation and expansion works conducted in 1953 and 1961 at Zurich Airport, which is located 12 kilometers away from the city center and was built in 1921. Today, there are flights to 65 countries and 196 regions from Zurich Airport which is among the busiest airports of the world.
Getting to the City Center from Zurich Airport
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and is situated at the tip of Lake Zurich. The city is divided in two by the Limmat River, which is a outlet of Lake Zurich. The city’s main railway station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof, is the focal point of the public transportation network. Every tram, train, and bus line passes through this area, providing transportation to various parts of the city and its surrounding areas. The public transportation system in Zurich is the Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV). Public transportation vehicles in Zurich are very clean, reliable and comfortable. The prices are very reasonable and every vehicle is extremely punctual. While trains provide transportation within the city, and access to neighboring cities, the most preferred means transportation in the city are buses and trams. The public transportation network also operates after midnight. This service is called the night supplement. You need to purchase a night supplement ticket, in addition to your regular ZVV network ticket. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines, sales offices, or by SMS. The ZürichCARD is a fare payment system for all public transit in the city. It is an ideal option for tourists looking to explore the city during their stay. Purchasing a Zurich card to use during your stay ends up being more affordable. You have the option of purchasing a ticket that is valid for 24-hours or 72-hours. These tickets also offer free entry to museums in Zurich, a 10-20% discount in participating stores, and discounts on city tours and various cultural activities. Zurich Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the country. The airport is located 13 km from the city center, a 12 minute ride by rail. If you plan on getting to the city center by public transportation you can purchase a ticket after you land, which will be valid for 1 hour. Passengers under the age of 16 receive a discount on tickets. Children under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult and ride for free. Passengers under the age of 25 can purchase a multi-day pass, which is more affordable. Train The easiest way to get to the city center from the airport is by train. The train station is located at the airport, on Level -2, next to the shopping mall. The train runs every 12 minutes and provides transportation to the main railway station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof. The total trip from the airport to the main station takes 12 minutes. The main railway station is located in the city center. The public transportation system in the city is incredibly punctual, so keep in mind that the train will depart on time. Zurich Hauptbahnhof is a major station with dense passenger traffic. Trains departing from this station provide transportation within the city as well as transportation to other cities in Switzerland and neighboring countries such as France and Germany. The railway station also contains a shopping center, the ShopVille mall, located beneath it. Other areas that regional trains travel to include the Glattbrugg Railway Station, Regensdorf Railway Station, Schlieren Railway Station, Waldburg, Wollishofen and Uetliberg. Bus Another way to get to the city center from the airport is by bus. The bus network in the city is very comprehensive and convenient. Buses depart from the Airport Centre and provide transportation to the main railway station. From there you can access every part of the city using different public transportation alternatives. Buses are also very punctual and depart on time under normal circumstance but visitors should expect delays when it snows. Tram The tram is the second largest transport network in the city, after buses. There are 10 tram lines that provide transportation within the city. These lines all gather around the city center and operate from the city center to the outskirts of the city. However, since the tram network isn’t as comprehensive as the bus network you can’t access every part of the city by tram. Once you get off the tram you always have the option of transferring to a bus or train. Taking the tram to the city center is quite convenient. Tram Line 10 provides transportation from the airport to the main railway station located in the city center. The tram departs from the Airport Centre, which is located on Level -2. The tram runs every 7 ½ to 15 minutes. Tram Line 2 operates between Farbhof and Tiefenbrunnen Railway Station, tram Line 3 operates between Albisrieden and Kluspla, tram Line 4 operates between Werdhölzli and Tiefenbrunnen Railway Station, tram Line 5 operates between Enge Railway Station and the zoo, tram Line 7 operates between Wollishofen and Stettbach Railway Station, tram Line 9 operates between Triemli and Hirzenbach, tram Line 10 operates between Seebach and the Main Railway Station, tram Line 11 operates between Oerlikon Railway Station and Rehalp, tram Line 13 operates between Albisgütli and Frankental, and tram Line 14 operates between Tremli and Seebach. Taxi Another transportation alternative to get to the city center from the airport is by taxi. However, taxis are more expensive than public transportation options and offer the same level of comfort. Public transportation vehicles provide quality service at an affordable price so paying extra for a taxi can be unnecessary. Rental Car If you don’t want to use public transportation vehicles, then renting a car is another transportation alternative. You can rent a car from the Airport Center, located on level 1, and return your vehicle to the Rental Car Return area at the end of your trip, if you are flying out of Zurich Airport. You can also book a vehicle in advance by making a reservation online. Rental car companies located at the airport that you can choose from include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, and Sixt.
Getting to Zurich Airport from the City Center
Zurich has a very well developed public transportation system within the city. This system also serves the airport, which is located 13 km from downtown Zurich. Using the tram or bus lines from anywhere in the city you can get to the main railway station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof. From this station you can easily take a train or tram to the airport. Zurich Airport is accessible by train, bus, tram, and taxi.
Train
Taking the train to the airport from the city center is very practical. Trains depart from the main railway station and get to the airport in about 12 minutes. Trains also run every 12 minutes.
Trains depart on time and are very reliable, unless there is a special circumstance that is causing a delay. The train provides transportation directly to the Airport Station, which is located on Level -2, next to the airport shopping center. Zurich’s main station experiences a lot of passenger traffic because trains operate not only within the city but to neighboring cities and countries like France and Germany as well.
Other areas that regional trains travel to include the Glattbrugg Railway Station, Regensdorf Railway Station, Schlieren Railway Station, Waldburg, Wollishofen and Uetliberg. If you have time before your flight we recommend visiting the ShopVille mall, which is located beneath the main railway station.
Bus
The city is famous for its public transportation network and the bus network throughout the city is especially advanced and comprehensive. Taking a bus to the airport is another convenient transportation alternative. You can take a bus from the main railway station, which is easily accessible from every part of the city. Buses provide direct transportation to the Airport Centre. Buses are on time and reliable under normal circumstances; in case of snow there can be delays.
Tram
The city’s tram network is also very advanced. The tram network extends to most parts of the city but the lines surround the city center. If there is a part of the city that is not accessible by tram you can transfer to a bus or train to get to your destination. Tram Line 10 provides transportation to the Airport Centre from the main railway station.
The following tram lines operate throughout Zurich: Line 2, which operates between Farbhof and Tiefenbrunnen Railway Station, 3, which operates between Albisrieden and Kluspla, Line 4, which operates between Werdhölzli and Tiefenbrunnen Railway Station, Line 5, which operates between Enge Railway Station and the zoo, Line 7, which operates between Wollishofen and Stettbach Railway Station, Line 9, which operates between Triemli and Hirzenbach, Line 10 which operates between Seebach and the Main Railway Station, Line 11, which operates between Oerlikon Railway Station and Rehalp, Line 13, which operates between Albisgütli and Frankental, and Line 14, which operates between Tremli and Seebach.
Taxi
Taxis are another convenient transportation alternative to get to the airport from the city center. However, taxis are more expensive when compared to public transportation options. Public transportation in Zurich is very comfortable and reliable, so you can enjoy the same comfort-level using public transportation for a fraction of the price.
Rental Car
If you don’t want to take public transportation consider renting a car, which can be more affordable than taking a taxi. You can rent a car from various rental car companies located throughout the city or book a vehicle in advance online. Renting a car to get to the airport is both fast and convenient.
Airport Information
Zurich Airport is located 13 km from the city center and is the primary international airport serving the city. It is also the largest airport in the entire country. In addition to offering convenient transportation alternatives to and from the airport, Zurich Airport also features services to meet passengers’ pre-flight and post-flight needs. Zurich Airport contains many shops, located both before security and after. The general area before security check features stores such as Migros, Herren Globus, and Inter Discount and places you can get a bite to eat or something to drink like Starbucks and McDonald’s.
Once passengers go through security they have access to a variety of services and venues. Passengers can go shopping for quality products at stores like Schweizer Heimatwerk, Porsche Design, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Greider, Omega, Swatch, Swarovski, Tommy Hilfiger, and Victorinox. The Duty Free shops offer passengers luxury products at reasonable prices. The airport also contains bookstores and gift shops where passengers can buy small items and knickknacks.
There are a variety of restaurants located in the passenger zone, including Burger King, Center Bar, Chalet Suisse, Montreux Jazz Café, and Walter. Zurich Airport also offers passengers various services such as free internet for 2 hours, lounges, currency exchange services, emergency services, transit hotels and dayrooms, and even showers.
