How To Get From Zurich Airport to the City Center

In 2016, Zurich Airport (IATA – ZRH) took second place in the ranking of the best airports in Europe. The highlight of the airport is the increased attention paid to passengers’ leisure time. There are guided tours of the airport terminal, roller skates and bicycles for hire, viewing platforms and even a children’s party (for a fee). 

Zurich Kloten Airport is located 13 km from the city of Zurich. The airport has 3 terminals: Terminal A (for flights within the Schengen area), Terminal B (both flights within the Schengen area and flights outside the Schengen area), Terminal E (international terminal). There are several ways to get to the centre of Zurich.

Bus

The bus stop is located at the airport exit. There is a bus service to Oerlikon train station, so if you need to go to the centre, it is better to take the train. The cost of a bus ticket starts from CHF 5. The city is divided into special zones, so the ticket price may vary depending on the duration of the trip.

Tickets are valid for 1 hour from the time of purchase. If you are travelling with a dog or bicycle, you will need to purchase a separate ticket, but this is not necessary for normal luggage.

You can also take a shuttle bus. Shuttles run every half hour between arrival zones 1 and 2. Average prices start at CHF 25 per person.

Train 

When it comes to public transport, the most convenient way to get to the city is by train. There is a train station at the airport that connects the airport with Zurich and other cities. To find the station, follow the signs for Bahn or Train (the signs also show a train). The journey to the city takes between 6 and 15 minutes and trains run every 15 minutes.

If there is an S in front of the train number, it is a city train, IR is an express train and ICN is a high-speed train. Timetables and prices are available on the official Swiss Railways website.

You can buy a ticket at the ticket office or at the self-service machines outside the station. Fares: from CHF 6.80 (adult) and from CHF 3.40 (child).

Tram 

In addition to the train, you can also reach the city centre by tram. Take the number 10 tram, which takes 15 minutes to Zurich main station. The fare is just under CHF 7. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office or from ticket machines. Trams and trains stop at midnight. 

The tram stop is located on the upper level of the main airport building. Tram tickets can be bought in the same way as bus tickets. The price is the same, the validity is 1 hour and the number of transfers per ticket period is unlimited.

Taxi 

If you are not using a special application to order a taxi, but are looking for a car at the airport, it is difficult to say the final price immediately. There is a separate charge for boarding, travel, extra luggage, night travel and public holidays. In addition, given the high fares, the driver may well choose the wrong route, which will significantly increase the total cost of the trip.

Car Hire

Most of the major European car hire companies are represented at Zurich Airport. It is better to book a car in advance. Booking a car on the spot can be much more expensive due to the pricing policies of the car rental companies themselves. Many of them have more loyal online prices to avoid having to compete directly on site. 

Another issue is hidden charges. Car rental companies do not always include all the conditions in their advertising material, so the price increase often occurs after the actual contract has been signed.  This can include insurance, heavy penalties, etc.

Renting through a specialised website eliminates most of these risks. The system, whose database is linked to the largest car rental companies, finds the most profitable offers in seconds, ranking them by price.  In addition, the online service brings all prices into a common view, avoiding possible overpayments. In the vast majority of situations, this method will help to significantly reduce costs. 

Tourists’ recommendation: renting a car with GetRentaCar.com. Many tourists visiting Zurich have shared positive experiences with GetRentaCar.com, highlighting it as one of the most reliable and hassle-free car rental services in the city.

The cost of renting a car in Switzerland starts from 100 euros per day, the cost of gasoline in Switzerland is about 1.4 euros per 1 liter. 

Private Transfer

Probably the most convenient and reliable way to get from the airport to the city centre or to your hotel is to book a transfer in advance. This can be done through GetTransfer.com.

GetTransfer.com is the number one marketplace for booking global mobility services, where you can book transfers, long distance travel, taxi rides, hourly chauffeured car rentals and delivery services in any country in the world. The platform’s listings, reviews, accurate car descriptions and photos ensure that customers receive the highest quality service at the best price. In addition, GetTransfer.com has completely eliminated the language barrier by providing support in over 20 languages, making the booking process easier than ever before.

GetTransfer.com offers a convenient fixed price service. There is no need to change money at the airport, the driver will meet you and help you with your luggage. Unlike public transport, a shuttle service will take you directly to your hotel. If you are traveling with young children, please indicate in advance on the booking form that you need a child seat.

Conclusion

If you are travelling with a lot of luggage, children or do not know the city, it is best to book a transfer from the airport. Booking a transfer saves you the hassle of finding your way around Zurich. You will also know the exact price of the service in advance. A reliable driver will save you time and get you to your destination in comfort.