Lois Larson
If you're wondering whether you can leave Zurich airport during a layover, the answer is yes, but it depends on how much time you have. Zurich airport is conveniently located about six miles north of the city centre, and the train from the airport to Zurich HB (the main station) takes only 10-12 minutes. If you have at least 4.5 hours, you can spend a couple of hours exploring the city, but be sure to allow enough time to get back to the airport, clear security, and be at your gate on time. With a longer layover of 7-8 hours, you'll have more time to see the sights without rushing. Zurich may be expensive, but it's one of the safest cities with efficient public transport, and there's plenty to explore, including the Altstadt (Old Town), Lake Zurich, and the city's museums and churches. Even if you don't leave the airport, there are shops, restaurants, and other amenities to keep you entertained during your layover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time | 4.5 hours |
| Transport options | Train, tram, bus, taxi |
| Transport time | 10-12 minutes (train), 35 minutes (tram), 40 minutes (bus) |
| Transport cost | CHF 6.80 (train), CHF 4.40 (tram) |
| Transport ticket purchase options | Ticket machines, SBB (Swiss Railways) ticket counters, Switzerland Info desk in Arrivals 1 and 2 |
| Transport frequency | Every 3-5 minutes (train), every 7-15 minutes (tram) |
| Airport facilities | 60+ shops, bars, and restaurants, baggage storage, fitness centre, hotels |
| Nearby attractions | Altstadt (Old Town), Lake Zurich, Kunsthaus Zurich museum, Fraumunster church |
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What You'll Learn
How much time do you need to explore Zurich during a layover?
The amount of time needed to explore Zurich during a layover depends on how much time you have and how you feel about risk. If you have at least 4.5 hours between flights, you can explore the Old Town, visit famous churches, and enjoy local food and chocolate. The quickest way to get to the city centre is by train, which takes 10-12 minutes, but trams also take a scenic 35-minute trip into the city.
If you have less time, it might be stressful, but it's still doable to leave the airport and explore. One person with a 5-hour layover spent a little over 2 hours in the city and made it back with plenty of time. Another person with a 4.5-hour layover had breakfast, visited supermarkets, took photos, and made it back to the airport in under 3 hours.
However, it's important to consider that it can take up to 1 hour to get off the plane and clear immigration, and you should be at your gate at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure. You should also allow for additional time if you need to collect, store, and re-check bags.
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Transport options from Zurich airport to the city centre
Zurich Airport is about six miles north of the city centre. If you're on a layover in Zurich, you can explore the city as long as you can enter Switzerland with your passport or have a visa that allows entry. The Zurich Card is ideal for this, as it allows you to travel for free on all types of local public transportation and enter museums and exhibitions for free.
The fastest, cheapest way to get to the city centre is by train. The journey takes 10-12 minutes, and trains run every 3-5 minutes. Tickets cost 6.80 CHF for a single trip and can be purchased at ticket machines, ticket counters, or the Switzerland Info desk in Arrivals 1 and 2. The train station is located under Terminal B, and you can catch the S2 or S16 lines to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich Central Station).
If you have more time, you can take the tram (Line 10) for a scenic, 35-minute trip into the city, ending at Zurich Central Station. Trams depart from outside the Arrivals Hall every 15 minutes, and tickets can be purchased from ticket machines inside the terminal or at the Info desk.
Other options include taking a taxi or rideshare, which will get you to your destination in about 10 minutes, or renting a car.
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What to do and see in Zurich during a layover
Zurich Airport is about six miles north of the city centre. The airport has been rated eighth among the world's top airports in 2023 for its sleek design, ease of use, and cleanliness. It is well-appointed with amenities, shops, and restaurants. If you have a layover of at least 4.5 hours, you can easily get out of the airport and into the city centre.
The fastest, cheapest way to get to the city centre is by train, with the journey from the airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (the central station) taking 10-12 minutes. Trains depart every 3-5 minutes and tickets cost 6.80 CHF for a single trip. You can purchase tickets at ticket machines, at SBB (Swiss Railways) ticket counters, or at the Switzerland Info desk in Arrivals 1 and 2.
If you have more time, you can take the Line 10 tram, which offers a scenic 35-minute trip into the city, ending at Hauptbahnhof. Trams depart from outside the Arrivals Hall every 7-15 minutes and tickets can be purchased from ticket machines inside the terminal.
Once you're in the city, there's plenty to see and do. Here are some suggestions:
- Stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town) to admire the historic streets, museums like Kunsthaus Zurich, and beautiful churches with stunning stained glass, including the Fraumunster, which features work by Marc Chagall.
- Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Zurich or explore the scenic river views.
- Indulge in some world-famous Swiss chocolate at Lindt or Läderach.
- Sample local specialties like fondue and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes.
- Window shop along the mile-long Bahnhofstrasse, home to some of the world's most expensive shops.
- If you're visiting during Christmas, don't miss the magical Christmas market.
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Where to eat and drink in Zurich during a layover
If you're wondering where to eat and drink in Zurich during a layover, the answer depends on the length of your layover. If you have a shorter layover, you may want to stay in the airport or close by, whereas with a longer layover, you could head into the city centre.
Shorter layovers
If you have a shorter layover and want to stay in the airport, Zurich Airport has over 60 eateries, ranging from kiosks to cafes, bars, and full-service restaurants. You can find international foods, from Asian to Italian to American fast food. There's also Brezelkönig for pretzels and Chalet Suisse for Swiss specialties. If you want to get out of the airport but stay close by, The Circle is a new shopping, dining, and hotel destination adjacent to the airport.
Longer layovers
If you have a longer layover, you can take a 10-12 minute train ride into Zurich's city centre. From there, you can walk to the Altstadt (Old Town) to explore historic streets, museums, and churches with stunning stained glass, including the Fraumunster. You can also walk along the lakeside or take a boat tour.
If you're looking for places to eat and drink in the city, you can stroll along the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's premier shopping street, and stop for a coffee. You can also head to Zurich West, home to Frau Gerold's Garten, a hip place to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat.
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Where to stay during a long layover in Zurich
If you have a long layover in Zurich, you can stay in the airport or head into the city for a few hours. Zurich Airport has been named one of the top airports in the world and has plenty of amenities to keep you entertained, including around 60 shops, bars, and restaurants. There are also some hotels on-site and nearby, including a transit hotel in Terminal B/D, the Alpine Garden Capsule Hotel in the public area of the terminal, and the Radisson Blu Hotel, which is connected to the airport terminal via a walkway.
If you want to get out of the airport, Zurich's compact city centre is only a short distance away. The fastest, cheapest way to get there is by train, with the journey from the airport to the city's main train station, Zurich HB, taking between 10 and 12 minutes. Trains run every three to ten minutes, and tickets cost 6.80 CHF for a single trip. You can also take the Line 10 tram, which takes 35 minutes and departs from outside the Arrivals Hall every 15 minutes.
Once you're in the city, there's plenty to see and do, depending on how much time you have. Here are some suggestions:
- Stroll the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt (Old Town) to experience the city's medieval heritage and see important churches with beautiful stained-glass windows.
- Take a river or lake cruise for unique views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
- Explore the historic streets and museums of the city, such as the Kunsthaus Zurich, or check out the Swiss National Museum for world-class art collections.
- Enjoy the natural wonders of Zurich, such as Lake Zurich, with its crystal-clear waters and charming villages surrounded by the Alps. You can take a boat cruise on the lake or stroll along the lake promenade.
- Indulge in some Swiss specialties like fondue and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, and don't forget to try some famous Swiss chocolate!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave Zurich airport during a layover. However, it is recommended that your layover is at least 4.5 hours to give you a couple of hours to explore the city and account for transportation back to the airport.
The fastest and most affordable way to get to the city centre is by train, which takes 10-12 minutes. The train station is located underneath the Airport Centre.
A single trip on the train costs 6.80 CHF. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines, at SBB (Swiss Railways) ticket counters, or at the Switzerland Info desk in Arrivals 1 and 2.
Zurich's central station, the Hauptbahnhof, is within walking distance of many attractions, including the Altstadt (Old Town), museums, churches with stunning stained-glass windows, and Lake Zurich for boat cruises.
Zurich airport has over 60 eateries, including to-go kiosks, cafes, bars, and full-service restaurants. Some popular options include the Caviar House Seafood Bar, Filini Restaurant, and Chalet Suisse for traditional Swiss meals.
