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Zurich Airport is well connected to the city centre, making it feasible for layovers of 4 hours or more to leave the airport and explore the city. The quickest, most affordable way to travel is by train, with the journey from the airport to the city's main train station taking 10-12 minutes. With quick connections between the airport and the city centre, even a short layover allows you to take in many of Zurich's highlights, such as the Old Town, Lake Zurich, museums, and food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to leave the airport | 4.5 hours |
| Transport from airport to city centre | Train, taxi, airport transfer |
| Time taken by train to city centre | 10-12 minutes |
| Main train station in the city | Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB) |
| Transport pass | CHF 15 for an all-day ticket |
| Customs | Not required if travelling within the Schengen Area |
| Visa | Not required for short stays of up to 90 days for citizens of the EU, EEA, US, Canada, and many other countries |
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What You'll Learn
- You need a minimum of 4.5 hours to leave the airport and explore the city
- The quickest way to get to the city centre is by train, which takes 10-12 minutes
- Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world
- The airport has its own train station, located below the airport
- The city has a stellar safety rating and an efficient public transport system
You need a minimum of 4.5 hours to leave the airport and explore the city
Yes, you can leave Zurich airport during a layover to explore the city, but it is recommended that you have a minimum of 4.5 hours between flights to make this worthwhile. Zurich airport is well connected to the city centre, with the train journey taking just 10-12 minutes. The train station is located below the airport, and trains run every 5-10 minutes, so you won't be waiting long for your next train.
However, it's important to factor in the time it will take to get off the plane, clear immigration and/or customs, and collect any luggage you may have checked in. This process could take up to an hour, so it's best to have your luggage checked through to your next destination if possible, and to allow for additional time if you need to collect, store, and re-check bags. Zurich Airport has several baggage storage and baggage locker areas located outside security, as does the SBB Travel Center at the Zürich Airport railway station.
Once you're through immigration and have your luggage sorted, you can head straight to the city centre. An all-day ticket for the train costs about 15 CHF, and the train will take you to Zurich HB, the city's main train station. From there, it's a short walk to the Altstadt (Old Town), where you can explore cobblestone streets, medieval alleys, and important churches with beautiful stained-glass windows. You can also take a river or lake cruise for unique views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
If you're short on time, you can still get a taste of Switzerland without leaving the airport. Zurich Airport's Airside Centre offers around 60 shops, bars, and restaurants, including Swiss brands like Mammut, Moncler, and upscale watchmakers like Bucherer and Swatch. You can also pick up local chocolate at Lindt and Läderach, or treat yourself to some luxe skincare products at the Swiss cosmetic brand La Prairie.
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The quickest way to get to the city centre is by train, which takes 10-12 minutes
If you have a layover in Zurich, you can leave the airport and head to the city centre. Zurich Airport is well connected to the city centre, making it feasible for layovers of 4 hours or more. However, you need to ensure you have enough time to go through customs and immigration, which could take longer than expected, and transportation time back to the airport.
To purchase a train ticket, look for the self-serve stations on the platforms. An all-day ticket costs around 15 CHF, and you can use it on trains, buses, trams, and boats. The SBB Travel Centre at the Zurich Airport railway station also offers baggage storage if you need to store your luggage.
In addition to the train, you can also take a Zurich Airport Taxi or order a Zurich Airport Transfer, but these options may not be as quick or necessary given the efficient train service.
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Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world
Leaving the Zurich Airport During a Layover
Yes, you can leave Zurich airport during a layover, but you should have at least a 4.5-hour layover to be able to explore the city and return to the airport with ample time for security and boarding. The Zurich airport has its own train station, which is just below the airport, and the train ride to the city centre takes 10-12 minutes. The city's Old Town, with many of Zurich's biggest attractions, is a short walk from the main train station.
Zurich: One of the Most Expensive Cities in the World
Zurich has been ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). In 2023, it tied with Singapore as the world's most expensive city, taking over New York's previous position. The EIU's Cost of Living survey examines the prices of hundreds of goods and services across 173 major cities.
The rise in the cost of living in Zurich has been attributed to several factors. One significant factor is the weakening of the Swiss franc, which has led to an increase in the prices of groceries, household goods, and recreation. Additionally, the cost of rent in major cities has been on the rise, pushing people further from work and increasing transport costs. In 2020, Zurich shared the top spot with Paris and Hong Kong, with the report attributing the increased costliness of Western European cities to the rise in European currencies against the US dollar.
The high cost of living in Zurich is reflected in the prices of basic goods and services. For example, the average price of a 1kg loaf of bread in Zurich was $5.03, higher than the price in 2019 ($4.69). While this price is lower than it was ten years ago ($5.75), it still contributes to the overall high cost of living in the city.
The ETH, a public research university in Zurich, calculated the average monthly expenses for a single person in the city. The total cost, including rent and health insurance, was found to be 2,250 francs for one person, with costs increasing for larger households. For example, rent for a 4-room flat outside the city centre was 2,535 francs, while the same accommodation in the centre rose to 3,600 francs. These prices, along with the overall high cost of living in Zurich, make it one of the most expensive cities in the world.
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The airport has its own train station, located below the airport
Zurich Airport is well connected to the city centre, making it feasible for layovers of 4 hours or more. The airport has its own train station, conveniently located below the airport, with trains running every 5 to 10 minutes. The train journey to Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the city's main train station, takes about 10-12 minutes. This quick connection makes it possible to leave the airport and venture into the city, even with a relatively short layover.
The train station can be accessed by following signs pointing towards the train in Terminal B. Tickets can be purchased from self-serve stations on the platforms. An all-day ticket costs around 15 CHF, and the train ride offers a quick and affordable way to get into the city. From the main station, it's a short walk to the Altstadt (Old Town), where many of Zurich's biggest attractions are located.
If you have a layover of at least 4.5 hours, you can explore the city's Old Town and nearby attractions. The Altstadt is a well-preserved medieval area with cobblestone streets, important churches, and beautiful stained-glass windows. You can also take a river or lake cruise for unique views of the city and surrounding mountains.
For those with longer layovers, such as 6-8 hours, there is more time to explore and even enjoy a meal. You can wander through the medieval alleys, visit churches like Grossmünster and Fraumünster, and see the largest clock face in Europe at St. Peter's Church. Lindenhof, a hilltop area, offers stunning views of the city and river. You can also take a 20-minute train to Uetliberg Mountain with an 8-hour layover.
Zurich is known for being expensive, so it's worth noting that you may want to bring a credit or debit card, as they are widely accepted. Additionally, if you need to store your luggage, there are baggage storage areas outside security in the airport, as well as at the SBB Travel Center at the Zurich Airport railway station.
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The city has a stellar safety rating and an efficient public transport system
Yes, you can leave Zurich airport on a layover, provided your layover is at least 4.5 hours. This will give you a couple of hours to explore the city, plus time for transportation back to the airport, clearing security, collecting any stored bags, and being at your gate at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure.
Zurich is a great layover city due to its proximity to the airport, efficient transport system, and attractions like the Old Town, Lake Zurich, museums, and great food. The city has a stellar safety rating, and transportation is very safe. Pickpocketing does occur occasionally, but mugging or kidnapping is not a concern in Zurich. The city's efficient public transport system includes streetcars, buses, trains, boats, funicular railways, and cable cars. All forms of transportation on the city network can be accessed with a single ticket, and the Zurich Card city pass entitles holders to unlimited 24-hour second-class travel on all forms of public transportation. Tickets and day passes can be purchased from ticket machines at every stop, the airport, or Zurich Main Station. The quickest, most affordable way to travel between the airport and the city center is by train, with the journey taking 10-12 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Zurich, provided you have at least 4.5 hours to spare. You will need to go through customs and immigration, which could take longer than expected, and the city centre is just a quick 10-12 minute train ride away.
Zurich is known for its Old Town (Altstadt), with cobblestone streets, medieval alleys, and beautiful churches. You can also take a river or lake cruise, sample Swiss chocolate, and enjoy the city's food scene.
A layover of 4.5 hours should give you a couple of hours to explore the city, but a longer layover of 6-8 hours or more will give you ample time to leave the airport, see the sights, and return with time to spare for security and boarding.
