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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 most efficient way is by train; trains run every 5 to 10 minutes from the airport's own railway station located below the airport, and the journey to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (the city's main train station) takes about 10-12 minutes. If you have a shorter layover, it's best to have your luggage checked through to your next destination, but if you need to collect, store, and re-check bags, allow for additional time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you leave during a layover? | Yes, but your layover should be at least 4.5 hours. |
| Transport from the airport | Trains run every 5-10 minutes from the airport's own railway station located below the airport. The journey to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (the city's main train station) takes about 10-12 minutes. |
| Transport cost | CHF 15 for an all-day ticket. |
| Visa requirements | Citizens of the EU, EEA, US, Canada, and many other countries can enter Switzerland without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if you are from a different country, you may need a visa. |
| Customs and immigration | If you're travelling within the Schengen Area, you won't have to go through customs. If you're arriving from a non-Schengen country, you'll need to clear immigration and customs before exiting the airport. |
| Baggage storage | Zurich Airport has several baggage storage and baggage locker areas located outside security, as does the SBB Travel Centre at the Zurich Airport railway station. |
| Things to do | Stroll the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt (Old Town), see important churches, go on a river or lake cruise, and enjoy Swiss food and chocolate. |
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What You'll Learn
- You need a minimum of 4.5 hours to leave Zurich airport during a layover
- It takes 10-12 minutes to reach Zurich's city centre from the airport by train
- The airport has its own train station, located below the airport
- Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world
- The Old Town is a must-visit, with its cobblestone streets and medieval heritage
You need a minimum of 4.5 hours to leave Zurich airport during a layover
Zurich Airport is well-connected to the city centre, with a minimum connection time of 40 minutes between flights. If you have a layover of at least 4.5 hours, you can leave the airport and explore Zurich. This will give you a couple of hours to explore the city, plus transportation time back to the airport, clearing security, collecting your bags, and being at your gate at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure.
Zurich Airport is about six miles north of the city centre. The fastest, cheapest, and most affordable way to travel between the airport and the city centre is by train, with the journey taking 10 to 12 minutes. The train station is located underneath the Airport Centre, and trains run every three to five minutes. From Zurich HB (the city's 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 shorter layover, it's best to have your luggage checked through to your next destination. If you need to collect, store, and re-check bags, allow for additional time. Zurich Airport has several baggage storage areas and baggage lockers located outside security, as does the SBB Travel Centre at the Zurich Airport railway station.
If you have a longer layover, you can rent a city bike or use public transportation to explore. In addition to the Old Town, you can visit famous churches, enjoy local food and chocolate, and take a boat cruise on Lake Zurich. Zurich is also known for its expensive accommodation and dining options, but it's one of the safest cities in the world.
Even if you don't have enough time to leave the airport during your layover, there are still plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to explore within the airport. The Airside Centre offers around 60 shops, bars, and restaurants, including Swiss brands such as Mammut, Moncler, Bucherer, Victorinox, and Swatch. You can also find local chocolate at Lindt and Läderach and luxury skincare products at La Prairie. There is also free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
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It takes 10-12 minutes to reach Zurich's city centre from the airport by train
Yes, you can leave Zurich Airport during a layover. If you have at least 4.5 hours between flights, you can explore the city's Old Town and nearby attractions. Zurich Airport is about six miles north of the city centre, but quick connections mean you can still take in many of Zurich's highlights.
The quickest, most affordable way to travel to the city centre is by train. The Zurich airport train station is located under Terminal B. The journey from the airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the city's central station, takes just 10-12 minutes. Trains run every 5-10 minutes between 5 am and midnight, so you won't be waiting long. You can buy tickets from self-serve stations on the platforms. An all-day ticket costs about 15 CHF.
From Zurich HB, it's a short walk to the Altstadt (Old Town) and many of Zurich's biggest attractions. You can stroll the cobblestone streets of the well-preserved Old Town to get a taste of the city's medieval heritage. See important churches and marvel at beautiful stained-glass windows by artists like Chagall and Giacometti.
If you're short on time, you can also explore the airport's Airside Centre, which offers around 60 shops, bars, and restaurants. You can shop for Swiss brands, pick up local chocolate, or enjoy international cuisine.
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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, which is located below the airport. The train is the quickest, most affordable way to travel to the city centre, with the journey taking around 10-12 minutes. Trains run every 5-10 minutes, so you won't waste precious layover time waiting around for the next train.
The station can be found on the bottom floor of the shopping centre that is underneath the car park, directly across from the drop-off and pick-up lanes from the terminal. Just follow the signs with a train on them. You can buy your ticket at the ticket window, and the platforms are on the next floor down.
Once you arrive at Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the city's main train station, it's just a short walk to the Altstadt (Old Town), where many of Zurich's biggest attractions are located.
If you have a layover of 4.5 hours or more, you can leave the airport, explore the city's Old Town and nearby attractions, and make it back to the airport in time for your next flight. However, you'll need to factor in time for transportation back to the airport, clearing security, and collecting any stored bags. It's recommended that you arrive at your gate at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
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Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world
Yes, you can leave Zurich airport during a layover. Zurich airport is conveniently located about six miles north of the city centre. The airport even has its own train station, with the city's main station just a short walk from the airport train station. The train journey takes around 10-12 minutes and is the quickest and most affordable way to travel to the city centre. However, it is recommended that you have a layover of at least 4.5 hours to give you a couple of hours to explore the city and account for transportation back to the airport, clearing security, and collecting any stored bags.
In 2023, Zurich again topped the list of the world's most expensive cities, this time sharing the top spot with Singapore. The EIU's Cost of Living survey examined the prices of hundreds of goods and services across 173 major cities. The survey found that the cost of groceries, household goods, and recreation in Zurich had increased due to the weakening of the Swiss franc and inflation.
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 is $5.03, higher than the price in 2019 ($4.69). Rent prices are also high, with a four-room flat outside the city centre costing 2,535 francs and the same accommodation in the centre costing 3,600 francs.
The reasons for Zurich's high cost of living are varied. One factor is the strength of the Swiss economy, with Zurich serving as the country's financial hub. In addition, the city's popularity and desirability as a place to live and work contribute to the high demand for housing and other goods and services, driving up prices.
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The Old Town is a must-visit, with its cobblestone streets and medieval heritage
Yes, you can leave Zurich airport on a layover, but it is recommended that you have at least 4.5 hours between flights to allow for transportation to and from the airport, clearing security, and collecting any stored bags. Switzerland is known for its efficiency and punctuality, so you can make a calculated risk if you have less time.
If you do decide to leave the airport, Zurich's Old Town, also known as Alstadt, is a must-visit. It is the historic centre of Zurich and the cultural heart of the city, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, guild houses, picturesque squares, and medieval heritage. It is a delightful mix of old and new, with charming pedestrianised streets that are lively with shops by day and packed with nightlife in the evening.
The Old Town is home to many of Zurich's most famous sites, including iconic churches like the twin towers of Grossmunster and Fraumunster, which is famous for its beautiful stained-glass windows by the likes of Chagall and Giacometti. You can climb up Lindenhof Hill for a bird's-eye view of the town and explore the medieval alleyways on a walking tour. The car-free part of Kreis 1 is a great place to shop, have a drink, and experience the soul of the city.
The Old Town is also lined with cosy cafes, restaurants, and unique boutiques, inviting you to stroll and linger. You can also walk along the river and enjoy the clean lake, which offers perfect photo spots with the Alps in the background. The boardwalk by the Opera House also provides good views of Lake Zurich, and climbing the Grossmunster tower gives a great view of the old town and lake areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave Zurich airport during a layover, but it is recommended that you have at least 4.5 hours between flights.
The quickest way to get to the city centre is by train, which takes around 10-12 minutes.
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of the EU, EEA, US, Canada, and many other countries can enter Switzerland without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Zurich's Old Town (Altstadt) is a great place to start exploring. You can also check out the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, and enjoy the views from Lindenhof. If you have more time, you can take a quick trip to Uetliberg Mountain.
Make sure to allow enough time for transportation back to the airport, clearing security, and collecting any stored bags. It is recommended that you arrive at your gate at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
