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Zurich Airport is located in the municipality of Kloten, close to Switzerland's largest city, Zurich, which is known as the country's financial and business capital. The airport is well-appointed with amenities, shops, and restaurants, and has excellent connections to the city centre and nearby towns. If you're looking for things to do around Zurich Airport, there are plenty of options to choose from, both in the airport itself and in the surrounding area. Here is a list of some of the top attractions and activities to keep you entertained during your layover in Zurich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | Caviar House Seafood Bar, Filini Restaurant, Chalet Suisse, Starbucks, Burger King, Sprüngli Café, Toblerone, Lindt Boutique |
| Transport | Zurich Airport railway station has about 350 rail connections; the Route 10 tram line departs every 7-15 minutes and gets you to the city center in under 40 minutes |
| Entertainment | Scavenger hunt for German-speaking travellers, the Observation Deck, the Chinese Garden, the Botanical Garden, the Viadukt, the FIFA World Football Museum, the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum |
| Amenities | Free WiFi for 4 hours per device, benches for sleeping, a playground for children |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the city, including the Old Town, Lake Zurich, and the Chinese Garden
- Take a train to the Swiss Alps, or explore the Jungfrau Region by train
- Visit the Observation Deck to watch planes and see views
- Eat at the airport's 60+ eateries, including Swiss restaurants
- Connect to the airport's free WiFi
Explore the city, including the Old Town, Lake Zurich, and the Chinese Garden
If you're looking to explore Zurich and its beautiful surroundings, including the Old Town, Lake Zurich, and the Chinese Garden, then you're in for a treat. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your time:
Old Town
Zurich's Old Town, or 'Altstadt', is a great place to start your exploration. It offers a rich and compact experience of Zurich's past and present. With a short train ride from the airport, you can easily navigate your way to the medieval streets, iconic churches, and delicious Swiss cuisine. Make sure to purchase a 24-hour ticket, which covers your round trip to and from the Old Town and allows you to ride trams and take a river cruise for free. As you stroll through the charming streets, you'll discover the city's historical gems and get a glimpse of its vibrant present.
Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich is a must-see destination, especially during warm weather. The easiest way to appreciate its beauty is by strolling along the lakeside promenade, which stretches for several kilometres along both sides of the lake. You'll find dedicated lanes for walkers, bikers, inline skaters, and electric scooter riders. Along the way, you'll pass by parks, bathing facilities, beaches, and a variety of dining options, including lakeside restaurants and bars. For a more adventurous experience, you can rent small motorboats or non-motorized boats and explore the lake at your own pace.
Chinese Garden
Located right by the lake at the Zürichhorn, the Chinese Garden is a temple garden and a gift from Zurich's Chinese partner town of Kunming. This serene spot features a pond with a small island, pavilions, and a small palace on its banks. It is one of the highest-ranking gardens outside of China, offering a peaceful escape and a unique cultural experience.
Day Trips and Other Attractions
For those seeking a full-day exploration, there are several day trip options available. These trips take you to quaint towns and recreational areas along Lake Zurich, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Additionally, Zurich has much more to offer, including museums, the Lindt Chocolate Factory, and the Uetliberg (House Mountain). With efficient public transportation and a variety of attractions, Zurich is a city that caters to all interests and ensures a memorable stay.
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Take a train to the Swiss Alps, or explore the Jungfrau Region by train
Zurich Airport is well-connected to the city centre and nearby towns, with about 350 rail connections at the Zurich Airport railway station. If you have a long layover, you can easily take a train to the Swiss Alps or explore the Jungfrau Region.
The Jungfrau Region, with its famous mountain range of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, lies in the heart of Switzerland. It is an easy train ride from Zurich Airport, with the Jungfrau Express cutting the travel time by an hour. The Jungfrau Railway has been travelling through the Eiger and Mönch mountains to Europe's highest railway station since 1912. The train journey offers a 360-degree panorama of the mountain world. The Jungfrau Express is a new rail link connecting Zurich Airport and Interlaken in around two hours. The Jungfrau Travel Pass allows unlimited travel within the region for three to eight days.
The Jungfrau Region is also served by the Wengernalp Railway, which offers a more leisurely journey. From Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, take the train to Kleine Scheidegg, where you can change to the Jungfrau Railway, which will take you via the Eiger Glacier to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. The return journey can be made via the Eiger Express tricable gondola to Grindelwald Terminal. The entire journey, including transfers, takes approximately 90 minutes.
The Jungfrau Region boasts a high-alpine wonderland of ice, snow and rock, with the longest glacier in the Alps and the first natural heritage site of the Alpine region, the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. The Sphinx Terrace offers magnificent views of the glacier towards Italy, France and Germany. The Ice Palace features enchanting sculptures, including an eagle, penguin and bear.
The Jungfrau Railway strongly recommends a paid seat reservation (CHF 10 per person) for return journeys from Eigergletscher or Kleine Scheidegg. This reservation ensures that you can travel at your desired time, as the train may be full at peak times without a reservation.
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Visit the Observation Deck to watch planes and see views
Zurich Airport is one of the top airports in the world, known for its sleek design, ease of use, and cleanliness. If you're looking for something to do during a layover, the Observation Decks offer an excellent opportunity to watch planes and take in the views.
Observation Deck B
Observation Deck B is located in the public area behind the desks at Check-In 2. It is the rooftop patio of Gates B/D, offering optimal viewing of planes at their gates and aircraft taking off and landing. The deck is an excellent place for children to release some energy at the playground, and it provides a nice breath of fresh air for travellers. While there is a small fee for the public to access the Observation Deck, admission is free with a boarding pass. Please note that you will have to go through a security check and metal detector, and your hand luggage will be scanned. Typically, you cannot access your gate from the Observation Deck, and you will need to go through the main security check later.
Observation Deck E
Observation Deck E is situated at the centre of the three runways, providing a spectacular view of the airport action. From this deck, you can witness aircraft take-offs and landings up close, and even see the world's largest aircraft, the A380, which docks close to the deck several times daily. Binoculars are provided on the deck to enhance your viewing experience. Deck E is only accessible to visitors (not passengers) via a shuttle bus from Observation Deck B on weekends and select holidays. Please note that this deck may be closed due to weather conditions or safety reasons, and a strict smoking ban and dog restriction are in place.
In addition to these observation decks, Zurich Airport offers a variety of other amenities, including over 60 eateries, shops, and easy connections to the city centre and nearby towns. With its range of options, the airport caters to travellers' diverse interests and needs during their time there.
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Eat at the airport's 60+ eateries, including Swiss restaurants
Zurich Airport is one of the top airports in the world, known for its sleek design, ease of use, and cleanliness. The airport offers various amenities, shops, and restaurants to suit different preferences and budgets.
When it comes to dining, the airport boasts over 60 eateries, ranging from quick bites at to-go kiosks to casual meals at cafes and bars, and even full-service dining at sit-down restaurants. Here are some options to consider:
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Caviar House Seafood Bar: For those who appreciate fine seafood, this restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience.
- Filini Restaurant: A full-service restaurant that provides a relaxing atmosphere for travellers looking to unwind before their flight.
- Chalet Suisse: Specialising in traditional Swiss cuisine, Chalet Suisse is ideal for travellers seeking an authentic taste of Switzerland.
- MEAT's Steak & Wine Kloten: Located 1.6 miles from the airport, this steakhouse is praised for its delicious meats and European dishes.
Quick-Service Options
- Starbucks and Burger King: Familiar favourites for coffee and quick bites.
- Sprüngli Café: Located beyond the security checkpoint, this café offers a range of Swiss sweet treats, including the famous Luxemburgerli macaroons.
- Lindt Boutique: Indulge in some incredible chocolate creations before boarding your flight.
In addition to these options, Zurich Airport also provides access to free Wi-Fi, an observation deck for plane spotting and fresh air, and excellent connections to the city centre and nearby towns for those looking to explore beyond the airport during a longer layover.
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Connect to the airport's free WiFi
Zurich Airport is one of the top airports in the world, known for its sleek design, ease of use, and cleanliness. It is well-appointed with amenities, shops, and restaurants, and has excellent connections to the city centre and nearby towns.
If you're looking to stay connected during your time at the airport, Zurich Airport provides free WiFi for up to 4 hours per device. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to connect:
- Find a comfortable spot within the airport. The airport staff are tolerant of sleepers, so you can even stretch out on the benches in the pre-Security Airside Center or inside security.
- Open your device's WiFi settings and look for the Zurich Airport network. The network name may vary, but it should be clearly associated with the airport.
- Select the network and wait for a login page or a notification to appear.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to register for access. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, device name, or email address.
- Check your text messages. You will receive a login code via SMS, which you can use to log in and access the WiFi.
- If you cannot receive SMS messages on your device, don't worry. Head to one of the WiFi stations or information desks, and they will provide you with a login code.
- Once you have your login code, enter it into the appropriate field, and you should be connected!
With the airport's free WiFi, you can stay connected with friends and family, update your social media with your travel adventures, or simply surf the web during your time at Zurich Airport.
Remember, after 2 hours of usage, you will need to wait for 7 hours before you can log back in for another 2-hour session. Alternatively, you can choose to pay for an upgrade if you require continuous internet access.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some things to do while at Zurich Airport:
- Indulge in some Swiss sweets at the Sprüngli Café, located in the Airside Center.
- Visit the airport's Observation Deck, located just behind the desks at Check-In 2. It offers optimal viewing of the planes at their gates and is a great place for kids to expel some energy.
- Make use of the airport's free WiFi to stay connected with friends and family or surf the internet.
Here are some things to do near Zurich Airport:
- Explore the Old Town (Altstadt) in District 1, filled with cobblestone streets, bars, classic Swiss restaurants, museums, and churches.
- Visit the Chinese Garden, located right beside Lake Zurich, which features a pond, pavilions, and a miniature palace.
- Take a boat ride to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe's biggest waterfalls.
You can reach Zurich city centre from the airport in several ways:
- By train: The Zurich Airport train station, located on the lowest floor of Airport Shopping opposite Terminal 2, offers approximately 350 rail connections. The train journey to the city centre takes around 15-30 minutes.
- By tram: The Route 10 tram line departs every 7-15 minutes and takes under 40 minutes to reach the city centre.
- By taxi: This option is more expensive but offers a direct journey to your destination.
