Zurich Airport – General Information and Getting to the Centre
Zurich Airport, also known as Kloten Airport, is located about 10 km north of Zurich city centre. It is the largest international airport in Switzerland, handling over 31 million passengers annually.
Getting to and from the airport is quick and convenient thanks to its close location. For more information about the airport, check out the rest of our guide!
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Zurich Airport general information
IATA CODE: ZRH
ICAO code: LSZH
Number of passengers: ~ 31 million passengers annually
How to get from Zurich Airport to Zurich
Public transport
There are two types of public transportation lines between the airport and the city centre: the streetcar and the train. Tickets can be purchased online or at the SBB machines in the Arrival halls and the Switzerlandinfo counters.
There is no direct public bus line that takes you straight from the airport to the city centre like Zurich Main Station (Zürich HB). However, buses do depart from the airport, so you can check the lines on our website at the links below:
If you’re in need, you can also purchase the ZurichCard, which includes unlimited transport on all public lines.
Tram
Zurich streetcar (tram) line 10 connects the airport and the main station, passing next to the Zurich University and the Institute of Technology, along with other regular stops. The entire journey to the main station lasts about 35 minutes.
Train
Train is the quickest way to reach the city center. The railway line runs under the airport building, so just follow the signs down the escalators and you’ll be at the platform.
Trains between Zurich airport and the main station depart every 5-10 minutes, from 5 am to 00:30.
Various regional and InterCity trains, along with the two local S-Bahn lines, S2 and S16, pass regularly and will take you to downtown Zurich in 10-15 minutes.
If you are continuing your journey outside Zurich, it’s good to know that different railway lines go directly from the airport to other Swiss cities – Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Winterthur, etc.
For all the other cities and international lines, you have to reach Zurich’s main city center station and change trains there. The main station is easily reachable by train.
Airport Shuttle
The shuttle bus between the airport and the city center is a direct, non-stop minibus that will take you to downtown Zurich in 30-40 minutes.
This minibus goes at least once an hour, and the ticket can be purchased online.
Almost all hotels use the shuttle bus service, so ask at the hotel reception about the services they provide.
- Children aged 12 and under travel for free when accompanied by their parents
- Child safety seats are available
- Free WI-FI onboard
The bus departure point is outside the airport building, but the driver will welcome you at the meeting point on the arrival level
NOTE: Some hotels near the airport offer free pick-up service to and from the airport for their guests. Check with your hotel.
Transfers
Another way to travel to Zurich is by private, door-to-door transfer from Zurich Airport to your accommodation in the city. It’s a comfortable and convenient option, especially if you’re carrying a lot of luggage or arriving late at night.
It’s smart to pre-book your transfer in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival.
Taxi services
Airport taxis are available from the Arrivals exit 1 and 2. Depending on the traffic, your journey to downtown Zurich can last around 15 minutes. Make sure to agree on the price before you start your journey.
If you have many suitcases or bulky luggage, you might be asked to pay an extra fee.
Renting a car at Zurich Airport
All the major car rental companies, like Sixt, Avis, Europcar, etc. have their offices at Zurich airport, along with some local rent-a-car companies, so you can always compare the terms and conditions and price.
All car rental agencies are at the Airport Center (level 1).
NOTE: To return the rented car, follow the signs “Rental Car Return, P3” when approaching Zurich airport.
Renting a bus at Zurich Airport
If you are a large group arriving at the airport, you might consider renting a bus prior to your arrival. Buses are offered by several bus rental companies in the area. You can get all the information at the info desk.
Travelling from Zurich Airport to ski resorts
From the airport, there is a ski bus to Stuben, Zürs, Lech, St. Christoph, and St. Anton during the winter season. The bus drives once a day from Monday to Thursday, twice a day on Friday and Sundays, and on the busiest travel day, there are 4 departures.
Travel time from the airport to St. Anton is about 3 hours. If you are travelling to other ski resorts, the easiest way is to book a transfer.
The bus is operated by Arlberg Express. Tickets can be purchased from their website minimum 24 hours prior to the departure of the ski bus.
- From Zurich airport to Zermatt, the train is the best travel option.
- From Zurich airport to Verbier, the train and bus are not very hassle-free (multiple changes required). If your budget is not an issue, book a transfer.
- From ZRH airport to St. Moritz – if you don’t mind the one change of train, it’s a good option.
- From the airport to Wengen, the train should work out fine.
Accomodation at Zurich Airport
ZRH offers a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels like the Radisson Blu (connected to the terminal) and Hyatt Regency The Circle, which is just a short walk away. There are also some budget-friendly choices and apartments not far from the airport. Most nearby hotels offer free shuttle service, making them ideal for travelers with early flights or layovers.
Zurich Airport bus FAQs
No, arriving late at Zurich Airport is usually not a problem. Trains, trams, taxis, and ride-hailing services operate late into the night, offering easy transport to the city center.
The fastest way is by train from Zurich Airport to Zurich Main Station—just 10–15 minutes. Trains run every few minutes. You can also take a tram (Line 10 or 12, which takes about 35–40 minutes), or a taxi, which is more convenient but also more expensive.
Yes, there are several hotels located around the airport, within walking distance. It is good to know that there is also a Transit Hotel & Dayroom at the airport, offering simple accommodation, a rest area, and showers, open 24/7.
Yes, there are multiple exchange offices and ATMs at the airport, but it’s a good idea to exchange money before your trip and carry some francs with you, as the exchange rates at the airport are usually much higher.
how to get the train from zurich airport to the guests hotel vietkon
Dear Tang,
Unfortunately, we do not have that kind of information. What I suggest is that You contact the hotel directly and ask them for directions.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
how to get the train from zurich airport to the Ibis budget Hotel?
Dear Faezeh,
You can take tram lines 10 or 12 to the stop Unterriet. It takes approximately 5 minutes drive from the airport to reach the hotel.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB
I have an early morning flight out of Zurich. Can I get the train from downtown area?
Dear Kay,
Trains run frequently from Zurich to Zurich Airport between 5:00 and 00:30 and they depart from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Main train station).
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
Hi there, we re travelling to Zurich airport, and we need to go to Lucerne, is it possible to go by bus? Thanks
Dear Christopher,
You can catch bus from Zurich to Lucerne, buses depart from Sihlquai Bus Terminal in Zurich. On the following link you can find timetable of departures https://getbybus.com/en/bus-zurich-to-lucerne
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hello. Is it Close e to courtyard by marriott zurich that the tram can stop or should we hire a transfer due to 8 in our party. Not sure how far stop is from the hotel and concerned due to luggage and older crowd and having to walk
Thanks in advance
Dear Thomas,
You can get on tram line 10 or bus 768 and get off at Zürich Oerlikon train station. The hotel is located 350m from the station.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hi, can l use the Swiss pass to get from Zurich train station to Zurich Airport
Dear Debbie,
You can use Swiss Pass to get from Zurich Train Station to Zurich Airport.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
I will be arriving at Zurich Airport train station, after visiting Stein am Rhein. At the Zurich airport I hope to catch the shuttle that will take me to my hotel in Kloten. How will I find the place where the hotel shuttles are waiting?
Dear Jo,
I suggest to contact directly the hotel you are staying at so they can give you the instructions on where to wait for the hotel shuttle.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
How can I go from
Zürich, Bus-Parkplatz Sihlquai to the airport? Is there any bus?
Dear Nertila,
maybe the easiest way to reach the airport is by train that departs every 5-10 minutes.
The travel journey is about 30 minutes.
Best regards,
Maja GBB Team
I would like to spend half day in Zurich in between flights (from 6:10 to 13:20). Is that possible?
Dear Cindy,
yes, it is possible. The airport is located only about 10 km from the city with frequent bus, tram and train departures. Check out all the ways of getting to the city and back in the text above.
Best regards,
GBB Team
Hi,
I have a flight to catch at 6:35 am to Spain. If I arrive to the airport train station at 5:36 am. Is it enough time to catch the flight? Are there too many controls to go through to travel to Europe?
Hi Javier,
it is always recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight at the airport.
In case that’s the earliest you can get there, you will hopefully catch the flight just in time.
It largely depends on how many passengers are on your flight.
Best,
GBB Team
0700 11 Oct departure from Zurich, international flight, staying in Zurich center area, best means of transport for arrival 0400-0430?
Hi Greg,
the earliest departure is the ZVV train that departs at 5:00 am.
Best,
GBB Team
Hie there will be arriving at zurick airport at around 1pm on the 18th how do i go to the terminal to catch a flixbus to berlin german from the airport?
Hi,
First, you need to take a shuttle bus to Zurich, in the link in the text you can check all the information regarding the bus as well as book your tickets.
On this page the same can be done for the bus between Zurich and Berlin.
Best,
GBB Team