Zurich Airport (ZRH) is relatively easy to navigate thanks to Swiss organizational efficiency, but a few expert tips can make your experience even smoother. As Switzerland’s largest airport and the hub for Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), it handles significant passenger traffic throughout the year. The airport offers excellent train connections to Zurich and the rest of the country.
Getting to and from Zurich Airport
In my experience, public transportation is the best way to reach Zurich Airport, located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the city. The train station sits directly beneath the airport complex at Check-in 3 and connects to Zurich Hauptbahnhof in only 15 minutes.
SBB trains run about every 10 minutes between the two stations, so you won’t wait long if you miss one.
From the airport station, you can also catch a train to pretty much anywhere else in Switzerland, like Geneva, Lucerne, or Basel. Swiss trains are famously punctual and clean, making for a genuinely pleasant ride. Trust me, it’s an experience in itself.
I used the Zurich Card regularly when visiting the city, and if you plan to take public transportation frequently, I highly recommend it. The card offers unlimited second-class travel on all trams, buses, trains, boats, funiculars and cable cars in Zurich and the surrounding region.
It’s available for 24 or 72 hours for adults and children, and includes free or reduced admission to museums and attractions.
Prefer a car? Official “Airport Taxi” ranks are on the inner curbside lanes at Arrivals 1 and 2, but they can take longer due to traffic. Ubers are an option, with pickup locations specified in the app, but be prepared for the price tag, which, like most things in Switzerland, can be a bit steep. The drive isn’t long, but city traffic can be unpredictable.
Rental cars at the airport
You’ll find ten car rental companies at the airport, and it’s a good idea to book ahead. Pick-up is on the first floor of the Airport Shopping area, and returns are in parking garage P3, with a convenient gas station on the airport grounds.
Honestly though, I’d only rent a car if you’re heading somewhere really remote. The train network in Switzerland is so good you can get almost anywhere without driving.
Transfers from hotels to Zurich Airport
A lot of hotels in the area offer complimentary airport shuttles, so it’s always worth asking if yours has one (and if it’s free). If you’re hitting the slopes, special buses operate to winter sports resorts like the Arlberg Express, which services Lech, Zürs, Stuben, St. Christoph and St. Anton am Arlberg. Just be sure to book these in advance to guarantee your spot.
Making the most of the terminals
Zurich Airport operates three dock areas, with gate areas divided by Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Schengen flights depart from Gates A and B, while non-Schengen flights use Gates D and E. Gates A and B/D are connected by the Airside Center, so you can walk between them. Gates E sit in a separate midfield terminal, accessible by Skymetro from the Airside Center.
You’ll find plenty of high-end shopping here with brands like Omega, but let’s be real, you’re here for the chocolate. Make a beeline for Läderach or Confiserie Sprüngli to stock up. It’s a personal favorite and a non-negotiable part of any trip through ZRH.
The food scene is also surprisingly solid. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you’ll find good options both airside and in the public Airport Shopping area. If you have time to kill before security, check out Sablier Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at The Circle for some great views.
Getting through arrivals
Although Zurich Airport is well organized, border control lines can become unwieldy depending on when you land. I once missed a train because the queue was so long, which meant re-booking my ticket after finally getting through. It was frustrating, but it taught me to build flexibility into my onward journey.
It’s a bit of a gamble, but expect longer waits during the summer and ski season. A little flexibility in your onward travel plans goes a long way.
The airport has automated passport gates for biometric passports from Switzerland, the EU, or the EEA for passengers aged 18 and over, but they aren’t always open. If you’re traveling with kids or are under 18, you’ll need to see an agent anyway. The Canton of Zurich Police recommends that minors traveling alone or with just one parent carry a birth certificate and a signed declaration of consent from parents or guardians containing contact details and travel information to avoid any hiccups.
A quick heads-up for travelers arriving from outside the EU: the importation of meat, dairy products, and certain plants or fruits into Switzerland is generally prohibited or restricted. It’s best to finish them on the plane or toss them before you get to customs.
Security and immigration for departures
Security at ZRH is typically efficient. The lines might look long, but they move fast, and the staff are good at keeping things organized. Just follow their instructions and have your liquids ready in containers of maximum 100 ml, packed into a resealable 1-liter plastic bag to keep things moving.
Anyone traveling outside the Schengen area must pass through immigration before reaching their departure gate. During busy periods, give yourself extra time for this process. Immigration is located after security, but you don’t need to go through immediately. Many shopping and dining options are before immigration, so grab what you need before heading to your gate.
Flying SWISS
As the hub for SWISS, 52% of passenger volume at the airport flies with the airline. They operate from Gates A, B, D and E, so double-check your ticket to see where you need to go. SWISS uses Check-in 1 and Check-in 3, and the self-bag-drop for luggage is a real time-saver, especially if you’re coming from the train station.
Navigating Zurich Airport with kids
Traveling with kids can be a challenge, but ZRH has you covered. There are play areas scattered throughout the terminals where little ones can burn off some energy. You’ll also find a dedicated Family Services area near the A gates.
For kids (and adults who are kids at heart), the two observation decks are a great distraction. Observation Deck B is public and requires a small fee (adults CHF 5, children under 10 free), but Observation Deck E is free for all passengers with a boarding pass. Both have outdoor spaces and binoculars for some serious plane-spotting. Just note that in the event of severe weather warnings or for safety reasons, the airport may close the observation decks at short notice.
Airport lounges
ZRH has plenty of lounges, including nine for SWISS and two pay-per-entry Aspire Lounges (one in the Airside Center for Gates A/B/D and another at Dock E). They’re a nice escape if the airport is crowded, but honestly, the main terminal is so pleasant that you don’t really need one. I’ve always found a quiet corner and a good snack without paying for lounge access.
Keep in mind that some lounges are located before immigration in the Airside Center, so plan accordingly if you’re on a non-Schengen flight. You’ll find most of the international airline lounges, like the one for Emirates, out by the E gates at Dock E.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
