Getting from Zurich Airport to the city
Zurich Airport, code ZRH, offers a choice between public transport to Zürich Hauptbahnhof and a road journey to the centre. Train or S-Bahn takes about 10 to 15 minutes to HB; tram 10 takes about 35 minutes. Those times describe the public-transport journey to the main station. When comparing options, add the onward journey to your accommodation and allow for the time needed between landing and starting the city journey.
Decide first whether you want to arrive at HB or travel by road to a city-centre address. For the public-transport option, select the ticket for your journey before boarding. For a private transfer, match the direction, passenger number and luggage to the booking. The accommodation area guide helps place your final destination in relation to the station, old town, Seefeld or Zurich West.
Train, S-Bahn and tram tickets
Trains and S-Bahn services connect ZRH with HB, including the S2 and S16. Daytime services are described at intervals of about five to ten minutes. Check the particular connection for an early or late arrival rather than extending that daytime pattern across the entire night. Tram 10 is another way to reach HB, with a longer journey of about 35 minutes. Compare the actual arrival point with the next part of your route.
Under the ZVV tariff effective from 14 December 2025, a three-zone second-class single ticket costs CHF 7.20, or CHF 3.60 at the reduced rate, and is valid for one hour. The three-zone 24-hour ticket costs CHF 14.40, or CHF 7.20 reduced. The reduced fare applies to children aged 6 to 15.99 and Halbtax holders. Check the zones and validity for the journey you buy, especially if you intend to continue beyond HB.
Private airport transfer
A private transfer connects the airport and central Zurich, with airport waiting time included.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Swiss francs (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Private airport transfer to the city centre
Choose the airport-to-centre direction and a vehicle that matches your passengers and luggage. This transfer includes a driver and 60 minutes of airport pickup waiting time.
Taxi and transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Airport taxis are located at Arrivals 1 and 2. The airport's approximate reference for a journey to the centre is CHF 65; treat it as a guide rather than a fixed price. A taxi and a prebooked private transfer are separate choices. Compare the destination address and the total quoted journey before choosing your road option, particularly if your accommodation is outside the city centre.
The private-transfer product shown here includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, professional driver service, fees and taxes, and 60 minutes of airport pickup waiting time. Meet-and-greet service is excluded. Extra waiting time costs extra. For an international flight, the pickup time needs to allow for customs and immigration; for a domestic flight, the product requests the scheduled landing time. Hotel waiting time of 15 minutes applies only when that option is selected.
Its vehicle categories are tied to capacity: a sedan for one to three passengers allows up to three standard 22-inch luggage pieces; an SUV for four passengers allows four; a minivan for five allows five. The minibus category for six to eight passengers allows eight, while the category for nine to fourteen allows fourteen. Luggage beyond capacity can require a paid vehicle upgrade. The included drop-off area is the city centre or ZRH, with additional charges for other locations. These are the terms of this particular transfer product.
Compare private transfers from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Centre on intui.travel.
Arrival at HB and the final city journey
The old town is accessible on foot from HB, with Niederdorf on the right bank of the Limmat. Choose the final route around your actual address and luggage. If you are visiting the Landesmuseum, it stands beside the station, but the Bahnhofquai/HB stop is closed through the end of 2026. The listed alternatives include Central, Bahnhofstrasse/HB and Sihlquai/HB. This is a stop closure, rather than a closure of the museum.
For onward sightseeing, match the next journey to the activity. The S10 towards Uetliberg starts at Selnau during the HB to Selnau closure through 12 December 2026. The Zürich Card covers second-class travel within its designated area and partner museum benefits; compare it with your planned city journeys. Its price changes for start dates from 13 December 2026, so use the price for your travel date when deciding.
A rental car for an onward road trip
If collecting a car for a continuing road trip, establish whether the vehicle already has a valid motorway vignette. The Swiss vignette costs CHF 40; the 2026 vignette is valid from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2027. At the airport, P1, P2, P3 and P6 accept parking without reservation subject to availability, while P60 and P65 require advance online booking. Parking prices are dynamic, so use your dates rather than a general daily estimate.
Airport arrival questions
How long is the train journey to HB?
The train or S-Bahn journey takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the time before departure and your final journey from HB when comparing it with a road transfer.
What is the three-zone single fare?
The ZVV tariff effective from 14 December 2025 lists CHF 7.20 in second class, or CHF 3.60 reduced, with one hour of validity. Select the ticket for the zones of your actual journey.
What should I check for a private transfer?
Match the direction, centre address, passengers, luggage and pickup timing. The featured product includes 60 minutes of airport waiting time; additional waiting and a luggage-related vehicle upgrade are extra.