Zurich airport transfers to the center
Zurich Airport has a railway station beneath the airport complex, making the train a straightforward choice for the main station. The tram is slower but can suit addresses along its route. Choose by your final stop and luggage rather than the airport journey alone, and check the official planner when arriving late or leaving early.
The airports
- Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- about 10 km north, roughly 10 to 15 minutes by train to Zürich HB
Every way from the airport to Zurich
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrainTrains to Zürich HB | ZRH | about 10 to 15 minutes to Zürich HB | The main station and central connections |
| TramTram 10 | ZRH | about 35 to 40 minutes to the main station area | Addresses along the tram route |
| TaxiOfficial airport taxi rank | ZRH | about 20 to 40 minutes to central Zurich | Door-to-door travel with heavy luggage |
How each one works
Train: Trains to Zürich HB
Follow the railway signs from arrivals to the airport station. Check the departure board for a service stopping at Zürich HB, since trains have different destinations. Buy a ticket from a machine or official app before boarding, selecting the zones needed for your onward journey.
Tram: Tram 10
Follow signs to the airport tram stop outside the terminal complex. Tram 10 serves the city via Glattpark and Oerlikon. Check your address against its stops and buy a ticket covering the required zones before boarding.
Taxi: Official airport taxi rank
Use the signed taxi ranks outside arrivals and give the driver your full accommodation address. Confirm the payment method and how the fare is calculated before setting off. Traffic can lengthen the journey, particularly when traveling into the city during busy periods.
Arriving late or leaving early
Check the official journey planner for your arrival or departure time, since trains and trams do not run continuously overnight. Allow for baggage collection when checking the last connection. If public transport does not fit, use the official taxi rank or arrange a transfer with your accommodation.
Before you land
- Search using your accommodation's nearest stop, as the quickest airport connection may involve changing at Oerlikon instead of Zürich HB.
- Keep your ticket available throughout the journey and check that its zones cover both the airport and your destination.
- For an early flight, check the first usable connection and allow time to walk from the airport station to check-in.
Zurich airport transfers to the center
Is the airport train station inside the airport?
The railway station is beneath the airport complex and reached by following the train signs from arrivals. Allow walking time from your terminal.
Does every airport train go to Zürich HB?
Check the departure board or official planner before boarding. Airport trains serve different routes, so confirm that Zürich HB appears among the stops.
Is the tram quicker than the train?
The train is quicker to Zürich HB. The tram can still be convenient if your accommodation lies close to one of its stops.
Can I use a central Zurich ticket from the airport?
Only if it covers the required airport zones as well as your destination. Check the ticket's validity before boarding rather than assuming central coverage is sufficient.