Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main station) is the central transport hub, approximately 10 km from the airport.

About Zurich City Centre (Hauptbahnhof)

Zurich Hauptbahnhof is Switzerland's largest railway station and a hub for connections across Europe, with high-speed trains to Paris, Munich, Milan, and Vienna. The station itself is an architectural landmark, with a grand 19th-century hall hosting a regular market and events. The adjacent Bahnhofstrasse, stretching 1.4 km to the lake, is one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets, lined with Swiss watchmakers, chocolate shops, and international luxury brands.

The Altstadt (Old Town) flanks both sides of the Limmat River, with the Grossmunster and Fraumunster churches facing each other across the water. The Niederdorf neighborhood offers narrow lanes with restaurants, bars, and the Cabaret Voltaire where the Dada art movement was born. Zurich's reputation as a purely financial city belies its excellent museums (Kunsthaus, Swiss National Museum), vibrant nightlife in the former industrial Zurich-West district, and the stunning lake and mountain views that define daily life.

Nearby Landmarks

Bahnhofstrasse Grossmunster Swiss National Museum Lake Zurich Niederdorf quarter

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost CHF 50-70
Time 15-25 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost CHF 35-50
Time 15-25 minutes

Arrivals level, rideshare pickup area

Train (S-Bahn S16/S24)

Cost CHF 7
Time 10-13 minutes
Frequency Every 5-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Walk to the underground train station (follow signs from Arrivals). Take any S-Bahn to Zurich HB. Trains run every few minutes during the day.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi CHF 50-70 15-25 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare CHF 35-50 15-25 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train CHF 7 10-13 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

S-Bahn trains to Hauptbahnhof run until about midnight. Night buses (Nachtbus) and the SN trains run on Friday and Saturday nights until about 4 AM. Taxis from the airport cost approximately CHF 50-60 ($55-65) at night.

Luggage Tips

The S-Bahn has wide aisles and luggage areas. The train is so quick (10-12 minutes) that luggage management is minimal. Zurich Hauptbahnhof has luggage lockers and SBB luggage service. Bahnhofstrasse is flat and smooth for rolling suitcases.

Accessibility

Zurich Airport station has elevator access. All SBB trains have wheelchair spaces and level boarding. Hauptbahnhof is fully accessible with elevators to all platforms. Zurich's trams are low-floor and accessible. The city center is generally flat along the river and lake.