Zurich Airport to City Center: Train, Tram, Taxi, and Updated Prices

Getting from Zurich Airport to central Zurich is easy: trains take around 10-15 minutes, the tram takes about 30-35 minutes, and taxis are the most convenient door-to-door option. Below you’ll find the best route for your situation, with timings, ticket tips, and updated price ranges.

• Fastest option – train / S-Bahn: typically 10-15 minutes to Zurich HB (main station).
• Most scenic option – tram line 10: around 30-35 minutes through the city.
• Taxi is convenient but pricey – usually about 60-90 $ to the city center, depending on traffic and destination.
• One ticket often works for both train and tram on the airport-to-city route (when you choose the correct zones).
• If you’ll ride more today – a 24-hour ticket or a city pass can be better value.
• With luggage – the train is usually the easiest and least stressful.

Trains and S-Bahn services are the go-to choice for most travelers heading into Zurich.

Travel time: typically 10-15 minutes to Zurich HB.
Frequency: very frequent during the day – often every 5-10 minutes.
Arrival point: Zurich HB, where you can walk or transfer towards Bahnhofstrasse and the Old Town.

Step by step:

1. Follow Train / Railway signs inside Zurich Airport.
2. Check the departure boards for services to Zurich HB.
3. Buy a ticket at a machine or via an official app.
4. Board the next train – it’s usually a quick ride into town.

If you’d like a gentler arrival with views, tram line 10 is a great alternative.

Travel time: about 30-35 minutes to Zurich HB.
Pros: scenic route, easy stops, useful if your stay is close to the tram line.
Cons: slower than the train and can be crowded at peak hours.

How to ride it:

1. Follow Tram signs.
2. Find tram line 10 at the airport stop.
3. Confirm direction to Zurich HB.
4. Get off at Zurich HB – or earlier if your accommodation is closer to another stop.

A taxi makes sense if you’re arriving late, traveling with lots of luggage, or simply want the simplest door-to-door ride.

Travel time: roughly 10-20 minutes.
Typical cost: usually around 60-90 $ to the city center (can vary by destination, traffic, and surcharges).
Where to find it: official taxi ranks outside Arrivals.

Useful tips:

• Use official taxis from the rank to reduce pricing surprises.
• If you have many bags, ask about luggage surcharges before you leave.
• For groups, compare the total cost of multiple tickets vs. one taxi – but taxis in Zurich are rarely cheap.

• For the route “Zurich Airport – central Zurich”, a standard single ticket for the correct zones typically works on both trains and trams.
• If you plan several rides today, compare a single ticket with a 24-hour pass – it can pay off quickly.
• Child fares are usually discounted – check the ticket options when buying.

• If it’s very late, a taxi is often the simplest solution.
• When trains are running, S-Bahn is still the fastest and most predictable for timing.
• During timetable changes or trial night services, rely on live departure boards and route planners.

These are practical $ estimates for the “Zurich Airport – central Zurich” trip. Final totals can vary with exchange rates and local conditions.

• Train / S-Bahn, single ride: about 9 $ (child ticket often around 4-5 $)
• Tram line 10, single ride: about 9 $ (child ticket often around 4-5 $)
• 24-hour ticket: about 18 $ (child often around 9 $)
• Taxi to the city center: roughly 60-90 $
• Official airport taxi to the city center: around 80 $

• For the fastest arrival, take the train to Zurich HB, then do a short transfer.
• For a relaxed, scenic ride, choose tram line 10.
• With heavy luggage, the train is typically easiest.
• If you’re traveling as a group, compare totals – but taxis in Zurich can be expensive.
• Keep your hotel address saved offline to make the taxi ride smoother and avoid mistakes.

How long does it take from Zurich Airport to downtown Zurich?
Train/S-Bahn is usually 10-15 minutes to Zurich HB, tram line 10 is about 30-35 minutes, and a taxi is around 10-20 minutes.

Do I need different tickets for train vs. tram?
Usually not – if you buy the correct ticket for the right zones, it typically works across both modes for this trip.

Where should I get off if I want to be near Bahnhofstrasse?
Zurich HB is the easiest hub – you can walk or transfer to a short tram ride from there.

What’s best with kids and a stroller?
The train is often the simplest: faster, fewer stops, and easier to manage outside peak hours.

Can I pay by card in a taxi?
Many official taxis accept cards, but it’s smart to confirm before departing.

For most travelers, the best way from Zurich Airport to central Zurich is the train or S-Bahn. Tram line 10 is slower but scenic. Taxis are the easiest door-to-door option, but they’re usually the most expensive.

1. Zürich.com – Official tourism portal
2. Flughafen Zürich – Official airport info
3. Flughafen Zürich – Taxi information