How to get from Zurich Airport to Old Town (Altstadt)
Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Switzerland · Urban & Cultural · Zurich · Zurich Airport · Zurich Old Town (Altstadt)
Getting from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich’s atmospheric Old Town (Altstadt) is quick and painless once you choose between the fast S-Bahn trains to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB), the scenic Tram 10 route, or a comfortable taxi or private transfer; this guide walks you through times, fares and step-by-step directions so you can go from arrivals hall to cobbled lanes with minimal stress.
At A Glance (Zurich Airport to Old Town (Altstadt))
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 S-Bahn Train (Airport → Zürich HB) + Short Walk/Tram | ~15–25 minutes total | Most travelers, fast & easy |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CHF 6.80–8.90 one-way (zones 110+121) » check train tickets | alt. rail options | ||
| 🚋 Tram 10 (Airport → Central/HB) | ~30–35 minutes | Scenic ride, no transfers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CHF 6.80–8.90 one-way (same city zone ticket as train) | ||
| 🚕 Taxi, Ride‑hailing & Private Transfer | ~15–30 minutes (traffic‑dependent) | Door‑to‑door comfort, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CHF 50–70 per car to city centre » compare taxis | fixed‑price rides | ||
| 🚗 Car Rental / Self‑drive | ~20–30 minutes driving (plus pickup time) | Road trips beyond Zurich |
| 🏷️ Cost: From ~CHF 70–120/day + fuel & parking » rental deals at ZRH | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Reliable: S-Bahn train to Zürich HB plus a short walk or tram into the Altstadt is usually the quickest and most hassle‑free, especially at rush hour.
- Most Scenic: Tram 10 gives you a relaxed ride through northern Zurich and into the centre, ideal if you’re not in a rush and want to see a bit of the city on the way.
- Most Convenient with Luggage or Kids: Taxi, ride‑hailing or private transfer is door‑to‑door from the terminal to your hotel or apartment in the Old Town.
- Best for a Swiss Road Trip: If you’re driving on to Lucerne, Interlaken or the Alps, renting a car at the airport can make sense—otherwise you won’t need a car in Zurich itself.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Tickets & zones: Zurich Airport is in zone 121 and the city centre (Altstadt) is in zone 110. A 2‑zone ticket or 1‑hour ticket covers both S‑Bahn trains and trams; day passes are good value if you’ll ride a lot. Check current fares and zone maps on the official ZVV transport network.
- Where to buy tickets: Use SBB/ZVV ticket machines in the airport arrivals area and at the station beneath the terminal. You can also buy digital tickets via the ZVV or SBB Mobile apps before boarding.
- Plan your exact route: Enter “Zurich Airport” to “Altstadt” or “Zürich, Central” in Google Maps (Transit) or the ZVV app to get real‑time platform and tram information.
- Luggage & storage: Trains and trams are luggage‑friendly with low floors. If you want to explore before hotel check‑in, stash bags at city partners listed on Radical Storage Zurich.
- Private transfers & tours: If you like a meet‑and‑greet service or want to combine your transfer with a short orientation drive, compare airport transfer options on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Ride‑hailing: Uber and local apps operate around Zurich; fares are similar to taxis but shown up front in the app. Choose the signed ride‑hailing pick‑up point outside arrivals.
- Hotels in the Altstadt: If you haven’t booked yet, filter by “Zurich Old Town” on Booking.com Zurich to find stays within a couple of minutes’ walk of the river and main squares.
- Explore by bike: Once you’ve arrived, consider renting a bike or e‑bike via BikesBooking Zurich for lakeside paths and neighbourhood exploring.
🚆 Option #1 — S-Bahn Train to Zürich HB + Walk/Tram (Fast & Easy)
Fast Frequent City‑centre arrival
- Overview: S‑Bahn and IR trains run from the station directly beneath Zurich Airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB) every few minutes. From HB it’s a 10–15 minute walk or a short tram into the heart of the Old Town.
- Typical journey time: ~10–15 minutes Airport → Zürich HB plus ~5–10 minutes to walk or tram into the Altstadt.
- How to book (with price): Buy a 2‑zone ticket for zones 110 + 121 (Airport + City), around CHF 6.80–8.90 depending on duration/options. You can also pre‑check timetables and passes on SBB or through rail platforms like Klook’s Zurich Airport–Zurich listings.
- Frequency: Trains run every 5–10 minutes throughout most of the day; early mornings and late evenings still have regular service.
- Pros: Fast, weatherproof, no traffic, integrated with the rest of the Swiss rail network. Cons: Can be busy at commute times; you’ll still walk or change to a tram for the final stretch into the narrow Old Town lanes.
Step-by-step: S-Bahn Train from Zurich Airport to Altstadt
- From arrivals, follow the “Bahn / Train” signs down to the airport’s underground station (“Zürich Flughafen”).
- At the ticket machines, select a ticket from Zurich Airport → Zurich city centre (zones 110+121) or a 24‑hour day pass if you’ll make multiple trips.
- Check the departure boards for the next S‑Bahn or IR train to “Zürich HB”. Common lines include S2, S16 and various IR services.
- Board the train; luggage racks and overhead shelves are available. The ride to Zurich HB takes around 10–12 minutes.
- At Zurich HB, follow signs to the Bahnhofstrasse/City exit. From here you can:
- Walk down Bahnhofstrasse and cross the Limmat toward Altstadt (Old Town) in about 10–15 minutes, or
- Take a short tram ride (for example lines 4, 6, 11 or 15 depending on which part of Old Town) to stops like Central, Rathaus or Helmhaus.
- Walk the last few minutes along cobbled streets to your hotel or to the main squares such as Niederdorf or Munsterhof.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Station & Zurich HB)
- Airport station: Located directly beneath the terminal complex; escalators and lifts connect it to arrivals, so you can be on the platform within 5–10 minutes of exiting customs.
- Zurich HB to Altstadt on foot: Exit toward Bahnhofstrasse/Limmatquai, then follow signs to Altstadt; the Old Town starts just across the river.
- Accessibility: Elevators and ramps are available at both the airport and HB; S‑Bahn trains are generally step‑free or have low steps.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚋 Option #2 — Tram 10 to Central/HB (Scenic, No Train Change)
Direct from terminal Nice city views Slightly slower
- Overview: Tram 10 runs from Zurich Airport through several neighbourhoods to Zurich HB / Central. From Central, the Old Town is right across the bridge, a few minutes’ walk away.
- Typical journey time: About 30–35 minutes from the airport to Central/HB.
- How to book (with price): No reservation—just buy the same 2‑zone (121+110) ticket you’d use for the train, around CHF 6.80–8.90, at ticket machines by the tram stop or in the terminal.
- Frequency: Trams usually run every 7–10 minutes during the day, slightly less often later in the evening.
- Pros: Direct from airport to city streets, great first impressions of Zurich, easy with luggage. Cons: Slower than the train; can be busy at rush hours.
Step-by-step: Tram 10 to the Old Town
- From arrivals, follow signs to Bus/Tram; the platforms are just outside the main terminal complex.
- At the ZVV ticket machine, purchase a 2‑zone ticket (121+110) or day pass. Make sure you keep the ticket with you for inspections.
- Board Tram 10 in the direction of Zürich, Bahnhofplatz/HB. Store luggage in the designated areas and stand clear of doors.
- Stay on until you reach Central or Bahnhofplatz/HB—both are ideal jumping‑off points for the Altstadt.
- From Central, cross the Limmat via the pedestrian bridge and head into the Old Town lanes on either side of the river.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Tram Stop)
- Airport tram stop: Located directly outside the terminal, signed “Zürich Flughafen”. Platforms are covered and have digital displays.
- Connection to Old Town: From Central or Bahnhofplatz/HB, everything in the Altstadt is walkable within 5–15 minutes.
- Weather tip: In bad weather, you can switch to a short tram ride along Limmatquai instead of walking by following local tram maps at the stops.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚕 Option #3 — Taxi, Ride‑hailing & Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)
Door‑to‑door 24/7 Highest cost
- Overview: Official airport taxis and prebooked cars will drive you straight from Zurich Airport arrivals to your hotel or apartment in the Altstadt, ideal with heavy luggage, young kids or after a long haul flight.
- Typical journey time: 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and the exact address.
- How to book (with price):
- Taxi rank: Official airport taxis charge roughly CHF 50–70 to central Zurich. You’ll find them outside Arrivals 1 & 2.
- Welcome Pickups: For a prebooked ride with an English‑speaking driver and meet‑and‑greet, check Welcome Pickups Zurich Airport.
- GetTransfer & similar: For fixed‑price cars, minivans or premium vehicles, browse offers on GetTransfer Zurich or grouped airport transfer listings on GetYourGuide and Klook.
- Ride‑hailing: Uber and local services operate around Zurich; fares to the city centre are typically comparable to taxis but shown upfront in the app.
- Pros: Zero transfers, you’re dropped as close as cars can get to your door in the largely pedestrian Old Town. Cons: Costs several times more than public transport; subject to traffic and any surcharges.
Step-by-step: Taxi or Private Transfer into the Altstadt
- After baggage claim, follow signs to the Taxi area outside Arrivals, or to the agreed meeting point for your prebooked transfer.
- If taking a street taxi, join the official queue and confirm that payment by card is possible if you need it.
- Tell the driver your destination in the Old Town (for example, a hotel name or “Altstadt, near Grossmünster”). Some streets are pedestrian‑only, so expect to be dropped at the nearest accessible point.
- For prebooked rides from Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, meet your driver at the stated spot holding a sign with your name.
- Drive into the city via the motorway and lakeside or inner‑city routes, then continue to the Altstadt. From your drop‑off point, it’s usually just a 2–5 minute walk along cobbled lanes to most accommodations.
Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi Rank & Pickup Zones)
- Official taxi ranks: Located along the inner kerb outside Arrivals; ignore anyone offering unofficial rides inside the terminal.
- Ride‑hailing pickup: Apps will show the exact pickup bay; follow the in‑app map from the arrivals door.
- Paying: Many drivers accept cards; still, carrying a little CHF cash is handy for tips or if a card terminal fails.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Car Rental / Self‑drive (For Wider Swiss Itineraries)
Flexible Good for onward travel Parking in Old Town
- Overview: You don’t need a car within Zurich’s compact centre, but if you’re heading on to Lucerne, the Alps or other Swiss regions, renting at the airport lets you drive straight out after your Old Town stay.
- Typical journey time: Around 20–30 minutes to drive from the airport to car parks on the edge of the Altstadt, depending on traffic and your exact route.
- How to book (with price): Compare offers from multiple companies at Zurich Airport via Booking.com Car Rental at ZRH. Economy cars often start around CHF 70–120/day plus insurance, fuel and parking.
- Where to park: Much of the Old Town is pedestrianised. Use nearby car parks (for example at Urania, Hohe Promenade or along the Limmat) and walk into the Altstadt.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility for day trips and multi‑city itineraries. Cons: City traffic, one‑way systems and paid parking make it less convenient if you’re just staying in Zurich.
Step-by-step: Renting a Car and Driving to the Altstadt
- Reserve your car online in advance through Booking.com Car Rental to secure better rates and availability.
- After landing, follow signs to the Car Rental / Mietwagen area in the terminal, show your booking, driving licence and credit card, then collect your keys.
- Follow the exit signs toward Zurich City / Zentrum, usually via the A51 and A1L, then follow signs into the centre.
- Head for a car park near the Old Town (search for “Urania Parking” or “Hohe Promenade Parking” in your GPS) rather than trying to drive into the narrow, pedestrianised Altstadt lanes.
- Park, pay for the expected duration, and walk 5–10 minutes into the Old Town squares and riverfront.
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Desks & Car Parks)
- Rental desks: Located within the terminal complex; follow the car rental pictograms after customs.
- Road rules: Speed limits are strictly enforced; watch for cameras and respect signed limits, especially as you enter the city.
- Winter driving: In snowy months, ensure your rental includes winter tyres and allow extra time for the drive and parking.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Zurich Airport to Old Town (Altstadt))
How long does it take to get from Zurich Airport to the Old Town?
Most travellers reach the Altstadt in 15–35 minutes. The S‑Bahn train to Zurich HB plus a short walk is usually quickest at around 15–25 minutes door‑to‑door, while Tram 10 takes about 30–35 minutes. Taxis and private transfers can be as fast as 15–20 minutes outside rush hour.
What is the cheapest way to reach the Old Town from Zurich Airport?
The cheapest option is public transport. A 2‑zone ticket covering Airport (121) and City (110) costs roughly CHF 6.80–8.90 and is valid on both trains and trams within its time limit, so you can ride the S‑Bahn or Tram 10 plus any connecting tram to your final stop in the Altstadt.
Is it easy to travel with luggage on Zurich’s public transport?
Yes. Trains and trams have low‑floor entries and designated spaces by the doors for suitcases. Avoid the narrowest peak times if you have very large bags, but in general it’s straightforward. If you want to be completely hands‑free, consider a prebooked transfer with luggage included through services like Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
Are taxis from Zurich Airport safe and regulated?
Official airport taxis are regulated and generally very reliable. Always use the marked taxi ranks directly outside Arrivals and check that the car has a meter and company signage. If you prefer a fixed price and advance confirmation, use a prebooked option from platforms such as GetYourGuide, Klook, Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
Do I need to buy tickets before boarding the train or tram?
Yes. In Zurich you must have a valid ticket before boarding trains and trams; random inspections are common and fines are steep. Use the ZVV or SBB ticket machines at the airport and stations, or mobile tickets in the official apps, before you get on.