Zürich Airport, Switzerland’s primary aviation hub, offers travellers a modern and efficient experience, serving as an ideal gateway to the country’s financial capital and Alpine landscapes.
Located 13 kilometres north of Zürich’s city centre in Kloten, the airport handles over 31 million passengers annually, acting as a main hub for Swiss International Air Lines and a base for Edelweiss Air. The passenger experience is smooth, with a single terminal complex divided into three areas: Terminal A for domestic and Schengen flights, Terminal B for both Schengen and non-Schengen flights, and Terminal E for international long-haul routes. The layout, connected by the Airside Centre, features 80 gates, 41 air bridges, and clear signage, ensuring easy navigation. The Skymetro shuttle links Terminals A/B to E in two minutes, while moving walkways and escalators keep walking distances short, though some gates require bus transfers.
Transit to and from Zürich is swift and convenient. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) operates trains from the airport’s underground station to Zürich Hauptbahnhof (HB) in 10-15 minutes, with tickets costing CHF 6.80 (€7.20) and services running every 5-10 minutes. Trams (line 10) and buses (lines 520 and 531) connect to nearby areas like Oerlikon in 15 minutes for CHF 4.40 (€4.60).
Taxis, available outside Arrivals, reach the city centre in 15-20 minutes for CHF 60-70 (€63-74), while Uber offers similar rates. Car rentals from Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar are located in the Airport Centre, and the airport is accessible via the A51 motorway. Over 14,000 parking spaces across five car parks, including P1, P2, and P6, offer rates from CHF 5 (€5.30) for two hours, with a free 10-minute drop-off zone.
Facilities are comprehensive, catering to diverse traveller needs. Free Wi-Fi, available for four hours via the “ZurichAirport” network, blankets the terminal, and charging stations are plentiful near gates and lounges. Families benefit from 11 baby-changing rooms, play areas in Terminals A and E, and free pushchairs. Passengers with reduced mobility can access assistance through a dedicated service desk, with wheelchair-friendly lifts and restrooms throughout. Over 10 lounges, including the SWISS First Lounge in Terminal E and Aspire Lounge in the Airside Centre, offer workspaces, showers, and dining for CHF 39-79 (€41-83) or free for eligible passengers. A transit hotel, observation decks with playgrounds, and a medical centre open 07:00-21:00 enhance convenience. Luggage storage costs CHF 6-12 (€6.30-12.60) per day, and showers are available for CHF 15 (€15.80).
Dining options are diverse, with over 60 outlets across the Airport Centre and airside areas. Travellers can enjoy Swiss cuisine at Chalet Suisse, Italian dishes at Hello Pizza, or Asian fare at Bamboo in the Airside Centre. Quick options include Starbucks, Burger King, and Grab & Fly kiosks. Retail spans 80 shops, with duty-free stores offering Swiss chocolates, watches, and perfumes, alongside luxury brands like Burberry and Hermès in the Airside Centre. Bucher bookshops and Sprüngli confectionery add local flair, with most outlets open 06:00-21:00.
On-time performance is strong, with Zürich Airport ranking among Europe’s most punctual, achieving an 80% on-time departure rate based on recent data. As a major hub, it facilitates seamless connections, particularly for Swiss International Air Lines and Star Alliance passengers, with a minimum connection time of 40 minutes.
The Airside Centre’s centralised security and Skymetro ensure quick Schengen and non-Schengen transfers, though international passengers may need to clear passport control. Potential delays may occur during peak morning hours (06:00-09:00) or late evenings, when security and check-in queues can reach 20 minutes. Winter snow or fog can disrupt schedules, and tight connections risk delays if incoming flights are late, so arriving early for international flights is advisable.
