How to Get Around Zurich

How transport works in Zurich

ZVV trams, buses, S-Bahn and Zürichsee ferries run on one integrated ticket; 24h zone-110 pass is CHF 9.40. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is 10 min from Hauptbahnhof by S-Bahn (CHF 6.80). The compact Old Town is walkable end-to-end in 20 minutes. The Zurich Card (24h CHF 29 / 72h CHF 56) bundles transit + museum entry.

Your options compared

• Trams (VBZ)

  15 lines running ~05:30–00:30 — the backbone of city transit.

• S-Bahn

  Suburban rail including ZRH airport (S2/S16) and Uetliberg (S10).

• Bus & trolleybus

  Complementary to tram network; night buses run Fri/Sat.

• Zürichsee ferries (ZSG)

  Short and long lake cruises from Bürkliplatz; some covered by day transit ticket.

Passes and tickets

24h zone-110 pass CHF 9.40; Zurich Card 24h CHF 29 / 72h CHF 56 (adds museum access). Swiss Travel Pass covers ZRH transfer.

Local transport tips

SBB Mobile app is essential — buy tickets, check schedules, use Supersaver discounts. Trains almost always arrive on the minute.

Arriving from the airport

• Zurich Airport (ZRH)

  S-Bahn (S2/S16) to Hauptbahnhof every 5–10 min in 10 min (CHF 6.80); taxi CHF 60–70; Uber cheaper.

Do you need a rental car?

Inside Zurich a car is usually a liability — parking and traffic cost more than transit. A rental earns its keep for day trips and regional drives, so compare rates only for the days you actually leave the city.