Zurich Airport FAQ

What is the fastest way from Zurich Airport to the city centre?

The train, from a station directly beneath the terminal: nine to thirteen minutes with no change, several services an hour. It is faster than a car even without traffic. See train from Zurich Airport.

How much is a taxi from Zurich Airport to the city?

Taxis are metered, so there is no fixed answer — it depends on traffic and time of day. A pre-booked transfer to any city address is CHF 120 in an E-Class, known before you travel. See taxi.

How much is a transfer from Zurich Airport to Davos?

CHF 736 in an E-Class for the 174 km, CHF 823 in a V-Class for up to seven people. The price is per vehicle and fixed. Every destination is listed on fixed-price destinations.

Can I be driven to Zermatt?

Only as far as Täsch — Zermatt bans cars. A shuttle train covers the last twelve minutes. See Zermatt.

Is the train or a transfer better for a ski holiday?

The train for one or two people travelling light. The car from about three people, or whenever there is equipment: every change means handling skis again. See ski transfers.

How early should I arrive for my flight?

Ninety minutes for Schengen with hand luggage, two hours with checked bags or non-Schengen, and two and a half hours for long-haul from Dock E. See departures.

What is the difference between a terminal and a dock?

Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are where you check in. Docks A, B and E are where the aircraft are. They do not correspond, so your terminal number says nothing about your gate. See terminals.

How do I get to Dock E?

By the Skymetro, an automated underground train — there is no walking route. Allow ten minutes including passport control. See Skymetro.

Is there passport control on a flight from Germany?

No, because Switzerland is in the Schengen area. But customs applies to every arrival, because Switzerland is outside the EU customs union. See customs.

Is Zurich Airport open 24 hours?

No. Departures stop at 23:00 and the airport is closed to movements overnight. A badly delayed evening flight can be cancelled rather than delayed. See opening hours.

Are the shops open on Sunday?

Yes — airport retail is exempt from the Swiss rules that close shops on Sundays, and you do not need a boarding pass for the landside shops. See shops.

Can I pay to enter a lounge?

Yes, independent lounges sell entry at the door subject to capacity. Worth it from about two hours’ wait. See lounges.

What do I do if my bag does not arrive?

Report it at your airline’s baggage desk before leaving the reclaim area. Once you have passed customs it becomes much harder. See baggage.

Where do I store luggage during a layover?

Landside in the Airport Center — which means you cannot reach it from the departure gates. See luggage storage.

How long a layover do I need to see Zurich?

About four hours to see anything and return without anxiety. Under three, stay at the airport. See the layover guide.

What plug do I need in Switzerland?

Type J, which is Swiss-specific. A two-pin European plug generally fits; a three-pin earthed one often does not. See airport information.

Do I need Swiss francs?

Not really. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and euros are widely taken at the airport with change given in francs. See airport information.

How do I claim Swiss VAT back?

Ask for the export document in the shop, then validate it at customs before checking the goods in. Doing it after is why most refunds are lost. See VAT refund.

What are the liquid rules?

Containers of maximum 100 ml in one transparent litre bag. The limit is the container size, not how full it is. See security.

Can I put a power bank in my checked bag?

No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must travel in the cabin. See baggage.

Is fast track at security worth buying?

During the 06:00–08:00 wave and on winter Saturdays, generally yes. At quiet times there is nothing meaningful to save. See priority lane.