How to make the most of your layover in Zurich

Zurich is an ideal city to explore during a layover. It offers a unique mix of natural beauty, history, and Swiss charm, all just a short ride from the airport. It's known for its scenic Lake Zurich, charming Old Town (Altstadt), and the busy Bahnhofstrasse shopping district. Zurich is easy to navigate and has plenty to offer in a few hours.

Travelers love its efficient transportation, rich culture, and scenic views of the Swiss Alps. The city is also famous for its delicious local specialties, like fondue and Swiss chocolate, which you can find at many cafes and shops. With its beautiful architecture, riverside views, and welcoming vibe, Zurich can be a refreshing escape that’s well worth a quick solo visit, or visit with friends and family.

Things to keep in mind before leaving the airport

Let's be honest, airports are confusing. We all need help getting around spaces with lots of hallways and instructions that can be puzzling. That's why a list of the most important information is useful to all of us. Let’s take a look at some helpful tips and tricks for your Zurich layover.

When looking up Zurich and its locations, don’t get confused if you see the umlaut 'ü' in terms like Zürich Airport, Lake Zürich, Zürich layover, or Zürich's Main station. It's just the German spelling of the city name, while we typically refer to it as ‘Zurich’ in English. They’ll both take you to the same location, no worries!

Visa requirements in Zurich

If you're from one of the Schengen or EU countries, you don't need a visa to exit Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich). If that’s not the case, you'll have to apply for a visa a few months in advance. It allows you to stay in Switzerland for 90 days within a 180-day period. Take a look at the official website for detailed information.

Minimum layover times in Zurich

1. In-airport short layover:
2. Domestic flights: 45 minutes
   Zurich Airport isn't very large, so you can get anywhere relatively fast. It's even faster if you're a Swiss or European Union citizen and have a biometric or e-passport. You can go through automated passport control and simply scan your passport on the ticket machines. If you coughed up 49 CHF (Swiss Francs) for ZRH Comfort, you can use the priority lane to get to the gates even faster. You can also leave your vehicle in the car park for short trips.
3. International flights: 1 hr
   You can expect another security check before your connecting flight if you're not from the Schengen area. Plus, if you're leaving or entering the Schengen area, you will have to go through passport control. So, keep these in mind when planning your stay. You can always catch the Skymetro which will take you to and from gates A, B, D, and E in just a few minutes.
4. In-airport long layover: 2 hrs
   If you got the ZRH Comfort package, you have free access to the ZRH Club lounge where you can relax and watch planes take off and land. You can also find the Center Bar here for some food and premium snacks. If you need some quick shopping, you’ll find clothes, jewelry, and skincare products. The restaurants have every type of food you could want, but the airport also has shower areas, observation decks, and informative tours like the Aircraft Maintenance Tour.
5. Out-of-airport layover: 4 hrs
   You can take an SBB train from the airport to Zurich's main train station every 10 minutes. The trip takes just 15 minutes, which is perfect for a quick visit to the city center and some sightseeing and window shopping! The city is well-connected thanks to the ZVV (Zurich Transport Network). So you can get anywhere quickly by public transportation. Zurich has some first-rate spots to visit and the Swiss Travel Pass is a skeleton key for public transportation options designed for visitors.

What to do in Zurich during a layover

Zurich has some breathtaking sights and delicious traditional cuisine that you can try while waiting for your next flight. Take a look at our list of the best ways to spend your morning, afternoon, evening, and night.  You can be taking your family on a trip, going solo for a business conference, or having a vacation with friends, but extra bags will always weigh you down. So, bounce over to one of our partners, shed that extra weight, and enjoy Zurich to the fullest.

Morning layover in Zurich

If you only have the morning to explore Zurich, here's what you can do:

1. Take a quick train to the Old Town and see the narrow, cobblestone streets of the historic city heart.
2. Dive in for a view of Lake Zurich, its lush nature, and Instagram-worthy attractions.
3. Start with Zurcher Geschnetzeltes, pastries served with a creamy veal dish, at Café Schober.
4. Try Swiss chocolate fondue made with Gruyère and Emmental​ at the Swiss Chuchi restaurant also in Old Town.

Afternoon layover in Zurich

If you have some more time in the afternoon, here are some more things you can do and food you can try:

1. Visit Bahnhofstrasse street lined with luxury boutiques and Swiss watchmakers.
2. Stroll through Zurich's Botanical Gardens which are home to over 15.000 species of plants.
3. Chalet Suisse offers Swiss dishes like Raclette in an alpine-style setting.
4. Enjoy some fresh croissants and coffee at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse.

Evening layover in Zurich

If you can stay for an evening in Zurich, you'll find some great, relaxing activities to try:

1. Explore Lake Zurich with a calm boat ride while you enjoy a view of the Alps.
2. The Swiss National Museum near Hauptbahnhof train station highlights Swiss cultural history and art. It showcases artifacts, architecture, and fascinating exhibits.
3. Try Zurcher Eintopf, a stew made of meat and seasonal vegetables, at Restaurant Zeughaskeller.
4. If you're a vegetarian or vegan, you can try Haus Hiltl,famous for both international and Swiss-inspired dishes.

Overnight layover in Zurich

If you're staying the night, try these activities and places to rest up:

1. Kreis 5 has some trendy bars with great vibes, perfect for the younger crowd!
2. Walk along the Limmat River for some nice views and crisp, fresh air.
3. Sleep in at Mövenpick Hotel Zurich Airport for convenience and a short trip to your flight.
4. Hotel Storchen is perfect if you want a central location and some views of the city center.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Zurich

Here are some tips to make the most out of your time in Zurich:

• Weekends are the typical Saturday and Sunday.
• The primary language is Swiss German, but Standard German and English are also widely used.
• Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), but some places accept euros.
• Zurich is considered very safe, even at night because the crime rates are so low.
• Zurich isn't one of those expensive cities, so you can expect to spend 80 CHF for a hotel room, 15 CHF for a budget meal, and 10 CHF for some activities and attractions.

The number 1 tip’s got to be: enjoy yourself! Find a Bounce partner near the airport and leave your luggage behind for a great experience in the serene city of Zurich.