Public Transport
Public Transport
train
$$
For those traveling between Zürich airport and major destinations in Switzerland, a few helpful tips.
You can check the current train schedule on SBB.ch and the SBB Mobile app.
Here are some travel times from Zürich airport (aka Zürich Flughafen) to popular destinations. I've include a sample adult one-way fare for 2024.
Zürich city (aka Zürich HB ): 9-13 mins / frequent direct trains / CHF 7
Lucerne (aka Luzern): 1h to 1h30 / 1 transfer / CHF 31
Interlaken Ost: 2h10 to 2h20 / 0-2 transfers / CHF 77
Grindelwald: 3h / 2-3 transfers / CHF 88.80
Wengen: 3h / 3-4 transfers / CHF 92
Mürren (aka Mürren BLM): 3h15 / 4-5 transfers / CHF 96.60
Zermatt: 3h40 / 1-3 transfers / CHF 134
These journeys are free with Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail, and Interrail passes. Discounted 50% with Swiss Half Fare Card.
Children age 6-15 pay half fare. Children under 6 ride free with parent.
You can purchase tickets on the SBB mobile app, automated ticket machines or ticket office in the train stations.
When traveling with luggage, little kids, or those with reduced mobility, it can be difficult to change trains quickly. So try to choose connections with less transfers as noted below.
Zürich airport to Lucerne - No direct train for this route, must always change at Zürich HB.
Zürich airport to Interlaken - There is a direct train every two hours, which is the best option if it works for your schedule. Otherwise you may need to transfer trains at Zürich HB and/or Bern, which can be a hassle with luggage.
Zürich airport to Zermatt - Easiest connection is the direct train to Visp, then transfer to Zermatt. Otherwise, you may need to transfer trains at Zürich HB and/or Bern, as well as Visp.
Want to see more?
I have created curated maps and itineraries for travellers that want to travel like me.