Cheap flights to Zurich
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Quick summary
Country
Switzerland
Continent
Europe
Airport
ZRH
Currency
Swiss franc (CHF)
Time zone
UTC+1 (UTC+2 during summer time)
Deals already spotted to Zurich
Real flight examples detected by SniperAir, with their reference price.
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Airport and getting into town
An airport about 10 km from the centre, with a direct train
Zurich (ZRH)
Zurich Airport is in Kloten, about 10 km north of the centre (sources give between 8 and 11 km). Its station is inside the building, underground: a train reaches Zurich's main station (Zürich HB) in about 10 to 15 minutes, with departures every 10 to 15 minutes in the daytime according to Wikivoyage. Tram 10 and several bus lines also link the airport, more slowly; taxis are efficient but expensive. Many large hotels run airport shuttles. The main station sits at the end of Bahnhofstrasse, right in the centre.
Distances and times are approximate, based on Wikipedia (FR, EN, ES), Wikivoyage (EN, DE) and the official tourist office website; train and bus timetables change: check them before you travel. We give no fares.
Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, with about 440,000 residents, but not its capital (that is Bern). It spreads along Lake Zurich, where the Limmat flows out of it, at the foot of wooded hills, with the Alps visible on clear days. It is a financial and university centre and the country's rail hub: many travellers arrive here before heading to the Alps.
The city is best explored on foot: the station, the old town, the lake promenade and most sights are close to one another.
Old town, lake and landmarks
The Limmat, church spires, lake and Alps within walking distance
The heart of Zurich is concentrated around the Limmat and the tip of the lake. Five places are illustrated; others are described in text only.
Lake Zurich and the Alps
Lake Zurich is the backdrop to the city: you stroll along its quays, sail on the public boats and, in summer, swim at its bathing establishments. On a clear day the view reaches the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.
The old town, from the Limmat to the lake
Seen from above, the old town brings together both banks of the Limmat, with the towers of the Grossmünster on the left, the spires of the Fraumünster and St Peter's church on the right, and the lake behind. The lanes of the right bank, around the Niederdorf district, are pedestrianised and lively in the evening.
The Grossmünster and the Limmat quays
With its two towers, the Grossmünster is the symbol of the Reformation in Zurich: Zwingli was appointed preacher there in 1519, according to Wikivoyage. You can climb a tower for a view over the city. The nearby quays are lined with former guild houses.
The Fraumünster and St Peter's church
Founded in the 9th century, the Fraumünster is famous for its Marc Chagall windows. Its green spire and the tower of St Peter's church, which carries the largest church clock face in Europe according to Wikipedia (DE), rise above the Limmat harbour.
The city and the lake at sunset
From the heights, evening light gilds the city and the lake and turns the snowy peaks pink. The best-known viewpoints are the Lindenhof, in the heart of the old town, and the Uetliberg, Zurich's local hill.
Other sights, in text
Bahnhofstrasse, about 1.4 km long, links the station to the lake and is one of Europe's best-known shopping streets. The Lindenhof, the site of a former Roman fort, offers a view over the old town. The Uetliberg (869 m) can be reached by train from the main station (about 20 minutes according to Wikivoyage); a viewing tower and a planet trail await walkers. The lake promenade, about 3 km from Bellevue to Tiefenbrunnen, is very busy in summer.
Museums and culture
Fine art, Swiss history and world arts
Kunsthaus
Zurich's main art museum brings together works by Swiss artists, such as Alberto Giacometti's sculptures or Ferdinand Hodler's paintings, and international creators. Works or extensions may close some rooms.
Swiss National Museum and Rietberg Museum
The Landesmuseum, near the station, traces the history of Switzerland. The Rietberg Museum, housed in villas, is devoted to the arts of Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania.
Stage, architecture and sport
The Zurich Opera House and the Schauspielhaus are major stages in the city; the Pavillon Le Corbusier is an architect's work, and the FIFA World Football Museum can also be visited. We give no prices; check opening times before you go. The Zürich Card, according to the tourist office, bundles local transport and benefits, but we do not state its price.
Food and drink
Sliced veal, rösti, fondue and chocolate
The city's dishes
Zurich's emblematic dish is Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: thin slices of veal in a cream and wine sauce, served with rösti, the potato pancake. Fondue and raclette come mainly from western Switzerland but are easy to find in restaurants, especially in winter. Grilled sausages are also very popular.
Sweets and chocolate
Zurich is a city of confectioners: Swiss chocolate in bars or truffles, honey biscuits (Tirggel) and pastries. Müesli is a Swiss invention, and you will find it at breakfast in several tea rooms.
Where to eat
In the Niederdorf and near the Limmat, brasseries and traditional restaurants stand beside world cuisine. Supermarkets at the station and takeaway counters also allow a picnic at gentler prices; shops are closed on Sundays, except those in the station.
Getting around
Tram, bus, S-Bahn, boat and bike on a single network
The ZVV network
A single network, the ZVV, brings together trams, buses, S-Bahn, boats and funiculars. Zone 110 covers the city; buy and validate your ticket before boarding, as fines are possible. Machines and apps offer tickets of the duration you need.
On foot, by bike, on the water
The centre can be covered on foot. There are many cycle lanes, and shared bikes are available. From April to October, boats run on the Limmat and the lake, sometimes including historic steamers.
Taxis and cars
Taxis are expensive and traffic in the centre is slow: the train and tram are generally more practical. The other big Swiss cities are one to three hours away by train.
Budget and precautions
An expensive city, but clear and efficient
Price level
Zurich is an expensive destination, even by European standards: accommodation, restaurants and transport are costly, in exchange for a high level of service. We give no figures, as we could not cross-check them on two independent sources.
Flights
The flight is the most variable cost. SniperAir monitors prices to ZRH and compares them with the route's history, but does not sell or book tickets. Basel is another gateway worth comparing, about an hour away by train.
Entry requirements and precautions
Switzerland is not in the European Union but is part of the Schengen area: entry requirements depend on your nationality, so check them on official sites. Also consult the official recommendations of your country of departure. In summer, bring water and sun cream; in the mountains, check the weather.
When to go
Four seasons, with swimmable summers and cold winters
Winter (December to February)
Cold, sometimes below zero, with Christmas markets in December; ski resorts can be reached by train.
Spring (March to May)
Parks bloom again and terraces reopen; the Sechseläuten spring festival takes place in April.
Summer (June to August)
Warm, with days above 30 degrees: people swim in the lake and the river; the Street Parade takes place in August.
Autumn (September to November)
Soft light, grape harvest and new wines around the lake in October; a good time for walking.
Zurich lies in the temperate zone and has four distinct seasons, according to the tourist office. We give no precise temperatures, as we could not cross-check them; check the forecast before you leave. Spring, early summer and autumn are the most pleasant times to walk and enjoy the lake.
By length of stay
What to do in Zurich depending on how long you stay
The essentials
The old town, the Grossmünster and Fraumünster, the Lindenhof, Bahnhofstrasse, the lake and a Zurich-style meal.
Museums and viewpoints
The Kunsthaus, the Swiss National Museum, the Rietberg Museum, the Uetliberg and a swim in summer.
Excursions
The Rhine Falls, Lucerne, the Alps and the big Swiss cities by train, for full-day trips.
In pictures
Zurich in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Zurich
How do I get from Zurich airport to the city centre?
The airport (ZRH) is about 10 km from the centre. The train reaches the main station in roughly 10 to 15 minutes, with frequent departures; tram 10, buses and taxis also run.
When is the best time to visit Zurich?
Spring and autumn for walking and enjoying the lake; summer for swimming; December for the Christmas markets.
Is Zurich expensive?
Yes: the price level is high, even for Europe. We give no figures, but it is wise to plan a generous budget for accommodation and meals.
How long should I stay in Zurich?
Two days for the old town, the lake and one or two museums; four days if you add the Uetliberg and excursions.
How do I get around Zurich?
On foot in the centre, then by tram, bus, S-Bahn or boat on the ZVV network; cycling is also a good option.
What should I eat in Zurich?
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with rösti, fondue, grilled sausages, Swiss chocolate and Tirggel honey biscuits.
How much does a flight to Zurich usually cost?
The price depends mainly on your departure city, the time of year and how far ahead you book. The "opportunities" section above shows real examples of prices SniperAir has already detected to this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Zurich drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Zurich as the destination and your maximum budget. You are notified automatically as soon as a matching price is detected.
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