Getting around Zurich: public transport, passes and taxis

Zurich is compact and the network is dense, so most trips are short. Compare the main choices before you buy anything.

Zurich sits in the ZVV fare network, which is zone-based. The city core is one zone and the airport is in a further zone, so an airport trip costs more than a trip inside town. A single ticket is valid for a set time on the whole network within the zones you paid for, not just one line, so you can change trams and buses freely.

For a day of sightseeing, a 24-hour pass usually beats buying singles after about three rides. If you are in Switzerland for a week or more, a national pass such as the Swiss Travel Pass or a Half Fare card can cover Zurich travel too; check what your pass includes before buying city tickets on top.

Buy from a ticket machine at the stop, in the ZVV app, or by contactless card where readers are fitted. Paper tickets must be validated in the machine on the platform before you board. Inspectors do check, and the penalty fare is high.

Trams are the workhorse in the centre and run roughly every few minutes during the day. Buses fill the gaps and climb the hills. The S-Bahn is faster for longer hops and links the main station, Zurich HB, with the airport and suburbs.

Stops are announced and shown on screens, and most machines and apps have English. You need to press the button to open doors on many vehicles. Trams generally run from about 05:00 to around 00:30, with night services on weekends; check the last connection if you are out late.

For the airport, follow the signs from arrivals to the station under the terminal and take any S-Bahn toward the city; the ride to Zurich HB is short and frequent. See the airport transfer page for the full comparison.

Fares are moderate by Swiss standards but add up if you buy singles all day. Budget roughly CHF 10 a day per adult for city travel with a day pass, plus more for airport trips or excursions outside the city.

Taxis and ride-hailing are the expensive option: a short city trip commonly lands around CHF 20–40, and airport runs cost more. For a group of three or four with luggage, a taxi can be competitive with several tickets; for one person it rarely is.

Tap water is excellent and free from fountains, so carry a bottle. Station toilets cost CHF 1–2; cafés and department stores are free for customers. Shops close early on Saturday in smaller places and all day Sunday, though station shops stay open.

If you plan day trips, the train is almost always the answer; the national getting-around page covers passes and scenic routes. For a first visit, base yourself near Zurich HB or a tram line and you will rarely need anything else.

Taxis wait at ranks by the main station and in the centre, and ride-hailing apps operate in the city. Both are legal and metered or priced in the app. Use them for late nights, heavy bags, or trips the network does not reach well, such as some hillside addresses.

Tipping is not required; round up or add a small amount for good service. If you are arriving by air, compare the taxi fare with the S-Bahn before deciding, since the train is usually faster into the centre at peak times.