Flights to Zurich
Swim in the Limmat in summer, cross medieval lanes to see the Chagall windows at the Fraumünster, and ride the train up the Uetliberg for Alpine views. Zurich puts lake, old town, and mountains within minutes of each other.
- Currency
- Swiss franc (CHF)
- Language
- German (Swiss German spoken); English widely understood
- Time zone
- CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2) in summer
- Plug type
- Type J (Type C also fits), 230 V
- Main airport
- Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Overview
Zurich wraps around the northern tip of Lake Zurich, where the Limmat River flows out through the old town. On a clear day you can see the Glarus Alps from the lakefront. The twin towers of the Grossmünster and the slender spire of the Fraumünster face each other across the river, and the Fraumünster's stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall draw visitors year-round. On the west bank, the Lindenhof hill offers one of the best free views over the rooftops.
Zurich is known as a banking center, but it's far from buttoned-up. Former industrial Zurich West (Kreis 5) now fills old railway arches at Im Viadukt with shops and restaurants. In summer, locals swim at the lake and river baths, which they call Badis, and the Street Parade brings a huge electronic-music procession to the lakeshore each August. The Kunsthaus, expanded in 2021 with a David Chipperfield building, holds one of Switzerland's most important art collections.
SWISS is based here and connects Zurich nonstop with major cities including New York, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Switzerland's rail network makes day trips easy, and Lucerne, the Rhine Falls, and the Bernese Oberland are all reachable by train.
Highlights of Zurich
Old Town and the Limmat
Wander the Niederdorf lanes, climb the Grossmünster tower, and see the Chagall windows at the Fraumünster across the river.
Swim like a local
From June to August, join Zurich residents at historic bathhouses such as Seebad Utoquai or the river pool at Oberer Letten.
Uetliberg
The S10 train climbs from Zürich HB to Zurich's local mountain in about 20 minutes, and the lookout tower there has views over the city, the lake, and the Alps.
Kunsthaus Zürich
Major Swiss museum with works by Giacometti, Munch, and the French Impressionists, spread across its original building and the 2021 Chipperfield extension.
Lake Zurich boat cruise
Scheduled boats leave from Bürkliplatz for short round trips or longer cruises to lakeside towns like Rapperswil.
Where to stay
Altstadt (Kreis 1)
Medieval lanes, Bahnhofstrasse shopping, and the Limmat riverfront. It's the most central choice for first-time visitors.
Zurich West (Kreis 5)
Converted industrial district with Im Viadukt, Frau Gerolds Garten, and design hotels. It suits nightlife fans and creative travelers.
Seefeld (Kreis 8)
Leafy residential streets along the eastern lakeshore close to the opera house. A good fit for couples and families who want swimming spots nearby.
Langstrasse (Kreis 4)
Zurich's most diverse and lively bar district. It's great for food and nightlife, but it's noisy at night.
Airports and getting into town
The airport's rail station sits beneath the terminal, and around 13 trains an hour, including S-Bahn and intercity services, reach Zürich HB in 9–13 minutes. Glattalbahn trams 10 and 12 serve the airport as well, and tram 10 continues into the city to the main station, which is slower but useful for Oerlikon and Kreis 6. Taxis are available outside Arrivals and take roughly 20–30 minutes to the center, depending on traffic.
Best time to visit
June to early September is the season for lake swimming, open-air Badis, and August's Street Parade. Spring brings Sechseläuten in April, when a snowman effigy called the Böögg is burned to predict the summer. From late November to December, Christmas markets fill the main station hall and Niederdorf, and winter is also the natural time to pair the city with a ski trip to the Alps.
Airlines flying to Zurich
Popular routes to Zurich
Travel tips from our desk
- Refill your bottle at any of the city's more than 1,200 public fountains. Unless a fountain is marked otherwise, the water is drinkable.
- Pack a Type J adapter. Slim two-pin European (Type C) plugs fit Swiss sockets, but chunkier Schuko (Type F) plugs usually don't.
- Check the ZVV zones before buying transit tickets. The airport is outside the central city zone, so a city-only ticket doesn't cover the trip.
- Most shops close on Sundays, but the stores in the Shopville concourse under Zürich HB and at the airport stay open.
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Explore Paris →Flights to Zurich — frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from New York to Zurich?
Nonstop flights from New York JFK average just under 8 hours eastbound. SWISS and Delta fly from JFK, and SWISS and United fly from Newark.
Which airport serves Zurich?
Zurich Airport (ZRH), in Kloten, is Switzerland's largest airport and SWISS's hub. It's about 10 km north of the city.
What is the best time to visit Zurich?
June to early September is best for lake swimming and outdoor events like the Street Parade. December brings Christmas markets, and it's easy to combine the city with skiing in the Alps.
How do I get from Zurich Airport to the city?
Take the train from the station beneath the terminal to Zürich HB, which takes 9–13 minutes with frequent departures, or ride tram 10 into the city.
Can I see the Alps on a day trip from Zurich?
Yes. Trains reach Lucerne in under an hour, which puts mountains such as Pilatus and Rigi within easy day-trip range, and the Uetliberg offers Alpine views without leaving the city.
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