Zurich City

Zurich is exceptionally well connected by rail, making it one of the easiest cities in Switzerland to reach without a car. Frequent direct trains link Zurich Hauptbahnhof with major cities and regions across the country, as well as international destinations.

Zurich Airport is only around 10–15 minutes from the city centre by train, with regular services throughout the day. Direct connections also make journeys from Lucerne, Bern and Basel straightforward, while Zurich Hauptbahnhof places you right in the heart of the city.

Once you arrive, getting around is just as simple. Trams and buses cover the city, local trains connect the surrounding areas, and boats provide a more leisurely way to explore Lake Zurich. Much of the Old Town and central Zurich can also be explored comfortably on foot.

Zurich is easy to reach by car from across Switzerland and neighbouring countries. The city is connected to the national motorway network, with the A1, A3 and A4 providing direct routes into and around the Zurich area.

For drivers, the city is best approached with a little planning. Zurich’s centre is busy and parking can be limited, particularly around the Old Town and along the main shopping streets. Public car parks and Park & Ride facilities offer convenient alternatives for leaving the car outside the busiest central areas.

Once parked, much of central Zurich is easy to explore on foot or by tram. If you are using the city as a starting point for excursions, having a car can also be useful for reaching the lake villages, countryside and destinations across the wider Zurich Region.

Zurich has one of the most extensive public transport networks in Switzerland, making it easy to move around the city without a car. Trams, buses and local trains connect the main neighbourhoods, the Old Town, Zurich Hauptbahnhof and the shores of Lake Zurich.

Public transport is also part of the Zurich experience. You can cross the city by tram, take a local train towards Uetliberg or use a Lake Zurich boat to see the city from the water. Services run frequently, making spontaneous trips around the city particularly straightforward.

For exploring central Zurich, combining walking with public transport is often the easiest approach. It avoids the challenges of finding parking in the busy city centre while giving you the flexibility to move between historic streets, lakeside areas and the wider Zurich Region.

Lake Zurich is closely woven into the life of the city, and travelling by boat offers a completely different perspective on Zurich. Regular services depart from several points along the waterfront, turning the lake into both a transport route and a leisurely way to explore the area.

A boat trip can take you past the city skyline towards Küsnacht, Meilen, Thalwil and Rapperswil, with changing views of the shoreline and surrounding hills along the way. For a slower afternoon, simply staying on board and watching Zurich recede behind you is part of the experience.

Zurich is surrounded by hills and countryside, making it surprisingly easy to add a mountain or nature escape to a city stay. Uetliberg is the closest option, with trains taking you from the city centre to the start of walking routes and panoramic viewpoints.

Beyond Uetliberg, the wider Zurich Region opens the door to lakeside towns, vineyards, forest trails and higher Alpine landscapes. Destinations around Lake Zurich can be reached by a combination of trains, buses and boats, making it possible to leave the city behind without a complicated journey.

Whether you are looking for a short walk, a panoramic viewpoint or a full-day excursion, Zurich works well as a starting point for exploring the landscapes beyond the city. Urban sightseeing and outdoor experiences can easily be combined within the same trip.

Zurich has a wide range of parking options, from multi-storey car parks in the city centre to facilities near major transport hubs. The best choice depends on your accommodation, itinerary and how much time you plan to spend in the centre.

Parking in central Zurich can be expensive and spaces are often limited, particularly around the Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse and other busy areas. Checking available parking before arrival can save time and make exploring the city more convenient.

If your hotel does not have private parking, ask about nearby garages or consider leaving your car outside the busiest central areas and continuing by tram or train. For longer stays, this can be a practical way to combine convenient parking with easy access to Zurich’s main attractions.