Layover at Zurich Airport

Everything you need to decide whether to leave the airport on a layover in Zurich.

City centre

12 min away

Frequent trains to Zurich Hauptbahnhof

Min connection

~40 min to change flights

Left luggage

Available — drop your bags and explore.

Round trip

24 min there and back

Zurich Airport to central Zurich — about 12 min min each way. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Is it worth leaving?

As a rule of thumb, allow your round trip (about 24 minutes here) plus two hours for security and immigration on the way back. With a 6-hour layover or more you can comfortably reach Zurich and back. With less, you're better off staying airside.

Famously efficient — a quick lakeside stroll is realistic on a few hours' layover.

Before you leave — check you can

Whether you can pass immigration on a layover depends on your nationality and the country's transit rules, not just your time. Always confirm with the official source for your passport before you plan to leave: UK FCDO travel advice and the Switzerland guide.