Altstadt (Old Town)
Winding cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and iconic twin-towered Grossmünster church. A 10-minute walk from Zürich HB or take tram 4/15 to Rathaus.
City Essentials
- Population: 415,000 (city), 1.4 million (metro)
- Language: German (Swiss German dialect)
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Climate: Temperate with four distinct seasons
- Main Station: Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Zürich HB)
- Transit Network: Trams, buses, boats, S-Bahn trains
- Travel Card: ZVV day/multi-day passes available
Train Connections & Transport
Main Rail Hub: Zürich HB
As Switzerland's largest railway station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof serves over 3,000 trains daily, connecting to destinations throughout Europe. The iconic station building dates to 1871 and features impressive architecture alongside modern amenities.
Premier Connections
- Zürich → Bern: 56 min (InterCity service every 30 min)
- Zürich → Geneva: 2 h 44 min (InterCity service hourly)
- Zürich → Lucerne: 45 min (InterCity service every 30 min)
- Zürich → Basel: 53 min (InterCity service every 30 min)
- Zürich → Milan (Italy): 3 h 17 min (EuroCity service 6x daily)
- Zürich → Paris (France): 4 h 03 min (TGV Lyria 5x daily)
City Transit Network
Your Swiss Rail Pass includes free travel on Zurich's extensive public transport network, offering seamless access to all corners of the city and surrounding areas.
Transit Options
- Trams: 15 lines form the backbone of Zurich's public transit, covering most central areas with frequent service (every 7-8 minutes during the day)
- Buses: Extensive network serving areas not reached by trams
- S-Bahn: 26 suburban train lines connecting the greater Zurich region
- Lake Boats: Scenic ferry services on Lake Zurich (included with Swiss Rail Pass)
- Polybahn & Dolderbahn: Historic funiculars offering unique views
Transit Insights
- Most attractions are within a 15-minute walk or short tram ride from Zürich HB
- Trams and buses run from approximately 5:30 AM until midnight
- Night buses and trams (N-routes) operate on weekends
- All trams are low-floor for easy access with luggage
- Download the ZVV app for real-time schedules and route planning
City Highlights
Lake Zurich
Crystal-clear waters with spectacular Alpine views. Enjoy lakeside promenades, boat cruises, and swimming in summer. Take any tram to Bürkliplatz or Bellevue.
Kunsthaus Zürich
Switzerland's most important art collection, featuring works from medieval to contemporary. Take tram 3/5 to Kunsthaus stop.
Uetliberg
Zurich's local mountain offers panoramic views of the city, lake, and Alps. Take S10 train from Zürich HB (25 min) to Uetliberg station.
Swiss National Museum
Housed in a fairytale castle, this museum showcases Swiss history and culture. Located adjacent to Zürich HB main entrance.
Bahnhofstrasse
One of the world's most exclusive shopping avenues, stretching from Zürich HB to Lake Zurich. Accessible directly from the station's main entrance.
Rail Excursions
Day Trips by Rail
Rhine Falls
Europe's largest waterfall, a powerful natural spectacle. Take IR train from Zürich HB to Schaffhausen (40-50 min), then bus or 15-minute walk to the falls.
Lucerne
Medieval architecture, covered bridges, and dramatic alpine scenery on Lake Lucerne. Direct trains every 30 min from Zürich HB (45 min journey).
Mt. Titlis
Year-round glacier experience with 360° rotating cable car. Take train to Engelberg (1h 40min from Zürich HB), then cable car to summit.
Rapperswil
Medieval old town, castle, and rose gardens on Lake Zurich. Take S-Bahn S7 from Zürich HB (35 min) or enjoy a scenic boat cruise (2 hours).
Premium Rail Experiences
Glacier Express (Full Day)
The world's most famous panoramic train journey connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz through the Alps. Accessible with 1-2 transfers from Zürich. Reservation required.
Bernina Express (Full Day)
UNESCO World Heritage railway crossing the Alps to Italy with spectacular viaducts and mountain passes. Connect via Chur from Zürich. Reservation required.
GoldenPass Line (Full Day)
Scenic journey connecting Lucerne to Montreux via Interlaken. Stunning views of lakes, mountains, and meadows. Connect via Lucerne from Zürich.
Jungfraujoch (Full Day)
Europe's highest railway station at 3,454m with ice palace and alpine views. Take train to Interlaken (2h from Zürich), then connect to Jungfraujoch.
Practical Information
Dining Near Zürich HB
Inside the Station
- Hiltl: World's oldest vegetarian restaurant with gourmet buffet (West Wing)
- Nordsee: Fresh seafood options for quick meals (Main Hall)
- Sprüngli: Iconic Swiss chocolatier and café with famous Luxemburgerli macarons (Main Entrance)
- Markthalle: Food hall with diverse international cuisine (Lower Level)
Within 5-10 Minutes Walk
- Zeughauskeller: Historic armory turned traditional Swiss restaurant (Bahnhofstrasse 28)
- Sternen Grill: Local institution famous for perfect bratwurst (Theaterstrasse 22)
- Swiss Chuchi: Authentic fondue and raclette experience (Rosengasse 10)
- Raclette Factory: Casual Swiss cheese specialties (Rindermarkt 1)
Travel Essentials
Tourist Information
Zurich Tourism Office is located in Zürich HB main hall (open daily 8:00-20:30). Staff can assist with accommodation, sightseeing, and transit questions.
Accommodation
- Luxury: Baur au Lac, Widder Hotel, Park Hyatt (Old Town/City Center)
- Mid-range: Hotel Montana, Hotel Adler, Motel One (Near Zürich HB)
- Budget: ibis Zürich City West, Hotel Bristol, City Backpacker Hostel
- Youth Hostel: Zurich Youth Hostel (Tram 7 from HB)
Money & Banking
- ATMs available throughout Zürich HB and city center
- Major credit cards widely accepted
- Currency exchange offices offer better rates than airport exchanges
- Switzerland uses Swiss Francs (CHF), not Euros