zurich travel pass price

Zürich Card – One pass for the entire city.

The Zürich Card comes with many benefits: free public transport on the city’s vast public transport network, complimentary access to lots of museums, clubs and more.

Zurich is a must for any visitor to Switzerland. The pulsating metropolis has a lot to offer for families and solo travellers alike, and the cityscape is just as impressive as the sizeable cultural offering. The city is home to renowned museums, concerts, gourmet experiences and, of course, magical Lake Zurich.

The Zürich Card is ideal for urban explorers who mainly stay in Zürich. The Zürich Card is similar to the Swiss Travel Pass, though the perks of the latter are exclusive to the city by the Limmat. Sightseeing while riding Zurich’s extensive public transport system encompassing trains, buses and boats is a real treat.

Zürich Card benefits at a glance:

• Unlimited travel on all local public transport
• Mini Lake Cruise, Small Lake Cruise, River Cruise
• Free or discounted admission to the most popular museums in Zurich
• 50% discount on the guided tour of the old town of Zurich and on other public city tours
• More than 70 other experiences

Area of Validity Map

Further information:  Child Card, valid up to but not including the 16th birthday; children under 6 years of age travel free of charge.

Zürich Card City Travel Pass:

Validity: 10 Dec 2023 – 14 Dec 2024

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Z-Pass: Travelling in the Zurich residential and economic area.

The Zurich Transport Network (ZVV), the adjacent fare networks, A-Welle, Ostwind, Schwyz and Zug, as well as SBB, are combined in an integrated fare network for the Zurich residential and economic area.

The so-called Z-Pass offers one single zone fare and a uniform range of tickets for journeys between the ZVV and neighbouring networks.

Zone system.

With the Z-Pass, you purchase a ticket or travelcard for the zones required and not for a specific route from A to B. You can travel between the ZVV and a neighbouring fare network on the various means of transport, such as by train, bus, tram and, in Zurich, even by boat. This makes inter-regional transport network travel simple, convenient and versatile.

The price is based on the number of selected zones. The two city zones of Zurich (110) and Winterthur (120) each count as two zones on account of their greater density of public transport services.

Purchasing.

You can buy Z-Pass travelcards at ticket machines, any staffed SBB ticket counter in the network area, online or via SBB Mobile. Please contact the SBB Contact Center Helpdesk on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.), should you have any questions.

Outside the network area.

For journeys beyond the borders of the network, network tickets are only valid up to the last timetabled stop within the zones purchased. The network tickets are not valid in SBB trains that do not stop in the zones paid for.

For onward journeys to fare networks participating in the Z-Pass system, you must purchase a seamlessly connected fare network ticket in addition to the Z-Pass ticket, provided a timetabled stop is located within the area of validity of the Z-Pass ticket in the respective fare network of your onward journey.

You are holding a Z-Pass ticket for Baden–Schlieren covering the zones 154, 184, 570 and 572. For your onward journey to Zurich HB, you will need the following ticket:

• For a journey on S-Bahn route 12 with a stop in zone 154: ZVV ticket for zone 110 or a ZVV zone upgrade for 1–2 zones. It is also possible to combine with a route-specific ticket for Schlieren–Zurich HB.
• For a journey on the fast train from Baden–Zurich HB with no intermediate stops: Z-Pass ticket for Baden–Zurich with the zones 110, 111, 117, 154, 184, 570, 572. Reason: The fast train does not make a stop in either ZVV zone 154 or 184. As a result, a ticket combination is not possible in this case.

The availability of connecting tickets depends on the place of purchase. The correct connecting ticket can be conveniently purchased as an electronic ticket (E-Ticket).

Discounts on day trips with RailAway. 

With tickets for public transport, you can enjoy at least 10% discount or added value for numerous leisure experiences (Day trips).

Nighttime network.

In the greater Zurich area and with the Zurich-Zug-Lucerne RegioExpress, you can get home safely and comfortably at night by public transport at weekends.

Further content

Z-pass travelcards and tickets., help & contact..

• Regional Travelcard
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The Zurich Card

The vibrant and diverse city of Zurich is the largest in Switzerland. The city sits on Lake Zurich and even boasts its own 870 meter-high mountain, Uetliberg.

Visitors can expect to find a fantastic mix of culture, art, shopping, leisure, and entertainment opportunities and it’s the ideal destination to spend a couple of days .

Getting around the city is easy, so why not check out all the wonderful things to see in Zurich by utilizing the first-rate public transport system? Travel on the extensive network is included with the Zurich Card.

In this guide, you’ll discover the advantages of purchasing a Zurich Card for your visit to the city. It not only covers public transport but also provides discounts to many of Zurich’s attractions.

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

What's in this Article

What is the Zürich Card

Explore all the city has to offer at your own pace by investing in the Zürich Card (sometimes called the Zurich Pass).

This great-value travel card provides access to Zurich public transport in and around the city but it is more than just a Zurich transport card.

The Zurich Card is a complete Zurich visitor card as it also gives you free and discounted entry to a whole host of top Zurich attractions and experiences.

It’s available for durations of 24 hours or 72 hours and serves as a hop on hop off ticket for public transport in Zurich as well as offering added bonuses.

Where to buy the Zürich Card

The Zürich Card can be purchased online ( click here to buy now ) as a PDF ticket and you can print it off or use it via your smartphone.

Alternatively, you can buy a Zurich Pass from the tourist information point at Zurich Main Station or from Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and Zurich Transport Network (ZVV) ticket machines.

The best option is to buy your Zurich Card online so that you can start using it as soon as you arrive in Zurich. Airport to city trains are also covered by the pass.  > Click here to buy your Zurich Card.

Zürich Card benefits

The Zurich Card not only allows you to take advantage of unlimited public transport, but it also gives you free or discounted entry to a number of attractions as you’ll see below.

Free Public Transport with the Zurich Card

The Zurich Card allows unlimited 2nd class travel around Zurich and nearby areas for either 24 or 72 hours. The card prevents you from having to buy multiple Zurich public transport tickets.

One pass covers a multitude of transport options. Travel by Zurich tram, bus, and cableway – you can even climb aboard a boat and enjoy a lake cruise .

Included cruises are the Mini Lake Cruise, Short Lake Cruise and Limmat River Cruise.

With a Zurich Card, airport to city transport is also included and if you’d like to visit the local mountain Uetliberg , Zurich Card holders can travel there for free, too.

Zurich Card zones

The transport services operating in the city belong to the Zurich Transport Network (ZVV), and the areas are split into fare zones.

Zurich Card holders are entitled to travel around Zurich fare zone area 110 and the nearby Zurich zones of 111, 121 140, 150, 154, and 155.

If you want to travel to other fare zones you will need to purchase a zone upgrade.

The Zurich Card also allows you to take advantage of the night trains and buses that operate in the city on Friday and Saturday evening.

You will have to pay a small supplement of CHF 5 for the privilege of doing this, and the supplement can be paid at ticket counters and automated ticket machines.

> Get your Zurich Card here

Zurich Museums – free or discounted entry

You can visit around 50 establishments (all are linked to The Zurich Museums Association) with the Zurich Card. Museums feature exhibits covering a wide range of topics such as art, cultural history, architecture, science, medicine, and plant-life.

Zurich Card holders receive free entry to the following museums:

• National Museum Zurich
• Kunsthalle Zurich
• Beyer Clock and Watch Museum
• Swiss Finance Museum
• Tram Museum Zurich
• Migros Museum of Contemporary Art

Admission to many other Zurich museums is discounted with the Zurich Card.  There’s a 50% discount to the Kulturama Museum of Mankind and 10% off entry to the fabulous Lindt Home of Chocolate .

Football fans should definitely visit the FIFA Museum (Zurich Card holders receive 30% off admission) for an interesting insight into FIFA and the World Cup.

> Buy your Zurich Card now

Zurich Restaurants – bonus offers

Sightseeing and shopping can be hard work so when it’s time to have a rest and re-fuel, there are more savings to be made. Zurich Card holders can also benefit when dining in selected restaurants in the city.

Visitors to the Restaurant Adlisberg ( Address: Adlisbergstrasse 75, 8044 Zürich ) can relax in peaceful surroundings and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The menu offers authentic Swiss and Zurich fare made from fresh, regional produce.

The Bierhalle Wolf ( Address: Limmatquai 132, 8001 Zürich ), based in the heart of the Old Town, is also a partner of the Zurich Pass. This German-style beer hall serves good hearty food and plenty of beer to wash it down with!

Soak up the lively party atmosphere and sway along to the live music.

Show your Zurich Card when dining at these venues (or other Zurich Card Partner venues) and you will receive a free culinary surprise – an aperitif, chocolates or a dessert – with each main meal purchased.

Other partner restaurants include Brasserie Spirgarten, Cafe & Restaurant Sprüngli, Panorama Restaurant Felsenegg, Haus Hiltl and Zeughauskeller.

Zurich Shopping – bonus offers

Zurich is a mecca for shoppers. Visit the chic Bahnhofstrasse , and you will come face to face with exclusive brands and swish jewellery stores.

Head to Zurich-West , and you can browse the on-trend offerings from new and contemporary fashion designers.

The city also boasts upmarket grocery stores offering tasty delicacies. If you like to shop, you’re in luck; the Zurich Card provides pass holders with a 10% discount in designated shops and stores. 

Planning a trip to Switzerland? At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers. Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 10 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide. 🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭

Pay a visit to the Berg und Tal Market Store ( Address: Limmatstrasse 231, 8005 Zürich ) and prepare to be tempted by the array of sustainable, hand-made, and downright indulgent groceries on offer, including pasta, cakes and oils.

For a mouth-watering experience, visit the Lindt Chocolate Shop , Kilchberg ( Address: Pilgerweg 58, 8802 Zürich ). Lindor chocolate balls, pralines, and chocolate bars literally fill this store – leaving empty-handed is simply not an option!

Those looking for the perfect memento of their visit to Zurich will find it at Zurich Souvenir and Teddy’s Souvenir-Shop . A 10% discount on present of your Zürich Card will make memories of your stay in the city even fonder.

Zürich Tours and Sightseeing

Enjoy Zurich sightseeing at its best. Take a comprehensive tour of the city and discover everything Zurich has to offer. The Zurich Pass allows you to benefit from some attractive discounts on various tours.

The Zurich Card entitles you to 50% off the Old Town Walking Tour . An experienced tour guide will lead you through the Old Town and provide a fascinating insight into its history.

You can explore the winding alleyways and pretty squares, and find out more about famous Zurich residents of years gone by, including Einstein, Wagner, and James Joyce.

A 50% discount also applies to the City Tour: Me, My Zurich and You , whilst you’ll get 10% off an E-bike City Tour, Zurich Food Tour and eTukTuk City Tour .

There are other attractions and experiences to enjoy with your Zurich Card, too. There’s free entry to Wildnispark Zürich Langenberg ( Address: Albisstrasse 4, 8135 Langnau am Albis ), a park situated west of Lake Zurich with lots of wild animals, including wolves.

Your Zürichcard also entitles you to a 15% discount off entry to Alpamare ( Address: Gwattstrasse 12, 8808 Pfäffikon, SZ ). This thrilling aqua park features twelve water slides, thermal baths, and a Rio Mare river current pool.

You can also take advantage of 20% discount on entry to Bruno Weber Park (a fantastical landscape with interactive art), and get 10% off admission to Hürlimannbad & Spa Zurich .

Zürich Card holders also benefit from 20% off rental of a Traveler’s WiFi device.

How much does a Zürich Card cost?

A Zurich Card entitles you to second class travel for 24 or 72 hours. Child fares apply to children aged from 6 to 16 (up to the day before their 16th birthday). Children under 6 years old can travel for free.

Zürich Card price

The zürich city guide app.

Zurich Pass holders can now download the new Zurich City Guide App. This handy app is available in iOS and Android and is offered in four languages – English, German, French, and Italian.

The app allows you to access your Zurich Card via your smartphone, supplying you with a mobile ticket that can be used to access public transport in and around Zurich. Easy to use and convenient, you can open the app whenever you need to.

The Zurich City Guide App has a digital travel guide and offers plenty of useful travel tips. You can also peruse the handy Zurich city centre city map.

Use the app to browse up to date information on the latest Zurich travel pass discounts, and check out the Zurich card partners located nearby.

How do I validate the Zurich Card?

If you have purchased your Zurich Card online and have a digital copy of the pass, you simply need to show the QR code to a ticket inspector. 

If you have a hard copy version of the Zurich Card you will need to validate it before you can use it. You can do this at a ticket machine or an orange-coloured validation machine.

Once validated, your pass is valid for either 24 or 72 hours (depending on the type of pass you have purchased).

Can I upgrade to First Class?

The Zurich Card includes travel in 2nd class on all public transport in the designated Zurich Card zones.

All SBB trains and the S-Bahn offer both first and second class coaches as do many of the boats. However, there’s only one class of travel for buses and trams.

If you do fancy an upgrade, you can purchase a class upgrade ticket from a ticket machine or at the counter. 

Is the Zürich Card worth buying?

Yes! If you’re planning to visit Zurich, investing in the 24- or 72-hour Zurich city pass will provide you with an affordable and easy way to see the city.

If you don’t intend to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass , or you’d like to start using your Swiss Travel Pass after you leave Zurich, a Zurich Card is a cost effective alternative, especially when you can take advantage of the discounted offers at museums and restaurants, too.

> Get your Zurich Card here

🇨🇭 Ready to plan your visit to Zurich?  Find the best hotels in Zurich in this guide , plan your two day Zurich itinerary here , and read our full guide to Zurich here .

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Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

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Guest cards and tickets

In most Swiss destinations, guests get a guest card if they book one night’s stay or more, or can buy one at a discount. Almost all of these allow you to use public transport for free and to benefit from discounts on numerous attractions and activities.

Zurich and its region

Zurich Card : Gives you free travel on public transport in the city of Zurich and the surrounding area, free or discounted admission to 43 museums and many other benefits. 

Cityticket Baden: Book one night’s stay or more for free use of public transport, along with other benefits and discounts. 

Bern region

Lenk-simmental.

Simmental Card : Book one overnight stay or more and benefit from a range of free or discounted offers. Summer and winter vary. 

Bern Ticket : Book one night’s stay or more in the city to get free travel on the public transport network in and around Bern.

Brienz guest card : Free village tour in Brienz and discounts on cable cars and mountain railways and on leisure activities.

Nature Park Card : Book one night’s stay or more and get free travel by PostBus, as well as a surprise gift made of Diemtigtaler wood and other benefits. 

Interlaken Guest Card : Free travel on public transport and various discounts at numerous excursion destinations when you book one night’s stay or more.

Habkern / Beatenberg

Guest Card : When you book one night’s stay or more, you can enjoy free travel on public transport and various discounts at numerous excursion destinations.

Lake Thun PanoramaCard : Book one night’s stay or more for free travel with the STI bus and PostBus in the Lake Thun region. In addition, numerous discounts on activities in and around Thun. 

Bernese Oberland

Berner Oberland Pass: Free travel by train, bus, boat and many cable cars and mountain railways, as well as discounts with various partners on the selected days. Only in summer.

Gstaad Card : Free use of public transport in Gstaad and the Lenk-Simmental region when you book one night’s stay or more, together with numerous benefits and discounted offers. Only in summer.

Graubünden Pass

Arosa Card : Book one night’s stay or more for free use of cable cars and mountain railways, public transport and leisure facilities, as well as various discounts.

Various guest cards : with each guest card, you benefit from discounts and free offers.

Lucerne - Lake Lucerne

Tellpass : The card gets you free travel on trains, buses, boats and several cable cars and mountain railways, along with discounts on leisure activities on selected days. 

Seetal Lucerne

Lucerne Region Guest Card : Booking one overnight stay or more gives you numerous discounts on cable cars and mountain railways, museums and other leisure activities. 

Lake Sempach region

Guest card : Book one night’s stay or more to get numerous discounts on cable cars and mountain railways, museums and excursions.

Lake Geneva area

Lausanne Transport Card: Book one night’s stay or more to get free use of public transport in the Greater Lausanne area, together with unique discounts and numerous benefits in museums and stores, and other leisure time offers. 

Montreux Riviera Card : free use of public transport and attractive discounts on excursions and leisure activities when you book one night’s stay or more. 

Geneva City Pass : Explore the city of Geneva for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Purchase of the City Pass allows free use of public transport as well as free or discounted admission to attractions and activities. 

Lake Geneva Region

Regional Pass : Buy a five or seven-day pass, and get free travel on public transport on two or three days, and a 50% reduction on the others. Only in summer.

Free Access Card: Free use of public transport in the region and other attractive discounts when you book one night’s stay or more. Only in summer.

Ticino Ticket : One night in a hotel, youth hostel or camp site entitles you to the Ticino Ticket free of charge. This allows free use of public transport as well as discounts on cable cars and mountain railways, boat trips and tourist attractions. 

OSKAR : Can be purchased for CHF 15 when two nights or more are booked (children half price). Guests benefit from free public transport within the Ostwind fare zone, as well as a host of free holiday experiences. 

Appenzell Holiday Card : Book three nights or more to get free use of public transport in and around Appenzell, attractive discounts on cable cars and leisure activities (additional offers vary depending on the season).

Basel region

BaselCard : When you book one night’s stay or more in a Basel hotel, free public transport and access to Basel Guest Wi-Fi and attractive reductions on leisure activities.  

Baselland Guest Pass : Free use of public transport in the Basel region if you book one night’s stay or more, as well as discounts on various leisure activities. 

Aargau Solothurn region

Wellness Pass in Aargau : When you buy the pass you get one admission each to Bad Schinznach, Thermalbad Zurzach and the Sole Uno Wellness World – a total saving of 15%.

Jura & Three-Lakes

Jura Pass : Gives you free use of public transport within the Vagabond fare zone when you book one night’s stay or more, as well as attractive discounts for a wide range of leisure activities. 

Neuchâtel Tourist Card : Free use of public transport in the canton of Neuchâtel when you book one night’s stay or more, as well as free admission to museums, and other discounts.

Vallée de Joux

ValPass: Book one night’s stay or more to get free use of regional public transport and discounted admission to several sights. 

Fribourg region

“Passeport La Gruyère” : Benefit by booking hotel accommodation through the regional tourism office. Free travel on public transport, as well as discounts on museums, cable cars and mountain railways, and various activities.

Cross-regional and nationwide offers

RailAway : Benefit from travel by public transport and discounted leisure experiences.

Adventure Card : Free travel on the entire MGBahn network, on BLS trains between Kandersteg, Brig and Domodossola, on the SBB line from Brig to Salgesch as well as on all PostBus routes in the Upper Valais on the selected days, plus various discounts. Only in summer.

Zurich Public Transport – Tips & Tricks For Visitors

Ready to jump on some public transport in Zurich? It is not as confusing as it looks!

Zurich’s public transport system is speedy, economical, and straightforward. Once you know a few tips and tricks

This guide will help you make the most of your stay by using this efficient transit system, so you can forget about the transport and get on with your day!

Table of Contents

Types of Tickets

Zurich Public Transport has a range of tickets for commuters and tourists. These include

• Single ride
• Monthly & Yearly pass

And many more. But let’s focus on the most used passes, so you can quickly understand how to use the ZVV.

Single Ride

A single ticket is usually valid for 1-2 hours, depending on how many zones it covers. The idea is that it will get you from A-B with just one ticket.

You should use one of these tickets if you are only going one way, or are coming back a completely different way that goes via other zones.

Day Pass (24-hour Ticket)

The ZVV day pass or 24 hour ticket is the ideal ticket if you are returning via the same route or zones, or want to do multiple trips within the same area.

These 24 hour tickets normally cost exactly double the price of a single ticket, so it makes sense to use one even if you are just returning exactly the same way. It saves you remembering to buy another ticket and allows you the freedom of potentially taking other trips throughout the same 24 hour period.

Zurich Card

If you purchase the Zurich Card for use while you are in Zurich, you get discounted or free access to a huge range of museums.

On top of that, you also get zones 110 and a range of other zones ncluded in your ticket, which means you can travel for free within the majority of Zurich. You can see the zones I got when I used the ticket earlier this year.

Monthly & Yearly Pass

If you are working in Zurich and commuting every day then it makes sense to consider a monthly or yearly ZVV Pass. However, in my experience, if you are not traveling at least 3-4 days a week then it rarely makes sense to use a pass like this.

You have to organize these passes at an SBB ticket counter or purchased online . Just do the numbers before buying one as I know a lot of people who have bought a yearly pass only to decide to work more from home!

Zurich ZVV Zones

When you are traveling by public transport in Zurich, everything is controlled by “zones”. Almost everywhere you go downtown in central Zurich is in zone 110. This covers all the main areas such as:

• Bahnhofstrasse
• Stedelhofen

So, unless you are heading to the Zurich Airport, Uetliberg or anywhere else further afield, you should be ok with zone 110 in the majority of situations.

What this also means, is that when you by a ticket to a destination with the SBB App or machine, you will get zone 110 on your ticket. Check it and you will see :>

If you are heading elsewhere, it is best to just buy the ticket from/to the places you are going. Rather than trying to figure out the zones. The website/app/ticket machine can do the heavy lifting for you.

Purchasing Your Ticket

Buy your ticket to Zürich’s public transport with ease! There are two options:

• Use the ticket machines at each station. They accept cash and cards.
• Choose convenience and buy your tickets through the SBB website/App or ZVV app.

Choose your ticket type wisely – single, day pass, etc. Don’t forget to activate your ticket before boarding. Check official sources for any fare updates.

Pro Tip: Have your ticket on-hand throughout your journey to avoid any trouble. Ready to ride? Sit back, relax, and hope you don’t get a seatmate who doesn’t understand personal space!

How to Ride the Train in Zürich

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The trains in Zurich are ideal for covering larger distances. Within the town center they are all underground, but as they move away from Zurich HB they slowly move above ground.

The local trains are called “S-Bahns” and almost all of them depart underground at Zurich HB. Just keep that in mind if you are catching them. Any platform with a 3 or 4 in the front (32, 43 etc) will be underground.

There are a variety of popular train stations you might wish to use to get around Zurich such as

• Stadelhofen
• Tiefenbrunnen

and of course, many more.

One of the more popular destination you can use the train for is the Uetliberg mountain , one of the best places to see the Alps and all of Zurich from.

So, how exactly do you ride a train in Zurich?

• Buy a valid ticket from your departure point to your destination
• Get to the station before your departure time.
• Find the right platform on the information board.
• Move to the right area of the platform for your class carriage.
• Get on the train and take any available seat.

Train Tickets

Please make sure you have a ticket before you get on any train in Zurich. You can do this via the machines, the SBB App or at the SBB information center (although that is painfully slow).

You do not need to validate, scan or do anything else with your ticket. But you do need to have one.

The train network in Zurich is so-called “self control”. Which sounds a bit odd in English, but means that there are random checks and fines given if you don’t have a valid ticket (usually CHF 110).

Don’t try to get away without having one. There are lots of checks and it always happens just when you don’t have a ticket. I know from experience :>

Train Schedules

The train schedules are best checked on the SBB.ch website or via the SBB App. There are yellow boards at every train station with timetable information. However, they are confusing if you have never used them before.

Alternatively, you can ask at the SBB travel information kiosks or just ask anyone on the platform and they will help you. Almost everyone speaks English in Zurich!

How to Ride the Tram in Zürich

Trams are the ideal way to move around Zurich. You just have to get to know which numbers go where.

Honestly, rather than try to figure it out as a visitor, I would either

• Use Google Maps by selecting public transport in the options and giving your “from” and “to”
• Use the SBB App

You can also spend time studying the ZVV tram map and timetables at each stop, but it is far easier to let a computer work it out for you :>

To get on a tram, you need a valid ticket before you enter. There are NO TICKET MACHINES on the trams.

So, how do you ride a tram in Zurich?

• Find out which tram you need and head to the stop
• Buy a valid ticket for the zones you will be traveling in
• Get on at any door in the tram
• Wait for others to leave, then enter and take any vacant seat (or stand)
• The tram stops at all stops, so keep an eye on Google Maps or the signs
• Exit the tram at your desired stop

I use trams about 90% of the time I need to get anywhere in Zurich. There are a few cases where a train gets me a lot closer, and faster to my destination. And sometimes, buses fill the gaps when there are no trams.

Pro Tip: Grab yourself a ZVV map or download one on your phone so you know where you are gong.

How to Ride the Bus in Zürich

I won’t spend much time on the bus system in Zurich, as it is very similar to the trams.

The only difference is that the buses tend to go where the trams don’t. As the trams criss-cross town often centered around Zurich HB. There are cases where you need to get across the tram lines too.

So, you will notice that the buses tend to fill the spaces where the trams don’t go or they link the trams together.

Many of the buses are electric and semi-fixed to their route.

You will have to push the button when arriving at your stop in the bus. Although they tend to stop at almost every stop anywhere.

Again, you need a valid ticket to ride any bus and there are often ticket machines in the bus. However, I recommend getting one before you get on, just in case!

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Getting Around in Zurich by Public Transportation

The key facts in brief.

Zurich’s public transportation network is one of the most efficient and reliable in the world. It therefore comes as no surprise that streetcars and buses are the preferred means of transportation for the city’s population. The dense network and frequent services connect every point in the city, and passengers get to see even more of the surroundings on their journey.

All the transportation companies are united in the Zurich Transport Association (ZVV), which is why one ticket can be used on all forms of transportation on the city network. This also includes boats, funicular railways, and cable cars.

Zurich City Network

Zürich Card – the Pass for the Perfect City Trip

The Zürich Card city pass entitles the holder to unlimited 2nd class travel on all forms of public transportation on the entire city network. It can be purchased in the “Zürich City Guide” app , via our webshop , or physically at a ticket machine, and is valid for a period of 24 or 72 hours.

With the Zürich Card , travel from the airport to the city center is already included.

Travel Ideas with the Zürich Card

Visitors in possession of a Zürich Card no longer need to worry about buying tickets, but can simply get in and set off. These trips are included in the Zürich Card:

From the Airport to Zurich City Center

The trip from Zurich Airport to the city center is already paid for with the Zürich Card. You simply arrive, board the train, and get out in downtown Zurich less than 15 minutes later.

On the Uetliberg

The S10 S-Bahn line takes nature lovers up the Uetliberg. It departs from platform 22 at Zurich Main Station.

A Short Lake Cruise

In the heart of the Old Town, board a boat operated by the Lake Zurich Navigation Company (ZSG) and enjoy a short sightseeing tour on the water.

The iconic “Polybähnli” runs between the “Central” stop and the viewing terrace of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH.

The Culture Line 4

This streetcar line runs from the history-steeped villa district by the lake to the trendy Zürich-West quarter, passing important art and cultural institutions on the way.

Other Tickets

In Zurich, tickets for 1 hour or 24 hours (day pass) can be purchased for different zones. The tickets are valid on all types of public transportation in the specified zones – whether bus, tram, S-Bahn train, boat, or cogwheel/funicular railway.

Ticket Shop

Tickets and day passes can be purchased from the ticket machines at every stop, at the airport, or at Zurich Main Station.

Travel Without Barriers

Many train stations and stops provide barrier-free access to buses, streetcars, and trains. Low-floor network maps help people with limited mobility to plan their trip. In addition, symbols on the online timetables indicate whether step-free entry or exit is possible.

More Information

Transportation Companies and Tips for Longer Trips

Zurich Transport Association ZVV

The ZVV is the tariff and transportation association of the public transport system in the Canton of Zurich and a number of neighboring regions.

Swiss Travel Pass

If your journey through Switzerland lasts longer than a few days, it is worth buying the Swiss Travel Pass. Travelers can put together their own individual itinerary on a network covering approximately 20,000 kilometers (12,500 miles) of train, bus, and boat routes.

Swiss Federal Railways SBB

The Swiss Federal Railways SBB is the largest travel and transportation company in Switzerland.

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24h-tickets

A 24h-ticket pass or multiple 24h-tickets enable you to travel within specified zones for 24 hours – where you want, how you want and as often as you want. The multiple 24h-ticket also offers savings of up to 10 per cent compared to a single 24h-ticket.

A 24h-ticket or a multiple 24h-ticket is the best choice for occasional travellers who only want to use public transport for one day.

Zones and validity times are printed on all tickets or shown in the app. You can travel as often as you wish on all types of transport in your selected zones for 24 hours.

You can buy 24h-tickets with the ZVV app , from ticket machines, in the online ticketshop or at a sales outlet .

Fares 24h-tickets

Multiple 24h-ticket.

This option provides six 24h-tickets for use on any travel dates required. The ticket promises even cheaper travel: you save as much as 10 per cent compared to a single 24h-ticket. Multiple 24h-tickets are available via the ZVV app , from a ticket machine or at a sales outlet .

Multiple-24h-tickets must be validated at the ticket machine before the journey.

Fares multiple 24h-tickets

Zurich (zone 110) and Winterthur (zone 120) each count as two zones as the public transport networks in these cities are much more dense than elsewhere.

Short distances

Short-distance trips in the cities of Zurich and Winterthur may involve travel over city boundaries. Areas of validity are shown on the ticket machines. A short distance list and map of each stop can also be found here (in German) . The easiest and fastest way to buy short distance tickets is to use the ZVV app or the ticket machine.

Local network

A local network covers a municipality (not including the cities of Zurich and Winterthur). The easiest and fastest way to buy local zone tickets is to use the ZVV app or the ticket machine.

Juniors with full fare multiple 24h-tickets

Where one field on a multiple 24h-ticket is validated at full price, two persons can travel provided they are both eligible for a reduced fare (i.e. children, Half-Fare Travelcard holders) and at least three zones are paid for.