Transfers vs. Other Ways to Get from Zurich Kloten Airport
Zurich Airport, also known as Kloten Airport, is the largest international airport in Switzerland. Annually, more than 24 million passengers are served by its three terminals: Terminal А (Schengen area), Terminal В (all countries), and Terminal Е (non-Schengen countries). An hour drive from the airport, there are the cities of Basel, Luzern, and Bad Ragaz which are very popular among tourists.
How to get from Zurich Airport to Zurich city center or the other way round
The airport is located 13 km away from the city. Some hotels in Zurich offer shared shuttles for their clients. Those who don’t like this travel option may choose:
- the train. It runs to the city central train station (Hauptbahnhof) from 05:00 to 00:33, the interval is from 2 to 15 minutes. The departure station is located under Terminal В (follow SBB signs);
- the tram № 10. It runs from 5 a.m. until midnight, every 7–15 minutes. It will also take you to the central train station of the city;
- the bus № 10. It goes via Oerlikon railway station, which is in the northern part of the city, to the stop in the center of Zurich. The bus departs every 10 minutes, from 5 a.m. until midnight;
- a taxi. It can be taken on the spot or ordered via an app on your smartphone;
- a transfer. You book it online in advance.
The ticket for all means of transport is the same and is valid for 60 minutes. It can be purchased at ticket offices or from ticket machines at the airport. If you arrive at nighttime, you will be able to leave the airport only by taxi or transfer.
Transfer from Zurich Airport vs. Taxi booked via the app
Advantages of a private transfer
It can be booked in advance. Tourists book a taxi using an app only after arrival. If it is important for you to plan your way from the airport to your hotel in advance, a transfer will be the best option.
You will choose the most suitable car class. If you are heading to one of the Swiss ski resorts in a large group or with your own ski equipment, standard cars which can be booked using an app won’t suit you. The Kiwitaxi service offers a wide range of cars of different classes and capacity.
Disadvantages of a private transfer
About two times more expensive. Uber and mytaxi apps offer the price of 23–40 Swiss francs (21–37 euros) for a taxi from Zurich Airport to the city. A transfer on the same route will cost at least 64 euros.
Transfer from Zurich Airport vs. Taxi taken on the spot
Advantages of a private transfer
A private transfer at the same price. A private Micro-class transfer (for 3 passengers) from Zurich Airport to the city costs 62 euros, while an Economy-class transfer for 4 passengers — 69 euros. The trip by taxi will cost you around 70 Swiss francs (~64 euros).
No queues and waiting. Zurich Airport is one of the busiest air hubs in central Europe. In order to take a taxi, you will have to spend some time standing in a queue. Instead of this, you may pre-book a transfer — thus, you will go to the city right after you claimed your baggage.
Transfer from Zurich Airport vs. Bus, Tram, and Train
Advantages of a private transfer
No need to deal with difficult transport maps. Public transport will take you only to the downtown. In order to get to your hotel, you will have to study bus, trolleybus, and tram routes. It is much easier if you book a transfer: you get into a car at the airport and arrive right at the door of your hotel.
Available in five languages. One can buy a ticket for a train, bus, trolleybus, or tram at a ticket office or from a ticket machine, which sometimes may be a problem if you do not speak German. The Kiwitaxi website is available in 5 languages, and the customer support team is at your disposal 24/7.
You won’t be late for your flight because of looking for a train for a long time. If you are heading to the airport from Zurich central train station, you may have some difficulties finding a train: it is a large building which contains 26 underground and overground platforms, as well as a shopping mall. Getting lost here is easier than it seems. In order not to be late for your flight, book a transfer.
Disadvantages of a private transfer
More expensive even for a group. An hour ticket for public transport costs 6.6 Swiss francs (around 6 euros).