Layover in Zurich

Transiting through Zurich Airport

Located just 10 kilometers from the city center, Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the busiest and largest airport in Switzerland. The airport features three terminals: Terminals A & B/D are connected to a central Airside Center hub, while Terminal E, the international satellite terminal, is accessible via the SkyMetro, an underground train. 

Beyond the main terminals, the airport grounds include The Circle, a large business and retail complex, two hotels, a convention center, bars and restaurants, the Airport Park with its very own cable car and nature trails, and the Prime Center 1 business district, complete with medical facilities and wellness spaces. One thing is for certain: you won’t be short on things to do during your Zurich layover!

Things to do at the airport

Passengers with a Zurich Airport layover who don’t plan on leaving the airport can explore the numerous shops and restaurants on offer in the Airside Center. This large central hub is the converging point for all gates beyond security, regardless of whether you’re departing from Dock A, B, D, or E. 

Ideal for those with a 4-hour layover in Zurich, the Airside Center features duty-free shopping, Lindt Island for the chocolate lovers, boutique stores such as Chanel and Moncler, and the Center Bar and Kitchen – an open-plan dining area with a classy atmosphere.

Other eateries include Marché Restaurant and Yooji’s A, or for a more relaxed vibe, head to the Sports Bar terrace for views over the runway. 

To keep the kids entertained, there are several playground areas located around the terminal, as well as an observation deck accessible from Dock E. For the adults, there are smoking lounges, a prayer room, paid business lounges, and dedicated work zones (Dock A).

Zurich Airport hotels and lounges

Traveling on a long flight is exhausting, especially if it includes a stopover along the way. Thankfully, if you find yourself with an overnight layover in Zurich, there are plenty of places where you can catch up on sleep so that you can hit the ground running at your final destination.

Your closest and most convenient option is the Transit Hotel & Dayrooms (Level 1/D Gates) in the non-Schengen area, which offers nap rooms for a minimum of 3 hours from €75 (CHF 70) and showers for €21.40 (CHF 20). Rest areas with reclining chairs are also available.

Alternatively, the Radisson Blu is located just before security and offers shower rooms with towels and amenities for €37.40 (CHF 35). Other nearby hotels include the Capsule Hotel and the Hyatt Regency.

For those with a 6-hour layover in Zurich –or less– buying a lounge pass or using one of the workstations or relaxation zones in Dock A may be a better option. Some popular lounges include the Swiss Business Lounge and ZRH Club, where you can enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, a quiet space, and other perks such as access to a priority lane at Security. 

There is also a PRM lounge for passengers with reduced mobility, and if you’re traveling with children, you can visit the Family Services Lounge for access to a play area, change rooms, nappies, and privacy – all for free. 

For a full list of available hotels, lounges, and more, check out our Zurich Airport Guide.

Zurich Layover: What to do during your visit

For passengers with a long layover in Zurich with at least 4-5 hours to fill, you’re in luck. Zurich Airport is well connected to the city center by taxi and train, with a journey time of just 10 minutes. Or, for a bit of fun with additional stops along the way, you can take a tram.

Once in the city, it’s just a short walk to Old Town, where you can wander amongst narrow alleyways and charming guild houses. Further along, past the Fraumünster Church, you’ll find the ferry terminal where you can embark on a picturesque boat ride on Lake Zurich with views of the Alps.

Back on land, fill your belly with local delicacies like fondue, rösti, and Zürcher geschnetzeltes, or indulge in chocolate and pralines at the famous Sprüngli store. For those passing through Zurich Airport on an overnight layover, stick around for an aperitif at a lakeside restaurant or an open-air garden bar before heading back to catch your flight.

If you prefer to stay close to your terminal, why not consider a Zurich layover tour organized by the airport? Go behind the scenes with an aircraft or airfield maintenance tour. Or, embark on a 90-minute mini safari with a Zurich Airport ranger through the Airport Park, discovering plants and animals that live alongside the airport.

Not to mention, The Circle, with more than a hundred shops and eateries, is located just minutes from the terminal. Modeled on Zurich’s Old Town, you won’t feel like you’re missing out if you can’t make it into the city. There’s even a dedicated Airport Fitness facility in the Radisson Blu Hotel where you can work out, soak in a hot spa, or indulge in a massage.

If you have a 12-hour layover in Zurich or more, you could also consider a sneaky side trip to the mountainous town of Interlaken or the charming city of Lucerne.

*Always plan accordingly based on your layover times.

Tips for a Short Zurich Layover

• Have a nap in one of the relaxation areas of the terminal (Dock A).
• Use the high-speed unlimited Wi-Fi to check flight updates, download entertainment, or sort your onward travel plans.
• Visit a runway-facing lounge or terminal restaurant like the Sportsbar and Terrace.
• If possible, skip airport exchange booths due to poor rates. Instead, use contactless cards or withdraw euros from ATMs with competitive fees.
• Ask at the Information desk whether any events or art exhibitions are being showcased during your visit.

Tips for a Long Layover in Zurich

• If you don’t quite have enough time to go into the city, book a nap room at the Transit Hotel and Dayrooms near the D Gates in the non-Schengen area. Cabins are available for 3+ hours and include showers, Wi-Fi, and blackout privacy.
• Purchase a Zurich Card for unlimited travel on public transport.
• Head to one of Zurich’s premium lounges (Emirates, Prime Class, Swiss, etc.) in the Airside Center and Terminal E. You’ll find hot showers, buffet and a la carte meals, workstations, and even nap pods.
• If you’ve got at least 4-5 hours, you can easily catch a taxi or one of the SBB trains into central Zurich.
• Planning your trip? Search “layover in Zurich, what to do” for the best tips on how to spend your time, and pre-book any walking tours to ensure you nab a spot.
• Take advantage of luggage storage options at the Left Baggage office at Check-in 2 or unstaffed SBB lockers at Check-in 3 so that you can move around the city more freely.
• Keep in mind when stopping at Zurich Airport for an overnight layover that access to the boarding area is closed between 22:30 and 05:00, as are most of the lounges. If you have already cleared Security, your best option for a rest is the Transit Hotel & Dayrooms.

Flight connections

Visa Required: Certain nationalities may require a transit or short-stay Schengen visa.

Average Flight Connection Time: Allow at least 40 minutes between flights within the Schengen area and 2 hours for all other flights.

Minimum Time Needed to Leave the Airport: 4 hours

Whether you’re connecting directly on another flight or passing through Zurich Airport on an overnight layover, it’s important to be prepared with the correct documentation. Many countries have a visa-free agreement with Switzerland or the Schengen Area, allowing them to stay within the international zone or pass through Immigration fairly easily. 

Other countries will need to apply for an Airport Transit Visa (A-visa), even if they’re not leaving the airport, or a Type C visa, if they plan on exiting during their layover. 

Once you have that sorted, consider whether you will need to collect your luggage and a new boarding pass during your connection. If you’re flying with the same airline, chances are you’ll pick up your bags at your final destination. In this instance, you simply need to check the number of your new boarding gate on arrival at Zurich Airport and make your way there. You can also have your boarding pass printed at your gate or at a Transfer Desk (located in all terminals).

If you need to collect your luggage at Zurich Airport, you will need to exit the transit area, re-check your luggage, and clear Security. Unless you’re moving from the Schengen Zone to a non-Schengen area and vice versa, you won’t need to clear Immigration. 

The minimum time needed to connect between two flights within the Schengen Zone is 40 minutes, but otherwise, you should allow up to 2 hours.

In most cases, it’s possible to walk between connecting flights; otherwise, you can take the Sky Metro. The Sky Metro underground train departs every few minutes, transporting passengers between the Airside Center and Dock E in just 2-3 minutes.