How to Get to Zurich: Flights, Airport and Transport

How to Get to Zurich from Brazil

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest airport in Switzerland and the main entry point for international travelers. There are direct flights from São Paulo (GRU) to Zurich operated by SWISS and LATAM, taking about 12 hours.

From Zurich Airport to the city center

• Train (S-Bahn): The fastest option. Trains run every 5-10 minutes from the airport station to Zürich Hauptbahnhof (main station) in just 10-12 minutes. Costs CHF 6.80 (2nd class).
• Tram (Line 10): Connects the airport to the city center in about 30 minutes. Same fare as the train.
• Taxi: Takes about 15-20 minutes and costs CHF 50-70 to the city center.

Public Transport in Zurich

Zurich has an excellent public transport network operated by ZVV (Zürcher Verkehrsverbund), including trams, buses, S-Bahn trains and boats on Lake Zurich.

Tickets and fares

• Short trip (Kurzstrecke): CHF 2.70 — valid for short distances (up to 4 stops).
• Single ticket (Zone 110): CHF 4.70 — valid for 1 hour within Zurich city.
• 24-hour pass (Zone 110): CHF 9.40 — unlimited travel for a day.
• ZürichCARD: 24h (CHF 27) or 72h (CHF 53) — includes unlimited public transport plus free or discounted entry to museums, boat trips and the funicular.

Tickets can be purchased at machines in every stop, the ZVV app, or at the main station. Important: Switzerland takes ticket validation seriously — always have a valid ticket before boarding.

Arriving by train from other cities

• From Bern: About 1 hour by IC (InterCity) train. Frequent departures.
• From Geneva: About 2h45 by IC train.
• From Lucerne: About 45 minutes by direct train.
• From Munich (Germany): About 3h30 by EC (EuroCity) train.