Before you go · Zurich
Zurich essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 28 October 2026. Entry rules change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated October 2026
Entry to Switzerland
Switzerland is not a member of the EU but belongs to the Schengen area, so the same Schengen entry rules apply. The EU’s Entry/Exit System applies at Schengen external borders; check the Swiss government’s and your own government’s advice before you travel, and never pay a third-party site for a travel authorisation.
Swiss francs
The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). Cards are accepted almost everywhere; we print prices in francs only where the venue or an official source publishes them.
From the airport
Zurich Airport has its own railway station below the terminal, with frequent trains to Zürich HB; Zurich Tourism puts the airport about 9 km from the main station. The Zürich Card includes the journey to and from the airport.
Trams, trains and the Zürich Card
The ZVV network covers the VBZ trams and buses, the S-Bahn, the ZSG lake boats and the funiculars, with tickets priced by zone. The Zürich Card, for 24 or 72 hours, covers second-class travel in the city and region, including the airport, with free entry to many museums; new prices apply from 13 December 2026. Until 12 December 2026 the S10 to the Uetliberg starts at Selnau.
The seasons
Spring brings the magnolias and cherry blossom of the lake promenade and Sechseläuten (19 April 2027); summer is the season of the lake baths and the Street Parade (14 August 2027); autumn brings the Zurich Film Festival (23 September – 3 October 2027) and fog in November, when the Uetliberg is often above it; Advent brings the Christmas markets.
Customs and etiquette
Most shops close on Sundays, except at the main station and the airport. Zurich’s tap and fountain water is drinking water unless a sign says otherwise. Be on time: the trams and trains run to the minute.
Emergencies
Call 144 for an ambulance, 117 for the police, 118 for the fire service or 112. Rega, the air rescue, is 1414; Tox Info Suisse is 145. The Bellevue Apotheke and the Bahnhof Apotheke are open 24 hours. Switzerland is not in the EU: check that your travel insurance covers medical costs.
Questions and answers
Is Switzerland in the Schengen area?
Yes. It is not in the EU, but the Schengen entry rules apply.
What currency is used in Zurich?
The Swiss franc (CHF).
What is the emergency number in Zurich?
144 for an ambulance, 117 for the police, 118 for the fire service, or 112.
How do I get from Zurich Airport to the city?
By train from the airport station to Zürich HB; the Zürich Card includes the journey.
Entry rules and transport change, sometimes at short notice. Check the official Swiss sites, zvv.ch, sbb.ch, flughafen-zuerich.ch and your government’s advice before you travel.