Car Rental at Zurich Airport

Airport travel guide

Historic, affluent, and cultured, Zurich is both Switzerland’s largest city and one of its prime travel destinations. Whether you go for sightseeing or high-quality museums, the city has all the ingredients for a sophisticated travel experience. And if you’re looking for something a bit more active, the snow-capped Swiss mountains are never too far away. These are three of the most interesting attractions in and around Zurich:

• Kunsthaus Zürich. Open since 1910, but always developing and having undergone a large extension in 2020, the Kunsthaus is one of Switzerland’s most notable cultural institutions, and a visit to it would be a dream come true for any art lover. The museum’s impressive collection includes works by renowned masters such as Munch, van Gogh, Magritte, and Rousseau. Visit the museum’s website to learn more about admission hours and buying tickets in advance.
• Ethnographic Museum. Another interesting cultural center, the ethnographic museum is dedicated to the myths, rituals, and cultures of peoples of the world. Very broad in scope, the museum covers the lives of such varied groups as the peoples of the Arctic, Great Plains of North America, Himalayas, Horn of Africa, and more. Belonging to the University of Zurich, the museum is located within the territory of Zurich’s Old Botanical Garden and Arboretum.
• Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich's main shopping street is one of the most popular destinations in the city. It is home to high-end fashion boutiques, luxury department stores, and fine dining restaurants.
• Altstadt. This charming old town of Zurich is home to a range of historic buildings, churches, and landmarks. Visitors can stroll through narrow streets and alleyways, taking in the many colorful buildings and charming cafes that line the way.
• Grossmünster. The Zurich Cathedral is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The Romanesque-style church was built in the 12th century, and its two tall towers can be seen from all over the city.
• Uetliberg. Located just a short train ride from the city center, Uetliberg is a popular destination for visitors enjoying stunning views of Zurich and the Swiss Alps. At the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Limmat River, and the surrounding countryside.
• Lake Zurich. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, Lake Zurich is a popular destination for visitors, which stretches over 25 kilometers. Many picturesque towns and villages line the shore, from the historic town of Rapperswil, with its stunning castle, to the picturesque village of Küsnacht, with its elegant lakeside villas. The lake is home to various water activities, including boating, swimming, and fishing.
• Baden. One of the most popular day trips, Baden is an old and famous spa town to the northwest of Zurich (its name means ‘bath’ in German). In addition to its geothermal springs, many of which can be enjoyed to this day, Baden is also notable for its attractive castles like Stein Castle and Bailiff’s Castle (the latter is also home to the Baden History Museum). The drive from Zurich takes only about 35 minutes.
• The Rhine Falls. This is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Switzerland, located north of Zurich airport, near Schaffhausen. The Rhine Falls is a breathtaking sight, with its powerful rush of water cascading down a rocky cliff, creating a thunderous roar that can be heard from miles away. At 150 meters wide and 23 meters high, the Rhine Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Europe, making it a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.

Top international routes

• London
• Amsterdam
• Frankfurt
• Berlin
• Vienna
• Geneva
• Hamburg
• Paris

Main airlines

Swiss International Air Lines, Edelweiss Air, easyJet, Germania Flug, Lufthansa, and Vueling

Terminals

There are three passenger piers: A, B, and E, which are also referred to as gates, docks, or terminals. All three are linked to the Airport Center building. Gate A serves flights inside the Schengen Area, Gate B serves non-Schengen flights, and Gate E serves both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. The easiest way to move between Gates A and B is to walk, while the best way to get to and from Gate E is to take the free Skymetro train, which runs every three minutes.

Location

The airport is located 13 km (8 mi) north of Zurich city center. Motorway A1L and Wasserwerkstrasse are the main roads connecting Zurich Airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $34 per day
• SUVs - from $38 per day
• Medium cars - from $37 per day
• Large cars - from $55 per day
• Station wagons - from $50 per day
• Premium cars - from $136 per day
• Vans - from $94 per day
• Convertibles - from $552 per day

Car rental desks

You’ll find these in the car rental center, which is on level 1 of the Airport Center building.

Services and facilities

You’ll find many cafés, bars, and dining establishments, including a local Swiss Chalet restaurant and an Italian restaurant, as well as lots of shops, some of them duty-free. Zurich Airport’s shopping center is located one level above check-in area 3. There are also many ATMs, currency exchanges, lounges, an on-site hotel, various family services, a medical center, three pharmacies, an observation deck, showers, a spa and beauty salon, and a chapel. Luggage storage is next to the service center in car park 2 on level 1 and is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. There are also coin-operated luggage lockers. The airport is fully equipped for travelers with reduced mobility. Special assistance is also provided. If you’d like this service, you need to request it at one of the special assistance desks no later than 90 minutes before your flight departs. You’ll find these desks in the departure halls. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

BP gas station, located at Flughafenstrasse 79, can be reached in less than two minutes and is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations near the airport and in Zurich.

Popular one-way rentals

• Munich (310 km / 192 mi)
• Geneva (280 km / 174 mi)
• Basel (90 km / 56 mi)
• Frankfurt (411 km / 255 mi)
• Milan (294 km / 183 mi)
• Amsterdam (826 km / 513 mi)