Complete guide to trams, buses, trains, boats, tickets, fares, ZVV zones, travelcards, night transport and Zurich Airport connections.
Zurich has one of the most convenient public transport systems in Switzerland. The city's network combines trams, buses, S-Bahn trains, regional trains, boats, cable cars and funiculars.
The main transport authority for the Zurich region is the Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV). Within the city, VBZ (Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich) operates the majority of tram and city bus services.
For most journeys inside Zurich, you do not need to buy separate tickets for each vehicle. ZVV uses a zone-based fare system. Once you have a valid ticket covering the required zones, you can generally change between eligible transport services during the ticket's validity.
For live departures, station searches and upcoming trains, use our Zurich Stations & Departures tool.
Trams are one of the easiest ways to travel around central Zurich. The city has an extensive tram network connecting the main railway station, shopping areas, residential districts and many attractions.
City and regional buses complement the tram network and serve areas that are not directly connected by tram.
Zurich's S-Bahn trains are particularly useful for travelling between the city centre and surrounding municipalities.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) provides regional and long-distance services from Zurich Main Station to destinations throughout Switzerland.
Public transport in the Zurich region also includes scheduled boats, particularly around Lake Zurich.
Zurich also has mountain transport such as the Polybahn and Dolderbahn, connecting parts of the city with higher elevations.
If you are travelling mainly within Zurich city, you will frequently encounter zone 110.
ZVV's zone system is different from a conventional route-based railway ticket. Instead of purchasing a ticket for one specific bus or tram, you purchase the required number of zones for the validity period.
Within the selected zones and ticket validity, you can generally make multiple journeys using the eligible transport services.
This means that a zone ticket can be much more flexible than a point-to-point ticket.
See the official ZVV zone map for the current network and fare zones.
ZVV prices depend on the number of zones, passenger category and ticket type. The following are current adult second-class fares for common journeys.
| Ticket | Validity | Adult 2nd Class |
|---|---|---|
| Local Network | 30 minutes | CHF 2.80 |
| 1–2 Zones | 1 hour | CHF 4.70 |
| 3 Zones | 1 hour | CHF 7.20 |
| 4 Zones | 2 hours | CHF 9.40 |
| 5 Zones | 2 hours | CHF 11.40 |
| 6 Zones | 2 hours | CHF 13.60 |
| 7 Zones | 2 hours | CHF 15.80 |
| All Zones | 2 hours | CHF 18.00 |
Prices can change. Always check the current fare displayed by ZVV before purchasing a ticket.
If you expect to make several journeys during the same day, a ZVV 24-hour ticket can be more convenient than purchasing individual tickets.
| Zones | Adult 2nd Class | Adult 1st Class |
|---|---|---|
| Local Network | CHF 5.60 | CHF 9.20 |
| 1–2 Zones | CHF 9.40 | CHF 15.60 |
| 3 Zones | CHF 14.40 | CHF 23.60 |
| 4 Zones | CHF 18.80 | CHF 31.20 |
| 5 Zones | CHF 22.80 | CHF 37.60 |
| 6 Zones | CHF 27.20 | CHF 44.80 |
| 7 Zones | CHF 31.60 | CHF 52.00 |
| All Zones | CHF 36.00 | CHF 59.60 |
A 24-hour ticket permits unlimited travel in the selected zones during its validity period.
For people who live or work in Zurich and use public transport frequently, a NetworkPass can be more economical than buying individual tickets.
| NetworkPass | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 Zones – Adult, 2nd Class | CHF 101 | CHF 933 |
| 3 Zones – Adult, 2nd Class | CHF 150 | CHF 1,385 |
| 4 Zones – Adult, 2nd Class | CHF 197 | CHF 1,819 |
| 5 Zones – Adult, 2nd Class | CHF 241 | CHF 2,225 |
| All Zones – Adult, 2nd Class | CHF 288 | CHF 2,659 |
Zurich city uses the 1–2 zone travelcard category because zone 110 counts as two zones for fare calculations.
The ZVV 9 O'Clock Pass is designed for travellers who normally travel after the morning peak period.
On Monday to Friday it is valid from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 a.m. the following day. On Saturdays, Sundays and official holidays, it is valid all day.
For the Zurich city/agglomeration area, the current personal adult second-class price is:
Zurich Airport is exceptionally well connected to the public transport network.
Trains connect Zurich Airport with Zurich Main Station (Zürich HB) frequently. The airport states that SBB trains to Zurich Main Station depart approximately every 10 minutes and take around 15 minutes.
The airport is also served by trams and buses, making public transport useful for travellers staying in different parts of Zurich and the surrounding region.
See our Zurich station departure tool to search stations and view upcoming departures.
Zurich also has a dedicated nighttime public transport network. Special night buses and night S-Bahn services are marked with an "N".
The nighttime network operates particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as certain public holidays and special events.
A regular valid ticket is sufficient for travelling on the ZVV night network.
Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Zürich HB) is the principal railway station in Zurich and one of the most important transport hubs in Switzerland.
It connects the city with:
The station is also an important interchange for Zurich trams, buses and regional S-Bahn services.
For live departures, use our Zurich Train & Tram Departures tool.
Some of the most useful public transport locations for visitors include:
There are several convenient ways to buy ZVV tickets.
For occasional travellers, the easiest option is often to enter your journey into the ZVV timetable or ticket system and let it determine the required zones.
The ZVV system is based on the selected zones rather than simply the specific vehicle you board.
Frequent travellers may want to consider Switzerland's national public transport travelcards.
The Half-Fare Travelcard can reduce the price of many public transport journeys in Switzerland, including eligible travel within the ZVV network.
The Swiss Travelcard system also includes the GA Travelcard, which provides extensive travel privileges across the Swiss public transport network.
ZVV confirms that GA and eligible Half-Fare products are accepted within the ZVV fare network according to their respective conditions.
Bikes can be transported on Swiss public transport subject to the rules of the individual operator and the available space.
In the ZVV network, bicycles may require an additional ticket. Restrictions can apply during busy periods or on particular services.
If you regularly combine cycling and public transport, check the current ZVV bicycle transport rules before travelling.
Families can benefit from several Swiss public transport discount programmes, including the Junior Travelcard and Children's Co-Travelcard.
Children and young people can also qualify for reduced fares depending on their age and the product being purchased.
Always check the current eligibility requirements before buying a travelcard.
Zurich's public transport network includes many accessible services, including low-floor trams and buses.
However, accessibility can depend on the individual stop, vehicle, route and current operating conditions.
If accessibility is important for your journey, check the current ZVV/VBZ accessibility information before travelling.
Zurich public transport is not among Europe's cheapest systems, but it provides extensive coverage and allows passengers to combine different forms of transport under the zone-based ZVV system.
For someone making only one or two journeys, single tickets may be appropriate. Visitors making several trips in one day should compare single tickets with a 24-hour ticket.
People living and working in Zurich should compare the cost of regular tickets with a monthly or annual NetworkPass.
Public transport is one of the easiest ways for tourists to explore Zurich. You can reach the main attractions without needing a rental car.
Popular destinations accessible by public transport include:
A combination of tram, bus, train and walking is often sufficient for most sightseeing trips in the city.
| Factor | Public Transport | Car |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | Usually not required | Can be expensive and limited |
| City centre | Very convenient | Traffic and parking can be difficult |
| Airport connection | Excellent | Possible but parking/tolls add cost |
| Environmental impact | Generally lower per passenger | Higher |
| Regional travel | Excellent train network | Flexible |
The main regional system is the Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV). Within Zurich city, VBZ operates many of the tram and bus services.
Zone 110 covers Zurich city. Because of the density of the city's public transport network, ZVV counts zone 110 as two zones for fare calculations.
The price depends on the zones and ticket type. A current adult second-class single ticket covering 1–2 zones costs CHF 4.70.
A current adult second-class 24-hour ticket covering 1–2 zones costs CHF 9.40.
Yes, when the services are covered by the zones and validity of your ZVV ticket. The zone-based system allows travel across eligible transport modes within the purchased area and validity period.
Yes. ZVV operates a nighttime network with special night trains and buses, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights and during certain holidays and events.
The airport is connected to Zurich by frequent trains, as well as trams and buses. Trains to Zurich Main Station run approximately every 10 minutes and take around 15 minutes.
Yes. ZVV offers monthly and annual NetworkPass travelcards. For adults, the current 1–2 zone second-class NetworkPass costs CHF 101 per month or CHF 933 per year.
Yes. Zurich has an extensive integrated network of trams, buses and trains, making it easy to reach the city centre, attractions, residential areas and the airport without a car.
Many residents can live comfortably without a car because Zurich has extensive public transport and good walking and cycling infrastructure. Whether you need a car depends on your workplace, home location and travel habits.
For the latest fares, timetables, network maps and service information, always check the official transport operators because prices and timetables can change.