Things to do at Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport is the largest international airport of Switzerland. The airport is located 13 kilometres (8 miles) north of central Zurich.
Whether you only have an hour to spare before your flight or you are spending at long layover at the airport, Zurich Airport has an option for you.
Things to do at ZRH
Upgrade your airport experience by spending the time before your flight in an airport lounge. Get away from the chaos and noise of the airport and enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks and more in a relaxed setting. Zurich Airport has many lounge options, some of which are airline specific and some of which are open to everyone.
Sanctifly has 3 partner lounges at Zurich airport. Premium members can use points to get access to any of these lounges.
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Workout at the Radisson Blu Hotel
Head for the Radisson Blu Hotel located right next to the airport and use the Airport Fitness and Wellness Center. Use of the gym costs CHF 35. Sanctifly premium members can use points to get access to the gym at the Radisson Blu Hotel. After your workout freshen up with a moment in the sauna and a shower so that you can continue your journey feeling fresh and energized.
Open Monday to Friday from 06:00 – 22:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 – 19:00.
The hotel is just a 2 minute walk from the airport terminal.
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Zurich airport has showers available throughout the airport that traveling passengers can pay to use. Showers are available at:
Passenger area
At the Transit Hotel at Gates D. Open 24/7
At the Family Services at Gates E. Open daily from 07:00 to 13:00.
Public area
At the Service Center, car park 2, Level 1. Open daily from 06:00 to 22:00.
Showers cost CHF 15 for 15 minutes and you will be provided with a towel and toiletries. The cabins are big enough to bring your carry on with you, so you don’t need to worry about your bags.
Free things to do at ZRH
Get some fresh air on the Observation Deck
Get out of the airport terminal and get some fresh air before your flight on the passenger observation decks. Although the observation deck is dedicated to plane spotting, it is also a great space to relax outside for those that are not as interested in aviation. Dock E is situated in the middle of the three runways and offers spectacular views of the airport. The deck is open every day, but times vary depending on the season. Visit the website for more details. Travelers can access the deck via the Dock E Gate area.
Get a behind the scenes look at airport operations with a guided tour of Zurich airport. The tour is led by experienced tour guides and will give you a glimpse into life at the airport. Get an up-close view of planes and hangars and learn how the baggage sorting system works. The tour is a great way to pass 2 hours while at the airport and learn something new while you do! Individuals can book tours on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays and cost CHF 20 per person. Please note you can purchase tickets at the tour desk on observation deck B.
Best Eats at ZRH
Quick Bite – The Marché® natural bakery
Grab a quick bite before your flight at Marche. The bakery offers fresh, healthy snacks including sandwiches, focaccia and freshly pressed juices. Open daily from 05:30 – 22:00. Located after security on Level 1, next the Transfer Desk A.
Sit Down Meal - Villa Antinori da Bindella
If you have more time to spare at the airport go for a delicious Tuscan meal at Villa Antinori da Bindella. The restaurant offers full-service dining with speciality dishes inspired by Tuscan cuisine ad a first-class wine selection. Open daily from 05:30 – 22:00. Located after security.
Luggage storage at ZRH
There are luggage storage lockers and supervised left luggage services available at Zurich Airport.
The Left Luggage counter is next to the Service Center in car park 2 on Level 1. Open daily from 06:00 – 22:30. Prices start at €5 for up to 4 hours and go up depending on the size and number of bags and the length of time you wish to store them.
Lockers are also available to store your bags and can be accessed 24 hours.
Long Layover at ZRH
There are lots of cycle paths around the airport grounds, some of which connect to national cycling routes. Rent a bike at Zurich airport and spend your airport downtime riding around the airport and enjoying the fresh air. There is a Publibike bike sharing station located outside the airport terminal. A leisurely ride around Zurich Airport takes 2-3 hours. You can either stick to the airport route or detour to the nature conservation areas on either side of the airport. Simply follow the signs and enjoy the ride.
Get out of the airport and into the fresh air by spending your airport downtime running or walking in Hardwalk Woods. Leave your luggage at the airport and go for an invigorating run among the trees. Head back to the airport for a refreshing shower and continue your journey feeling energized. A great spot for jogging, trail running, cycling or simply going for a leisurely stroll surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Located 3.1 miles from the airport. The quickest and easiest way to get there is by taxi. Alternatively, you can take the 765 Dietlikon, Bahnhof/Bad bus to Bassersdorf, Sportanlage and walk for approx. 25 minutes to get to the Helsana Trail Hardwald.
If you have a 6+ hour layover at Zurich Airport, why not get out of the airport and enjoy the surrounding area? Zurich city centre is located 6.8 miles from the airport and is well connected by public transport links. The S16 train line will take from the airport to Zurich HB Main Station in approx. 15 minutes. Spend your layover exploring the city and enjoying the beautiful architecture. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to the airport and through security before your next flight.
Transport Options
Bus: The airport is well connected via a number of bus routes that can take you to downtown Zurich and the surrounding areas. The bus can also bring you to Zurich Airport Railway Station where you can also catch trains to surrounding areas.
Tram: The Glattalbahn Tram provides fast and reliable transportation around Zurich city and connects the city to the airport. The no. 10 tram runs every 7 1/2 or 15 minutes directly from the airport to Zurich's main railway station via Glattpark, Oerlikon and Irchel.
Visit the Zurich Airport website for more details.
Overnight Layover?
Transit Hotel at Zurich Airport
If you have an overnight layover at Zurich and want to get some rest book a room at the Transit Hotel. The Transit Hotel is located in the airport transit area, so you don’t even need to leave the terminal to get a good night’s sleep. The hotel has lots of different options to choose from, depending on your needs. You can rent a room for a few days or a few hours or, if you don’t want to book a room to yourself, you can rest in the reclining chairs in the rest area. Showers are also available to guests with towels and toiletries provided.
There are also a number of traditional hotels located within 5 minutes of the airport. The Radisson Blu Hotel is just a two-minute walk from the terminal and offers all the amenities of a high-end hotel including a fitness center and spa.
To discover everything there is to do at Zurich Airport download the Sanctifly app today and start exploring!
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