The train station at Zürich airport (called Zürich Flughafen) provides convenient access to cities and mountain destinations across Switzerland. The train tracks are below the airport. Just follow the signs with the train icon.

Timetable

You can check the timetables on the SBB Mobile app and SBB.ch. Before your flight, it's helpful to check the possible connections, so you know what to look for.

The signs above the track show upcoming departures with train number, destination, and departure time.

Best connections

Below are the best connections to popular destinations, with the least transfers:

To Zürich HB (city): direct trains leave every few minutes, many options: S2, S16, S24, IR 13, IR 75, IC 8, IC 1, IC 81

To Luzern: direct trains are IR 13 or IR 75, departs about every 30 mins. Or you can travel via Zürich HB.

To Bern: direct trains are IC 1, IC 8, or IC 81, departs 30-60 mins.

To Interlaken Ost: direct train is IC 81, departs every 2 hours

To Geneva: direct train is IC 1, departs hourly

To Zermatt: direct train to Visp is IC 8, which departs every 2 hours. Then change to local train to Zermatt.

To Basel: no direct trains, must travel via Zürich HB

Tickets

Train journeys are free with Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail, and Interrail passes.

If you need a ticket, you can buy it on the SBB Mobile app, ticket machines next to the train track, or ticket counter/info desk near the tracks. Discounted 50% with Swiss Half Fare Card and for children age 6-15. Children under 6 ride free with parent.

Once you have a valid ticket, you can just get on the train. You do not have to scan your ticket or show it to someone. Random checks are done on the train. You will get a fine if you cannot show your valid ticket/travel pass.

Sample travel times & costs

Here are some travel times from Zürich airport (aka Zürich Flughafen) to popular destinations. I've include a sample adult one-way fare for 2024.

• Zürich city (aka Zürich HB ): 9-13 mins / frequent direct trains / CHF 7

• Lucerne (aka Luzern): 1h to 1h30 / 1 transfer / CHF 31

• Interlaken Ost: 2h10 to 2h20 / 0-2 transfers / CHF 77

  • Grindelwald: 3h / 2-3 transfers / CHF 88.80

  • Wengen: 3h / 3-4 transfers / CHF 92

  • Mürren (aka Mürren BLM): 3h15 / 4-5 transfers / CHF 96.60

• Zermatt: 3h40 / 1-3 transfers / CHF 134

Tips for better connections

When traveling with luggage, little kids, or those with reduced mobility, it can be difficult to change trains quickly. So try to choose connections with less transfers as noted below.

• Zürich airport to Interlaken - There is a direct train every two hours, which is the best option if it works for your schedule. Otherwise you may need to transfer trains at Zürich HB and/or Bern, which can be a hassle with luggage. 

• Zürich airport to Zermatt - Easiest connection is the direct train to Visp, then transfer to Zermatt. Otherwise, you may need to transfer trains at Zürich HB and/or Bern, as well as Visp.

Located in the heart of Lucerne's Old Town, the Hotel Des Balances is a charming 4-star superior hotel with a history dating back to the 12th century.

➡️ Check availability & current offers

Location: Weinmarkt, 6004 Luzern

Website: balances.ch

The newly renovated rooms and suites offer stunning views of the iconic Chapel Bridge, Jesuit Church, and Mount Pilatus. They have family rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people.

It's about a 10 min walk from the Lucerne train station and within walking distance of all the Lucerne city attractions. We like the quiet location on the river, away from the street traffic, where many other hotels are locations.

This hotel gets excellent reviews, particularly from families.

Lucerne is a beautiful city blending history and modern vibes. The old town area is quite compact, making it perfect for exploring on foot.

Self Guided Walking Tours

Lucerne has a free audio tour that you can download on your phone. It has suggested routes or you can plan your own. They also have themed tours that change seasonally.

GPSmyCity has a few different self-guided tours with different themes.

If you have kids, you might like the FoxTrail scavenger hunt where you solve riddles as you explore the city. I'd choose one that visits the Old Town.

We have a suggested self-guided walking route for families that hits the highlights.

We usually start at Chapel Bridge, an ancient wooden structure with 17th-century paintings, and stroll through the Old Town's cobblestone streets. Don't miss Weinmarkt, a square with charming Renaissance buildings. The Lion Monument pays tribute to fallen Swiss Guards, while the Musegg Wall offers great views of Lucerne and its medieval ramparts to cap off the tour.

Guided Tours

Free Walk Lucerne offers a variety of guided tours, most mornings at 10:00. It's free, but you should sign up so they know to expect you. I would also bring cash to tip about CHF 5-10 per person or more if you really like your guide.

Lucerne Tourism offers guided tours on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. It is discounted with your Lucerne visitor card you receive free from your hotel.

Lake Lucerne is our favorite Swiss lake for cruising. The views from the boat are absolutely spectacular, with impressive mountain peaks at every turn.

They offer round trip tours, culinary tours (like fondue dinner cruise), and excursions to mountains like Rigi and Bürgenstock. In any case, a lake cruise is a great way to enjoy the views without a lot of work.

Website: www.lakelucerne.ch

Open: year round, but schedule is more limited in winter

Lake cruises

For a short activity, you can do short 1h round trip cruises from Lucerne. Here are popular options:

➡️ Catamaran Cruise - 1 hour round trip

➡️ Panoramic Yacht Cruise - 1 hour round trip

For a longer activity, we suggest the full lake cruise from Lucerne to Flüelen at the bottom of the lake, about 3 hours. Then return via train or bus back to Lucerne.

See more options on the Lake Lucerne website.

Boat + mountain excursions

The Lake Lucerne boats are commonly used to visit mountains along the lake including Mt Rigi, Mt Pilatus and Burgenstock. In this case, it's best to book a combo ticket that includes the boat and mountain.

• Rigi Classic Round Trip with Boat from Lucerne

But remember: if you have the Swiss Travel Pass, the boat is free and you only need to book the mountain railway.

Where to board

In Lucerne, the boats leave from the piers just outside the main train station (see on map). The pier varies depending on your destination.

• Rigi & full lake cruise boats leave from Pier 1

• Pilatus (Alpnachstad) from Pier 2

• Bürgenstock Pier 3.

Not sure? Ask at the ticket office for directions.

Tickets

You can buy boat tickets on the SBB Mobile App, ticket office at Lucerne ferry dock, or on the boat (buy immediately upon boarding). You can buy round trip tickets, one way between destinations or full day pass on the lake.

The boat is free with the Swiss Travel Pass, Tell Pass, and SBB GA / Day Pass.

50% discount for Swiss Half Fare Card, Eurail Pass, Interrail Pass, and children 6-16. Kids under 6 and those with a Swiss Family Card or SBB Junior Card ride free. 

1st Class

Most boats have a 1st class section on the upper deck. The seats are the same, but the views are a bit nicer and it's usually less crowded in 1st class.

Steamboat

Different kinds of boats are used throughout the day. If you have flexibility in your schedule, we highly recommend riding on the steamboats, where you can watch the inner workings of the steam engine during the ride.

Look for the special "Dampfschiff" boat symbol on the timetable.

Seebad Luzern is a popular Lake Lucerne swimming area near the old town. The floating wooden structure has all the services to make your lake swim comfortable: changing rooms, toilets, cafe, and large upper deck for lounging with a view.

You can swim in the two indoor "pools" or in freely in the lake outside the structure.

In the evenings, it becomes a lively bar, with music and lots of socializing.

Note: With children, you may prefer Strandbad Lido Luzern, which has a sandy beach, large lawns, playground, pool, splash pad, beach volleyball, SUP rental and other services..

Location: Nationalquai, 6006 Luzern

Open: May to September in good weather. Check current opening times.

Website: www.seebadluzern.ch

Restaurant Bündnerland Luzern serves traditional Swiss dishes from the southern Graubründen region.

The restaurant is housed in a historic timber-frame building, with a charming, old world feel. With the same flavors as what you might find at a mountain hut, their versions have a little more flair, since they have an award-wining chef and won Best of Swiss Gastro 2022.

It's a popular spot for cheese fondue, even in summer for tourists (Swiss Germans typically only eat fondue in winter).

We suggest trying Capuns, a classic Graubünden dumpling wrapped in mangold leaves and baked with a cream sauce. We also love the Gerstensuppe, a hearty barley soup that we often eat at in the alps.

It's located in the heart of the charming old town, a nice stop after a walking tour. Eisengasse 15, Lucerne 6004 Switzerland

Website

It's a very popular spot, so we recommend reservations for both lunch and dinner.