Layover in Zurich: An Expert Guide to Scheduling Your Stopover

Zurich Airport, also called Flughafen Zürich, is the biggest international airport in Switzerland. It’s a major travel hub for both short and long flights. The airport is just 13 kilometers from Zurich’s city center. Each year, more than 30 million passengers travel through it. From Zurich, you can fly to many cities in Europe and around the world.

If you have a layover in Zurich, it’s a great chance to enjoy your stop. This guide will help you plan what to do — whether you stay at the airport or go into the city for a few hours.

To make your stop easier, try using Qeepl. It’s a luggage storage service near Zurich Airport and in the city. You can leave your bags safely and enjoy your time without carrying heavy luggage around.

Zurich Transit Visa Requirements

The first thing to check when planning a layover in Zurich is whether you need a transit visa. This depends on your passport, your ticket type, and whether you plan to stay inside the international zone or go through passport control to enter Switzerland.

People from some countries — such as Cuba, Syria, Turkey, and others — must get an airport transit visa (Schengen Category A). This rule applies even if they do not leave the airport. These travelers can wait for their next flight in the transit area but are not allowed to enter Switzerland.

Many other travelers — for example, people from the EU, EEA, the US, Canada, Japan, and Switzerland — do not need a transit visa if they stay inside the international area and do not go through immigration.

If you plan to leave the airport and visit Zurich, you might need a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C). This depends on your nationality. Some travelers are allowed to enter without this visa if they already hold a valid residence permit or visa from a Schengen country or a trusted country such as the US, Canada, Japan, or Andorra.

The most reliable way to confirm whether you need a visa is by checking the official Swiss government website, which provides updated information based on your country of citizenship and travel circumstances.

What to Do at the Airport During Your Zurich Layover?

If your layover is less than five hours, it’s usually best to stay at the airport. Security lines and transport can take time, and you don’t want to risk missing your flight.

That said, Zurich Airport offers plenty of ways to enjoy your time without leaving the terminal. From restaurants and stores to places to relax, here’s what you can do while waiting for your next flight.

Restaurants Worth a Stop

Zurich Airport has a wide variety of restaurants. For a taste of Switzerland, stop by Marché Mövenpick, which serves fresh, seasonal food in a market-style setting. You’ll find everything from salads and pasta to Swiss classics like rösti and alpine cheese platters.

If you want something quick but high quality, try Sprüngli Café, known for its famous Luxemburgerli macarons, chocolates, and fresh sandwiches. It’s perfect for a snack or a light meal while enjoying a bit of Swiss culinary tradition.

Best Stores to Browse Between Flights

Shopping at Zurich Airport is a pleasant experience. The Airside Center offers luxury brands, Swiss souvenirs, and duty-free shops all in one place. You can browse well-known names like Bally, Hermès, and Swatch, or explore local boutiques with Swiss-made products.

Don’t miss Läderach, a Swiss chocolatier offering high-end chocolate gifts, and Victorinox, the maker of the famous Swiss Army Knife. These make excellent souvenirs or gifts to bring home.

Lounges and Nap Zones

Zurich Airport has several lounges for passengers looking for extra comfort. The Swiss Lounge, Aspire Lounge, and Primeclass Lounge offer food, drinks, showers, and quiet spaces to relax or work.

For a more private rest, the Transit Hotel inside the airport has day rooms available for rent. If you just want a nap, there are also reclining chairs and quiet zones around the terminal where you can take a break between flights.

Facilities, Services, and Wi-Fi Access

The airport offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, making it easy to stream, work, or keep in touch. You’ll also find plenty of charging stations, work desks, baby care areas, and clean, modern restrooms.

Other services include pharmacies, baggage wrapping, and a wellness and spa area where you can enjoy a massage or beauty treatment. Zurich Airport even has observation decks for travelers who enjoy watching planes take off and land.

How to Spend Long Layover in Zurich?

If your layover is longer than five or six hours and you meet visa requirements, heading into the city is a great idea. Zurich is small, clean, and very well connected by train, so you can see a lot even in a few hours.

8-Hour Layover in Zurich

Take a quick 15-minute train from the airport to Zurich HB (main station). From there, walk to the Old Town (Altstadt) and explore its narrow streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares. Stop by the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street or visit the Grossmünster church for great city views.

You’ll have time for a relaxed lunch at a local café and a stroll along the Limmat River. Just make sure to allow enough time to return, go through security, and reach your gate.

12-Hour Layover in Zurich

With 12 hours, you can enjoy more of Zurich’s cultural and scenic spots. Visit the Kunsthaus Zurich art museum or the Swiss National Museum to learn about local history. Walk around Lake Zurich, where you can rent a paddle boat or just enjoy the view.

In the afternoon, head to Zurich West, a modern neighborhood with trendy shops, markets, and restaurants. Try some fondue or raclette before returning to the airport.

24-Hour Layover in Zurich

With a full day in Zurich, you can dive deep into the city’s character. Start your morning at a bakery with fresh bread and coffee, then head to Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city and the Alps. You can hike or take a short train ride to the top.

Later, explore more museums, relax in China Garden, or take a boat cruise on Lake Zurich. Spend your evening enjoying Swiss food in the historic center before heading back to the airport for your next flight.

How to Handle Overnight Layover in Zurich?

An overnight layover in Zurich can be restful and easy if you choose the right hotel. Here are some top options:

• Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport: Directly connected to the terminal, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms and a glass wine tower. Prices start around €200 per night.
• Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle: Just steps from the terminal in the new Circle complex, this upscale hotel features stylish rooms, restaurants, and a fitness center. Rates begin at €220 per night.
• Movenpick Hotel Zurich Airport: Located about 5 minutes from the airport by shuttle, Movenpick offers classic comfort, an on-site restaurant, and quiet rooms. Expect prices from €130 per night.
• Hotel Allegra Lodge: Around 10 minutes away in Kloten, this boutique hotel offers shuttle service and cozy Alpine-inspired rooms starting at €110 per night.
• Transit Hotel inside Zurich Airport: Great for short overnight stays or naps between flights. Offers simple rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Rates vary depending on duration.

With quick airport access and excellent comfort, these hotels make it easy to recharge during your Zurich stopover, whether you’re staying for just a few hours or a full night.