Public transport in Zürich is relatively inexpensive and super efficient. It operates on an honesty basis. There are no controls where you will need to scan your tickets.

There are random checks made by roaming ticket inspectors especially in the evenings and on the weekends. These guys have NO SENSE of HUMOUR and there is no such thing as a valid excuse for not having a ticket or for being in the wrong zone. They can ask you to pay them there on the spot, (It’s Switzerland, you will get a receipt – it is not a bribe!). If you can’t pay on the spot and don’t pay the penalty notice that they will definitely send you, the charge will still be waiting for you at the border when you next fly into Switzerland (they never forget).

Tickets are sold for either 1 hour or 24 hours duration. The default is second class (2kl) and no Half-Tax (if you don’t know what Half-Tax is then you don’t need it, if you know what it is then you know what to do).

Ticket machines are found at every bus & train & tram stop.

Zürich is broken up into many zones, Zurich City area is zone 110, the airport is in zone 121, the evening wedding venue is in zone 150.

To get to / from the airport you will need 2 zones (121 & 110).
To travel just around the city centre you will need zone 110.

To travel home at the end of Saturday night you will need 2 zones. (150 & 110). We will be taking you from 110 to 150 so there’s no need to buy a ticket for that on Saturday afternoon.

We would recommend:

* Upon arrival to Zürich airport get a one hour ticket from the airport to Zurich (this will cover both zones and get you to your accommodation and maybe a bit longer).
* Then get a 24 hour Zürich city centre (zone 110 only) for anything later on Friday evening which will be enough to cover you for all day Saturday and to the boat landing station at the meeting time.
* At the end of the night there is a railway station a short walk (5-10 mins) from the venue and you could get another 1 hour ticket from Oberrieden to Zürich (will cover zones 150 & 110) to get home.

To get to Zürich from the Aiport :

Don’t take a taxi from the airport unless paying about 50.00 CHFs or more is not a problem for you. The distance is only about 10 kms, there are likely to be traffic jams and the charge is ridiculous.

Instead, follow all signs to the railway. Before you go downstairs to the platform you will find the ticket machines.

1. Change the language to English
2. The machine will show the airport as your departure point.
3. Select Zürich as your destination
4. Pay (card or currency)

Get out at station Zürich HB (Zürich main Station) after approximately 12 minutes and follow the signs to the tram you need (your hotel web sites should tell you which line and tram stop to travel to – check with us if you’re not sure).