Getting around
Very high
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: zvv.ch, zuerich.com
Overall9.6/10Among the 5% easiest cities to get around
Good to know
Good to Know
- About half the population of central Zurich does not own a car, making car-free living entirely practical and cost-effective.
- Tickets must be purchased before boarding transit; fines for traveling without a valid ticket are steep. Machines at every stop, plus ZVV app and online options.
- Night buses (marked with 'N') run once per hour on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays; tickets cost CHF 5 from the driver.
- Lake Zurich ferries offer scenic and practical transport; round-trip services cost CHF 7–27 depending on route length, including mini-journeys.
- Uber in Switzerland operates under strict employment regulations (drivers are employees with professional licenses), resulting in higher prices than some European markets but reliable service.
- Walking + public transit is faster and cheaper than taxis or Uber for most city-center journeys; public transport is genuinely faster and more efficient for most daily movement.
- Free bike pumps throughout city center; Zurich's yellow-marked bike paths are extensive and well-maintained.
- Winter conditions (December–March) may affect driving and cycling; public transit remains reliable year-round.
Bike Rental
- Free Option
- Züri rollt program offers free city and children's bikes with CHF 20 cash deposit (returned upon bike return). Deposit also serves as ID verification. Bikes available at main station and other locations.
- Bike Culture
- Zurich is bike-friendly with extensive cycle lanes, particularly along the Sihl river. Many public bike pumps available for free use throughout the city center.
Paid Options
Per Day
- Per Day
- CHF 30
Per Day From
- Per Day From
- €15
Public Transit
- Reliability
- One of the most efficient and reliable public transportation networks in the world, with frequent services and minimal delays.
- System Overview
- Zurich's public transit network (ZVV) includes trams, buses, S-Bahn commuter trains, funiculars, cable cars, and boats. Services run from ~5:30 AM to 12:30 AM daily, with night routes on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays.
Fares
Single Journey (Short Distance)
- Single Journey (Short Distance)
- CHF 2.80
Single Journey (2 Zones, E.g., City to Airport)
- Single Journey (2 Zones, E.G., City To Airport)
- CHF 5.60
Day Pass (24 Hours, Single Zone)
- Day Pass (24 Hours, Single Zone)
- CHF 9.20
6-day Pass (Single Zone)
- 6 Day Pass (Single Zone)
- CHF 50
Zürich Card (24-hour City Pass, Unlimited Transit + Museum Discounts)
- ZüRich Card (24 Hour City Pass, Unlimited Transit + Museum Discounts)
- CHF 24
Scooter Rental
- Electric Scooter Sharing
- E-scooter sharing services (e.g., Voi) available in Zurich; exact current pricing not verified in this research.
Motorcycle Scooter Rental
Per Day, Average
- Per Day, Average
- €91
Per Week, Average
- Per Week, Average
- €553
Taxis
- Availability
- Official taxi ranks at Zurich Airport, Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main train station), and major hotels. Can also be hailed via MyTaxi app or traditional phone dispatch.
- Pricing Note
- Taxis are expensive in Zurich; Uber/Bolt often provide cheaper alternatives. Direct train from airport to city center costs from CHF 5 (~USD 4.40) and takes ~10 minutes, far cheaper than taxi.
Car Rental
- Availability
- Available at Zurich Airport and major railway stations through international operators. Switzerland also offers Mobility car-sharing scheme popular among residents who prefer not to own a car but need occasional use.
- Driving Conditions
- Traffic congestion and limited parking in city center; winter driving requires caution due to potential snow and ice. Public transportation policies generally prioritize transit over private vehicles.
Walkability
- Getting Around Tier
- Very high
- Getting Around Tier Rationale
- Zurich combines an extensive, highly reliable public transit network (trams, buses, S-Bahn, boats), strong pedestrian infrastructure, active bike culture, and available rideshare (Uber, Bolt), making car-free living straightforward and practical.
- Description
- Zurich is a highly walkable city with pedestrianized zones in the city center and well-maintained sidewalks. Most neighborhoods are accessible on foot within reasonable distances.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this walkability & transport research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Zurich
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.