Photo Credit: Christian Junker | Photography

Zurich Kloten International Airport

Switzerland has three international airports located in Basel, Geneva and Zurich. Of these, the largest is the Zurich Kloten International Airport, which is the main hub for Swiss Airlines, and home to more than 30 international carriers. North Americans can fly into Zurich on US Airways, United Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, and Air Canada. Zurich is also well-connected to all major European cities and several destinations in Asia.

Travelers will find plenty of shopping options at the airport, including 80 stores in the main terminal building before the security checkpoint and a large number of duty-free shops in the waiting area. There is a hair salon, lingerie (Calida), chocolates (Spruengli), clothing (H&M, Lacoste and Esprit), and convenience stores. Restaurant options are plentiful and include fast-food, cafés, bars, and sit-down eateries offering Asian, Swiss and Italian food.

On Level 1, travelers will find a number of international rental car companies including Avis, Budget, Europcar, National, and Sixt. Parking is available outside the terminal, with both covered and open-air options available. The multi-story parking garage offers spaces for roughly 2,000 vehicles, with additional long-term parking a 10-minute walk away. Driving to Zurich is easy, with a trip time of roughly only 10 to 15 minutes from the airport to downtown.

Zurich airport has excellent public transportation options for those looking to reach the city. There are regional buses, which provide links downtown and to other cities in Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Railway has a station underneath the airport and provides direct acccess to the city center. There is also a tram service, the Glattalbahn, which runs from the airport to the main railway station in Zurich. The number 10 tram runs every seven to 15 minutes depending on the time of day. Taxis are also an easy option and available right outside the Arrivals hall. The journey takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your mode of transportation.

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