How do I get from the airport to the city in Zurich?

Take the train. Zürich Airport has a direct rail station in the basement of Terminal 1, and S-Bahn lines S2 and S16 run to Zürich Hauptbahnhof (the main station) in about 10 minutes, with departures every 10 minutes throughout the day. A single ticket costs CHF 6.80 and covers zone 110-121; buy it from the SBB machines on the platform before boarding. Taxis exist but cost CHF 50-70 for the same trip and offer no meaningful time advantage unless you have substantial luggage and a hotel nowhere near the Hauptbahnhof. The tram network picks up from the main station and covers most of the city center, so for the majority of visitors, the train plus a short tram or walk handles everything. If you're staying in a hotel within Zurich city limits, check whether they provide a ZürichCARD upon check-in, which includes airport rail travel and unlimited public transit for your stay.

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