Zurich Airport (ZRH) is generally the best airport to fly into for visiting Switzerland due to its central location, excellent train connections, and status as a major international hub. It is frequently ranked among the best in Europe for service. Geneva Airport (GVA) is a strong alternative for visiting the western/French-speaking region.
Zurich Airport is the biggest of Switzerland and processes most international flights. So if you fly in from the US, India, Australia and other intercontinental countries, you'll probably land in Zurich. Geneva Airport, being a bit smaller, is mostly used for flights from and to European destinations.
What is the main airport when entering Switzerland?
Zurich Airport (“Zürich Flughafen”): introduction
“Zürich Flughafen”, abbreviated by “ZRH”, is the largest airport in Switzerland. Most intercontinental flights arrive here. It's located 12 km from downtown Zurich.
Basel Airport (or “EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg” to give it its full name), and Geneva airports are slightly further away. Distances from Swiss airports to Grindelwald and approximate drive times: Bern airport 70km / 1 hour. Zurich airport 152km / 2 hours.
There's no single "nicest" place in Switzerland as it depends on your preference, but top contenders for beauty include the fairytale valleys of Lauterbrunnen/Grindelwald (dramatic Alps, waterfalls), the iconic Zermatt (Matterhorn, skiing), the lakeside charm of Lucerne (medieval city, lake), and the adventure hub of Interlaken, all offering breathtaking scenery, from pristine lakes to snow-capped peaks and charming villages.
SWITZERLAND TRAVEL TIPS FOR 1ST TIMERS | 30+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Switzerland + What NOT to Do
Is there a high speed train from Zurich to Geneva?
The route from Zurich to Geneva is relatively short, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes on the high-speed trains. As you depart from Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, you'll be surrounded by the vibrant city life and world-class shopping opportunities.
The best way to travel to Switzerland from the U.S. is by taking a flight from one of these U.S. hubs into a major Swiss city like Zürich or Geneva. From there, you can take connecting flights to Bern, Davos, Zermatt, and Basel.
Which two cities in Switzerland have train stations within the airport?
Zurich Airport railway station (German: Bahnhof Zürich Flughafen) is a railway station serving Zurich Airport in Switzerland. The station is located underneath the Airport Centre, the main ground-side passenger terminal of the airport, which is in the canton of Zurich and the municipality of Kloten.
Both cities are expensive, even by Swiss standards. However, cost of living in Geneva is often higher in certain areas like groceries, healthcare, and restaurants. Rent: Many expats find Zurich more manageable when it comes to finding an apartment. There are more housing options and slightly more flexible rental laws.
The best airport to fly in and out of when visiting Switzerland is Zürich International Airport (ZRH), with Geneva's International Airport (GVA) coming in a close second.
The best month to visit Switzerland depends on your priorities: June-August offers peak summer for hiking, festivals, and open attractions but is crowded and expensive; September provides stunning fall colors, fewer tourists, and great hiking; while December-March is ideal for snow sports, with Christmas markets in cities, though mountain areas are busy. For fewer crowds and blooming wildflowers with mild weather, consider May, but be aware some mountain transport might be closed.
A non-stop flight from the UK to Switzerland is short, typically taking around 1 hour 30 minutes to just under 2 hours, depending on the specific cities, with London to Zurich often being about 1 hour 40 minutes and London to Geneva around 1 hour 35 minutes, though times vary slightly by airline and departure/arrival airports.
3 Days in Zurich. From hidden graffiti art in the picturesque Old Town to Swiss delicacies in authentic restaurants, to a chocolate tour at the Lindt Home of Chocolate – 3 days in Zurich offer the ideal opportunity to experience the city in all its diversity.
Where should I go for my first time in Switzerland?
Switzerland is nature at its most dramatic and for the first time visitor we recommend that you choose to stay in the calm and beauty of the Lake Lucerne region or the majestic mountains of the Jungfrau region. Both these areas have so many wonderful excursions that you could stay a month and not see them all!
What is the cheapest day of the week to fly to Switzerland?
If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Switzerland on a Wednesday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Saturday is the most expensive day to fly from Los Angeles to Switzerland.
Which city is best to stay in Switzerland for tourists?
Zurich. Located in the heart of Europe, and in the center of Switzerland, is the city of Zurich. Often recognized as one of the world's most livable cities, Zurich is framed by alpine mountains and set where the Limmat River meets Lake Zurich's shores.
If you're a US citizen planning a short trip to Switzerland (up to 90 days), you don't need a Switzerland visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your stay.
This Zurich to Geneva day trip encapsulates the heart of Switzerland, blending Zurich's cultural heritage with Geneva's diplomatic prominence. It's a journey that offers a deep appreciation for Switzerland's diversity and beauty.
Which is the most scenic train ride in Switzerland?
Switzerland boasts several incredibly scenic train rides, but the Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz) and the Bernina Express (Chur/St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy) are top contenders, often cited as the most spectacular, offering panoramic views of the Alps, glaciers, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, with the Bernina Express crossing the Alps without a summit tunnel. Other favorites include the Jungfrau Railway to Europe's highest station and the Gornergrat Cog Railway near Zermatt for Matterhorn views.
How long is the Bernina Express from Milan to Switzerland?
The Bernina Express train offers a breathtaking 4-hour journey along the iconic Bernina Express route, winding through the Swiss Alps. Connecting Chur to Tirano, this scenic ride features the spectacular 2-hour stretch between St. Moritz and Tirano, a highlight of our Premium Panoramic Train collection.
