Destination guide · Switzerland · Updated 18 October 2026 · Services are subject to change.
Why choose Zurich for a European rail trip?
Zurich is one of the rewarding stops to consider in Switzerland. Discover Old Town, spend time around Lake Zurich and include Lindenhof if your visit allows. The Interrail Global Pass can help link this stop with other participating rail destinations when the chosen train is eligible.
Switzerland’s appeal lies in lakeside cities, Alpine valleys and panoramic rail journeys. The national network is exceptionally scenic but premium excursions need care. If you have a flexible pass, decide whether Zurich is a daytime sightseeing stop or a place to spend the night; using an extra travel day for a short transfer is not always the best value.
What to see and do in Zurich
Old Town
Old Town is an important part of a visit to Zurich. Check opening hours, ticket policies and the location relative to Zürich Hauptbahnhof. Plan a route that leaves time for the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rushing straight back to the platform.
Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich is an important part of a visit to Zurich. Check opening hours, ticket policies and the location relative to Zürich Hauptbahnhof. Plan a route that leaves time for the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rushing straight back to the platform.
Lindenhof
Lindenhof is an important part of a visit to Zurich. Check opening hours, ticket policies and the location relative to Zürich Hauptbahnhof. Plan a route that leaves time for the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rushing straight back to the platform.
Arriving in Zurich by train
Main rail gateway: Zürich Hauptbahnhof. The actual station for your journey depends on the train and route. Verify whether the pass covers your operator, and inspect the platform and service information shortly before departure.
From station to sightseeing
Check mountain and lake cruises separately before treating them as included. A pass does not generally include city metros, trams, sightseeing buses or attraction admissions unless a specific benefit says otherwise.
A practical one- or two-day sightseeing plan
On arrival, leave luggage at your accommodation or a suitable station facility if available, then prioritise Old Town. Continue towards Lake Zurich at a comfortable pace, leaving time for a meal and unplanned exploration. For an overnight stay, visit Lindenhof the following day and check onward rail departures before you commit to a timed booking.
Staying overnight can make sense if the city has several attractions or if your next connection leaves early. For a shorter stopover, verify luggage storage, opening hours and how far the sights are from the station.
Using the Interrail Global Pass for Zurich
SBB/CFF/FFS and other participating companies cover many routes. Some mountain railways and cable cars are excluded or discounted, not fully included.
Panoramic trains, reservations and alpine supplements vary; confirm the exact service and passholder entitlement. Add each required journey to the mobile pass in accordance with the current instructions and keep seat reservation documents separately available when necessary. Pass validity is not a guarantee of a seat.
Where to go after Zurich
Continue your Switzerland adventure with Lucerne and Interlaken . These are suggested next places, not guaranteed direct or daily trains; check running services and travel times for your date. Cross-border options should also be checked against current network availability.
Read the complete Switzerland Interrail rail guide or browse all 33 Global Pass countries to build a longer European itinerary.
Tours and activities in Zurich
Browse current cultural experiences, walking tours and sightseeing via Viator. Activities are separate purchases and their availability does not depend on the Global Pass.
Experiences appear when the external Viator widget loads. Widget help .
Hotels and practical onward transport
Compare hotels and accommodation near Zürich Hauptbahnhof or closer to the sights, depending on luggage and walking preferences. For places beyond participating rail lines, check separately priced ferry, regional ticket and onward travel options .
Explore Zurich by rail
Compare Global Pass options before choosing your travel days and reservations.