Zurich in a few hours?

Question

hi, i live in South Africa, i'm traveling to Europe around new years..my flight stops at zurich for about 5 hours..what can i see in that time? will i see anything?

i admire the swiss and they have one beautiful country..

how far is the center from the airport..

thanks any input is appreciated

Answer 1

stay at the airport is the best option

Answer 2

The trains are fast cheap and on time, the airport is a quick trip into town.  Time for a stroll down the canals and a short train trip up the mountain.  I don't remember the name.  Easy to get around and the timetables are strictly enforced.  The info at the airport will tell you which train takes you to the look-out, I remember a half hour maximum up.  Fabulous City, take advantage of two short trips.

Answer 3

I would probably just stay at the airport. In 5 hours you would only be able to use one of those hours to really look around not including traveling to and from the main station to the airport which is outside of Zürich.

Answer 4

Stay at this airport! by the time you get off the plane, go thru customs, etc... it is not worth it to take the train go downtown and come back to catch your connection, since you must be 2 hrs at the airport prior departure,  and since you went out of the airport, going back thru security, etc...

Also, during New Years, weather and traffic will be horrendous.

Just think about it.

Answer 5

I agree with Beachgirl and Swissgirl, but will add that if the train you're on happens to be the S16, get off one stop AFTER the main station at Stadelhofen, right by the lake. Check out the lake and the river and the old town, and head back to Bahnhofstrasse at the end (in winter it's nicest at night, not sure when your five hours are). Don't worry, you can ask ANYONE where the train station is and they will tell you.

Oh! And have Gluhwein (mulled wine) and chestnuts! Best thing about Zurich in the winter (other than the train to the mountains)! The little stands are some of the few places you'll definitely need Swiss money, though.

Answer 6

You can take the train (the train station is under the airport)

into the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) in about 15 minutes,  then from the train station you just go straight out the

main entrance and you will be on Bahnhofstrasse, which is

a very famous shopping street, you can window shop, etc.

and make sure to go into Sprungli and get some wonderful

chocolates and Luxemburgerlis!  Bahnhofstrasse will take you

all the way down to the shores of Lake Zurich, which is a nice

spot to have a picnic.  Have fun!

Answer 7

Everyone that I know who goes there of late finds the place cold and stuffy. And expensive. You'd better bring plenty of money, too, if you want to go anywhere in that country. What, you think they are gonna line the roads and throw flowers at you?

  Best you bring along a book and stay in the airport.

Answer 8

even if you don't have that much time - it is still better to get out of the airport and see a few things. take the train from the airport to the main station (they run frequently). Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse until you reach the lake of Zurich. Nice view. Walk back to the main station along Limmatquai. It's worth the time. Enjoy :-).