The train station at Zürich airport (called Zürich Flughafen) provides convenient access to cities and mountain destinations across Switzerland. The train tracks are below the airport. Just follow the signs with the train icon.
Timetable
You can check the timetables on the SBB Mobile app and SBB.ch. Before your flight, it's helpful to check the possible connections, so you know what to look for.
The signs above the track show upcoming departures with train number, destination, and departure time.
Best connections
Below are the best connections to popular destinations, with the least transfers:
To Zürich HB (city): direct trains leave every few minutes, many options: S2, S16, S24, IR 13, IR 75, IC 8, IC 1, IC 81
To Luzern: direct trains are IR 13 or IR 75, departs about every 30 mins. Or you can travel via Zürich HB.
To Bern: direct trains are IC 1, IC 8, or IC 81, departs 30-60 mins.
To Interlaken Ost: direct train is IC 81, departs every 2 hours
To Geneva: direct train is IC 1, departs hourly
To Zermatt: direct train to Visp is IC 8, which departs every 2 hours. Then change to local train to Zermatt.
To Basel: no direct trains, must travel via Zürich HB
Tickets
Train journeys are free with Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail, and Interrail passes.
If you need a ticket, you can buy it on the SBB Mobile app, ticket machines next to the train track, or ticket counter/info desk near the tracks. Discounted 50% with Swiss Half Fare Card and for children age 6-15. Children under 6 ride free with parent.
Once you have a valid ticket, you can just get on the train. You do not have to scan your ticket or show it to someone. Random checks are done on the train. You will get a fine if you cannot show your valid ticket/travel pass.
Sample travel times & costs
Here are some travel times from Zürich airport (aka Zürich Flughafen) to popular destinations. I've include a sample adult one-way fare for 2024.
Zürich city (aka Zürich HB ): 9-13 mins / frequent direct trains / CHF 7
Lucerne (aka Luzern): 1h to 1h30 / 1 transfer / CHF 31
Interlaken Ost: 2h10 to 2h20 / 0-2 transfers / CHF 77
Grindelwald: 3h / 2-3 transfers / CHF 88.80
Wengen: 3h / 3-4 transfers / CHF 92
Mürren (aka Mürren BLM): 3h15 / 4-5 transfers / CHF 96.60
Zermatt: 3h40 / 1-3 transfers / CHF 134
Tips for better connections
When traveling with luggage, little kids, or those with reduced mobility, it can be difficult to change trains quickly. So try to choose connections with less transfers as noted below.
Zürich airport to Interlaken - There is a direct train every two hours, which is the best option if it works for your schedule. Otherwise you may need to transfer trains at Zürich HB and/or Bern, which can be a hassle with luggage.
Zürich airport to Zermatt - Easiest connection is the direct train to Visp, then transfer to Zermatt. Otherwise, you may need to transfer trains at Zürich HB and/or Bern, as well as Visp.