5-Hour Layover in Zurich

Posted by jakeoakman on 09/26/23 04:30 PM

My return flight from Singapore to the US includes a 5-1/2-hour layover in Zurich. I've never been to Switzerland and would like to spend at least an hour or two outside of the airport exploring Zurich. It sounds like the train is pretty efficient to get from the airport to the town center. Is 5 and a half hours enough time to clear customs, get into town, explore for a bit, and get back in time for my departure back to the states? What time commitments should I factor into my planning (i.e. clearing customs, going through security again on my return to the airport, etc.). Any tips on what to see in Zurich on a compressed time schedule?

Thanks in advance for any tips and advice.

Posted by wanderweg

Nashville, TN

09/27/23 12:49 PM

612 posts

That’s definitely on the edge. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the train from the terminal + 10 minute train, so roundtrip your transportation is going to take probably 1.5 hours by the time you factor in wait time for the train, etc. and getting back through security to go to the US I’d want to be there 2 hours prior. I’m not 100% about customs from Singapore, I’m pretty sure you’d have to clear customs to exit the airport since you’d be arriving from another continent, which with a non EU passport is who knows how long sometimes. Could be fast, could be slow depending on the day/time. Best case scenario is that you’d have around an hour in Zurich. I’d personally not want to mess with that, but maybe it’s worth it to you. If not, the Zurich airport has a big mall with shops & restaurants.

Posted by FastEddie

Florida

09/27/23 03:35 PM

1450 posts

Not worth it. Most you will see is a peek at the train system.

Posted by jakeoakman OP

09/27/23 03:39 PM

3 posts

Thank you both for your replies!

I've actually had to change my travel home from Singapore and am not flying through Amsterdam... with more time in between flights. I'll research the Amsterdam forums and may post some questions over there.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply. I'm actually glad it worked out this way, I know if I was just sitting at an airport in a country I've never been, I'd have some definite FOMO!

Posted by shoeflyer

Chicago

09/28/23 02:03 AM

647 posts

Depending on what city you end up having your layover in, buying a pass to a nice lounge
would also be an option. If you're exhausted from the first leg and have a long second leg
in economy to (not) look forward to, being able to relax in a lounge and perhaps take a
shower might be a good way to go.