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Need help on post-flight night/day (Zurich, Lucerne)

Hello,

I am traveling with my wife and almost 4 year old to Switzerland, arriving on an 12hr overnight flight from San Fran to Zurich at 340pm on Sunday 5/18. We will be spending most of our time in/around Lauterbrunnen starting 5/19.

Some factors that i would like advice on: how long does it typically take to get through customs and out of the Zurich airport? I’m concerned that we may be tired and want to just go check into a hotel and relax that first night, so leaning towards staying in Zurich by the train station 5/18. With that plan, we’d wake up early and train to Lucerne for the day (leaving bags at train station), and then take the golden pass scenic train to Lauterbrunnen that afternoon.

The alternate plan would be: continue on to Lucerne directly after our plane lands (extra hour train on top of the time for customs etc), and stay in Lucerne for the night, and already be there for the next day (more travel 5/18, less travel 5/19).

It seems most people would recommend Lucerne over Zurich for the night, but I’m just worried about the extra travel after our flights and customs etc, and wondering if people would recommend just staying close to the airport to catch up to the time zone and not really try to see / do much after arriving, saving Lucerne for the next day. What is your advice, and any other factors i should consider?

Thanks!

Posted by
3483 posts

I’d head straight to Lucerne. It’s just over an hour train ride. Train station is right in the airport so it’s easy. No need to buy tickets ahead of time. Just buy when you land from the SBB app and you can take whatever train you like.

As far as passport control, I’ve had no lines at Zurich and lines over 90 minutes. So, you just don’t ever know. Depends on how many flights arrive around the same time and how many workers they have. Hopefully, you'll get lucky and the wait wont be long.

Have a great trip!