Jrwest1's question reminded me to ask also. We have a 7am flight out of Zurich, which means getting to the airport around 5am. When I read various tripadvisor reviews of airport hotels and their shuttles, people often mentioned that the first shuttles of the day (typically 5:30am) could be overbooked, need to make a second stop, etc. I was thinking that staying a night at the Ibis Budget Zurich Airport and using the tram seemed like a reliable way to get to the airport early without paying the rates of something like the Radisson Blu at the airport or stressing about not getting to the airport until 6am. Does that sound like a good approach? Any other ideas? Thank you all.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2813 posts
Your approach sounds pretty sound to me.
Personally, my wife and I like to minimize stress on travel days, especially "getaway day" for the return trip to the US when concerns about security procedures, times, general logistics, etc. are much on our minds. We typically book a place as close to the airport as possible and sort out transportation in the morning well in advance. If there's any doubt about the availability or timeliness of the hotel shuttle we'll book a dedicated taxi to get us there in plenty of time to check in. We'd rather do our waiting (if any) on the other side of the security queue - relaxing with breakfast and a cup of coffee before boarding the aircraft.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4375 posts
You could also contact some of the airport hotels (from what I saw, there were quite a few) and confirm those shuttle start times. If there really is a 7 AM departure, you can't be the only one trying to make it - in fact, there will be a whole planeful of people trying! So there might be some accommodation.
IIRC the Radisson is literally almost inside the terminal, and I can't imagine it costs all that much to relieve that kind of stress.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32198 posts
Travel from the Zürich main station to the airport only takes 10-12 minutes by train, so it's usually possible to enjoy the last evening in the city. The earliest train leaves the Hbf at 05:02 and arrives at the airport at 05:14.
However staying close to the airport is probably the best idea for a flight at 07:00. One point to clarify is whether your flight is an international flight or one to another European airport.
Posted by
OP
82 posts
Thanks for the responses. It's a SWISS flight to Vienna on a Sunday morning in July.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32198 posts
PHJ,
Thanks for the flight info. As your flight is within Europe, you may be able to get by with slightly less check--in time so staying in Zürich the night prior to your flight may be an option. I'll leave that question to the consensus on the forum.
As I recall, the Swiss Air check-in counters are fairly close to the rail station (as might be expected with the flagship airline in any country), so you won't have far to wallk.
Posted by
OP
82 posts
Thank you for your help.
Posted by
Alabama, USA
271 posts
Zurich Apart Hotel operated by Hilton. Check out Tripadvisor ratings. First shuttle is 5:30 and I have taken it several times. Not over-booked when I have been there. Super reasonable rates with nice bathrooms (nice to take a good shower before heading out) and big breakfast starting pretty early.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32198 posts
PHJ,
If you decide to stay in Zürich the night prior to your flight, you could consider Hotel Walhalla which is right across from the main station, and the walk is only about two minutes. In the same situation, I'd check the airlines website to determine their recommended check-in time for intra-Europe flights. That would be the determining factor on whether to stay in Zürich or closer to the airport.