Hello All, We are flying into Zurich Airport here in a few weeks and have a transportation question. We are first time Europe travellers and are unfamiliar with International travel. Our flight arrives in Zurich at 0835 and we would love to make a train at 0928, is this connection possible given the short amount of time? I understand we need to go through passport control, find and get to the train station, and then validate our railpasses. But we have no idea if this can be done in under an hour. We would love to make this train as the next one requires mulitiple connections and a much later arrival. Thank you in advance for any guidance or input!
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
From my recent experience at Zurich airport. I would definitely look at catching a later train.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
My experience is that it would be easy to do provided your plane is on time. The train station is on the lower level of the airport and is easy and quick to reach. Are you sure you can catch your train at the airport and do not have to go into Zurich. If you have to go to Zurich then you need more time.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
I would suggest that one biggest reasons for U.S. travelers missing their train is that they book it too close to their plane arrival. You might get lucky and your plane could be early. If not, you seem to have already researched the next train. I hope that you make the train you want.
Posted by
OP
Yuma, AZ, USA
3 posts
Thank you for the prompt responses. Yes, we have researched a second train later in the day, however, it makes 5 train changes instead of 1 and has 6 hours of travel compared to 3 1/2. What ever happens we will deal with it, but we just had no idea if at all we could expect to make the first train. Just wanted an idea of how long it take to make it through passport control, get to the train station, and validate a ticket at Zurich airport. Thanks again!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17436 posts
Where are you going? It doesn't sound right that your only other option is a route with 5 additional connections and almost double the travel time. There are numerous departures every hour from the Zurich airport and it is likely that another route similar to the one you like departs an hour later.
Posted by
Green Bay
21160 posts
And, of course, you are carrying on all your bags. Otherwise you are playing luggage carousel roulette.
Posted by
OP
Yuma, AZ, USA
3 posts
Heading to Fussen, Germany. We are carrying on our bags, but thanks for the tip.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17436 posts
Heading to Füssen, yes, that 9:28 train is the best connection. But after that there are other options that have 3 or 4 connections, some by boat which would be pleasant, and do not take as long as the route you fear. Use rail.ch to see the possibilities. We generally fly into Zurich and have no trouble getting a connection within an hour, but we know the system there and move quickly to get to passport control ahead of the line. Since you cannot predict whether your flight will land on time, best be flexible and have a backup plan.