We have an upcoming tour to Switzerland. We are spending the last night of the tour in Lucerne but have a flight from Zurich Airport at 7:15am the next morning. What transportation options do we have to ensure we arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to our flight?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
You can take a train directly to the airport. About 30/45 mins from Lucerne as I remember. You need to check the schedule for sure.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
The first train of the day is at 4:55 am, arriving at the airport 6:13am. If your flight is domestic to another destination in Europe, it will be tight but probably okay. But if your flight is transatlantic you'll probably have to stay at a hotel the evening prior. Check schedules at the Swiss Rail site: rail.ch
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16057 posts
You should go to Zurich the night before your flight. It's a 60 km trip. It takes almost one hour (by car or train). The first train gets to Zurich ZRH at 6.13. There is also a flugbus that takes you to the airport from the Luzern station. It departs at 3;55 and gets you there at 5am. http://www.flugbus.ch/index.php?id=5 By "Taxi", you are looking at least 300-350 CHF, although I found this Shuttle service that is a little cheaper. About 160 Euro for 2 people or 230 euro for up to 4. http://www.easyairporttaxis.com/airporttransfers/reservations/taxi-from-Luzern-to-Zurich-Airport
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Patty, I definitely agree with Roberto. Given the early hour of your flight, staying in Zürich would really be the best idea. The trip from the main station to the airport is only about 10 minutes. I was in Zürich in October, and would suggest leaving lots of time. If your flight is with SwissAir, you'll only have a short walk to the check-in counter. However, if you're travelling with any other airline it may take some time to walk to the counter, as the airport is quite large. Happy travels!
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Patty. I would suggest staying overnight in Zurich. We flew out of Zurich back to Oz last April. It is indeed a huge airport and took longer than any other airport we have been to get to the departure gate. We stayed onight at the Ibis Zurich Airport hotel. They provide an airport shuttle service.
Posted by
Austin, Texas, USA
573 posts
Agree. The airport is big and there are 2-3 different lines to wait in to get to your gate. I would definately stay in Zurich the night before.
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
1046 posts
Hi Patty, As others have suggested it would be better if you were to stay in Zurich the night before, but if that is not possible, then you could try and see if your airline allows you to check in at the train station the night before, that way you could head straight for the gates when you get to Zurich airport. But it depends on the airline and your destination... Jim