Zurich Airport Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Zürich is Switzerland’s largest city, and so it’s not too surprising to find its home to the country’s largest airport. Located in the predominantly German-speaking northern part of Switzerland, Zürich Airport welcomes over 31 million passengers to the country each year. With excellent transit links, Zurich Airport makes a great base to explore the rest of this fascinating country.

Zürich Airport is located only eight miles from the center of the city, so it’s easy to begin exploring right away. Make things easier on yourself by dropping off any unneeded luggage at a luggage storage service near Zürich Airport. Traveling light means you’ll be able to see and do so much more in the city and the country.

Zürich Airport bag policy

Zürich Airport’s bag policy is similar to that you’ll find in any major airport around the world. There is no limit on the amount of bags you are allowed to bring, but if you’re boarding a plane, they will be subject to search. As elsewhere, liquids are not allowed in volumes of over 100 milliliters, so make sure you get rid of them before you enter the secure area of the airport.

Zürich Airport offers luggage lockers in the main terminal. However, you may find it easier to store your belongings at a luggage locker near Zürich Airport but not actually in the terminal. That way, it will be easy to pick up your bags when you need them again.

Zürich Airport food policy

Zürich Airport allows you to bring your own food if you choose to do so. But remember, liquids above 100 milliliters won’t be allowed past the security check. Other than that, you won’t have a problem bringing your own food to the airport and even onto the plane.

But if you don’t feel like doing that, Zurich Airport offers plenty of places to eat. Along with the usual fast food outlets such as McDonald’s and KFC, you’ll find more high-end establishments such as Restaurant Chreis 14, Sternen Grill, and Filini.

Zürich Airport camera policy

You are allowed to bring cameras to Zürich Airport and take photos of the terminal and the runway if you want. However, as with all airports, you should be mindful of secure areas. Don’t take photographs of security personnel or secure areas of the airport unless you want some awkward questions to answer. Also, professional photography equipment such as tripods and lights are not allowed in the airport without prior permission. If you have a lot of expensive camera equipment with you, it may be easier to drop it off at a suitcase storage near Zürich Airport. That way, you know it will be safely looked after while you travel.

Zürich Airport rules

• Smoking is not permitted in Zurich Airport. However, there are designated smoking lounges inside the airport, both in the passenger area and in the public area of the facility.
• Any animals other than guide dogs must be transported in suitable carriers inside the airport.
• Zurich airport has a customs desk where you may be able to reclaim sales tax paid on expensive items. Switzerland is not part of the EU customs union, so make sure you follow all rules regarding customs allowances and duty-free shopping.
• A train connects Zurich Airport with Zurich Main Station. Trains run every five to ten minutes.
• You can also reach Zurich Airport on S-Bahn lines 2 and 16, and the journey from the city center only takes around ten minutes.

Zürich Airport lockers 

Zurich’s cultural treasures and idyllic lakeside setting mean the city receives millions of visitors every year. A huge portion of those visitors come into the city through the airport, making it an extremely busy place. Luckily, Switzerland’s famously efficient public transportation network makes it simple to get from the airport to the city and vice versa so you can quickly start enjoying your trip.

Make things even easier by dropping off your bags at a luggage storage near Zurich Airport.