Zurich HB (Hauptbahnhof) - Complete Station Guide
Zurich, Switzerland
Bahnhofplatz 15, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Open daily, platforms accessible 24/7
Zurich HB (Zurich Hauptbahnhof) is Switzerland's largest and busiest railway station, serving approximately 500,000 passengers daily. Originally opened in 1847, the current main building dates from 1871 and stands at the northern end of Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's premier shopping boulevard. For five consecutive years through 2025, the Consumer Choice Center ranked Zurich HB as Europe's best performing rail hub - a testament to Swiss precision and efficiency. The station is a multi-level transport complex with a distinctive layout. The main terminus platforms 3-18 sit at ground level under an impressive 1933 glass-and-steel trainshed. Below ground, platforms 31-34 serve EuroCity and select domestic long-distance trains, while platforms 41-44 handle the busy Zurich S-Bahn suburban network. Platforms 21-22, one level down, are used by the local SZU railway to Uetliberg and the Sihl Valley. Beneath the main concourse lies ShopVille, one of Switzerland's largest underground shopping centres with nearly 200 shops, restaurants and services. Zurich HB is a major international rail gateway. TGV Lyria high-speed trains connect to Paris in around 4 hours, Deutsche Bahn ICE services reach Munich and other German cities, OBB Railjet trains run to Vienna and Innsbruck, and Trenitalia EuroCity services link to Milan and beyond. SBB domestic InterCity and InterRegio trains fan out to every corner of Switzerland - from Geneva and Basel to Bern, Lucerne and St. Gallen. The station offers SBB-FREE WiFi (first 60 minutes free), luggage lockers, a travel centre, currency exchange and a wealth of dining options including the famous Hiltl vegetarian restaurant, Brasserie Federal and Swiss chocolate shops like Spruengli.
Station Facilities
SBB-FREE network, 60 minutes free, reconnect after 2-hour break
Self-service lockers one level below concourse. Small 5 CHF, medium 7 CHF, large 9 CHF, XL 10 CHF (up to 6h). Cashless only (card/Twint).
Electronic lockers, contactless card or Twint payment. Located one level below main concourse.
Brasserie Federal, Hiltl (vegetarian), Burger King, Spruengli and nearly 200 options in ShopVille
ShopVille underground shopping centre with nearly 200 shops. Migros, Coop, House of Chocolate, Drinks of the World. Many open Sundays.
Multiple ATMs throughout the station and ShopVille
Public toilets available, including accessible facilities
SBB Travel Centre on south side of main hall, numbered queuing with digital wait-time displays
Car rental services available near the station
Pharmacy available in ShopVille
Open daily 06:30-21:30
Bike rental service available at the station
24/7 parking garage adjacent to the station
Migros, Coop and Migrolino in ShopVille
Getting to the Station
Tram
Varies by originMultiple tram lines serve Zurich HB across four nearby stops: Bahnhofplatz/HB, Bahnhofquai/HB, Bahnhofstrasse/HB and Sihlquai/HB. Lines 3, 4, 7, 11, 13, 14 and 15 connect to all major city districts.
Trams are the fastest way to reach most Zurich neighbourhoods. Buy a ZVV ticket valid for your zones before boarding.
S-Bahn
From airport: 10-13 minZurich HB is the central node of the Zurich S-Bahn network. Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S12, S14, S15, S16, S19, S20, S21, S24 and S25 serve the station, plus S4 and S10 (SZU line to Uetliberg).
S-Bahn platforms 41-44 are underground - follow signs and allow extra time.
Bus / Trolleybus
Varies by routeSeveral bus and trolleybus lines stop near Zurich HB, connecting to areas not directly served by tram. Stops at Bahnhofplatz and Sihlquai.
Night buses (Nachtnetz) run on Friday and Saturday nights when trams stop.
Taxi / Ride-share
From airport: 20-30 min by taxiTaxi ranks are located at Bahnhofplatz directly in front of the main station entrance. Uber is also available in Zurich.
Zurich taxis are expensive - expect around 60-70 CHF from the airport. The train is much cheaper at about 7 CHF.
From Zurich Airport
10-13 minDirect S-Bahn (S2, S16) and InterCity/InterRegio trains run from Zurich Airport (Flughafen) to Zurich HB every few minutes. The airport station is directly below the terminal.
Buy tickets from machines in the airport arrivals hall or use the SBB Mobile app. A single ticket costs about 7 CHF.
Accessibility
SBB Call Center Handicap: +41 800 007 102 (free within Switzerland). Request assistance at least 2 hours before departure.
Easy level access from the street to the main concourse for platforms 3-18. Elevators and escalators connect all underground platform levels (31-34, 41-44). Accessible toilets available. Tourist information desk has a lowerable counter for wheelchair users.
Train Operators at This Station
SBB (Swiss Federal Railways)
View detailsโInterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, S-Bahn, EuroCity
Deutsche Bahn
View detailsโICE, EC
OBB (Austrian Federal Railways)
View detailsโRailjet, EuroNight
TGV Lyria
View detailsโTGV high-speed to Paris, Lyon, Marseille
Trenitalia
View detailsโEuroCity to Milan, Venice, Bologna
Popular Departures from Zurich HB
Tips & Insider Advice
Arrive Early for International Trains
International services (TGV Lyria, ICE, Railjet, EuroCity) depart from various platform levels. Check the departure boards carefully - platforms 31-34 underground require extra walking time via escalators or lifts.
Luggage Lockers Accept Cards Only
The luggage lockers at Zurich HB are cashless - they accept contactless credit/debit cards and Twint. Small lockers cost 5 CHF, medium 7 CHF, large 9 CHF and XL 10 CHF for up to 6 hours. Staffed luggage deposit costs 12 CHF per item per day (up to 25 kg).
Free WiFi - 60 Minutes
Connect to the SBB-FREE network for 60 minutes of free WiFi. After a 2-hour break, you can reconnect for another 60 minutes. No registration required.
ShopVille - Shop on Sundays
ShopVille, the underground shopping centre beneath the station, has nearly 200 shops and restaurants. Unlike most Swiss shops, many stores here are open on Sundays - perfect for last-minute purchases or a meal between connections.
Swiss Travel Pass and Half-Fare Card
If you plan multiple train journeys in Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare Card can save significantly. The Half-Fare Card costs 120 CHF and gives 50% off most public transport for one month. Buy them at the SBB Travel Centre in the main hall.
Dining Highlights
Zurich HB has excellent food options beyond the usual station fare. Hiltl offers world-class vegetarian cuisine, Brasserie Federal serves Swiss classics, and Spruengli sells premium Swiss chocolate. For budget options, head to Migros or Coop supermarkets in ShopVille.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nearby Stations
Information was compiled from official and trusted sources including SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), Seat61.com and public transport authority data. Opening hours, prices and services may change without notice. Please verify critical details directly with SBB or the relevant operator before travelling. Information last verified: 2026-03-18. For the most current details, please check the official Zurich HB website or contact the station directly.