What is the cheapest way to travel in Zurich?

Public Transport Single second-class adult tickets start at 2.70 Swiss francs (or about $3) and are valid for 30 minutes. An unlimited day pass costs 8.80 Swiss francs (around $9.50); this is the best value, even if you only use the tram just twice.



The cheapest way to travel in Zurich in 2026 is by utilizing a ZVV (Zurich Transport Network) Day Pass or the Zürich Card. Zurich is a very expensive city, but its public transport is perfectly integrated. A 24-hour ticket for the "City Zone" (Zone 110) costs roughly CHF 9, which is cheaper than two single trips. If you are a tourist, the Zürich Card (CHF 29 for 24h) is the best value because it includes unlimited travel on all trams, buses, trains, boats, and the cable car, while also providing free or discounted entry to most museums. For those staying longer, the "9 O'Clock Day Pass" is a hidden gem; it is significantly cheaper but only valid after 09:00 AM on weekdays (all day on weekends). Avoid taxis and Ubers, which are among the most expensive in the world. Walking is also very viable, as the "Altstadt" (Old Town) and the lakefront are compact and pedestrian-friendly.

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The easiest way to get around in Zurich is by public transportation and on foot. You can find all schedules on the ZVV website. Tram and bus lines run from 6am to 1am mostly every 7 to 10 minutes. There is a tram or bus stop every 300 meters.

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Yes, foreigners can buy the Swiss Half Fare Card. In fact, it's only available to anyone who isn't a permanent resident of Switzerland or Liechtenstein.

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During 24 or 72 hours: Unlimited 2nd class travel on all forms of public transportation (tram, bus, train, boat and cableway) in the city of Zurich and surrounding region. Includes the Mini Lake Cruise, Short Lake Cruise and Limmat River Cruise. Free or reduced admission to the most popular museums.

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Long story short, if you plan on doing 2 of the more expensive scenic trains and the Jungfraujoch railway or the Schilthorn cable car, then the pass will save you money. Switzerland is expensive, but it's worth it, and the travel pass can help make it a bit more affordable.

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Backpacking Zürich Suggested Budgets For a mid-range budget of 195 CHF per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for most of your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like food tours, skiing, and museum visits.

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Zurich was ranked as the world's fourth-most expensive city in Mercer's 2021 report, and the most expensive city in Europe. n most Swiss cities, a single person would need a net salary of 3,500 CHF per month to live comfortably, while a family of four would need a net salary of at least 9,000 CHF per month.

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How much should I budget for food in Switzerland? If you eat out every meal during your Switzerland trip, I would budget about CHF 25-35 for lunch and CHF 40-50 for dinner per person including drinks. If you picnic, I would budget about CHF 10-15 per person per meal.

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Zurich Card: Gives you free travel on public transport in the city of Zurich and the surrounding area, free or discounted admission to 43 museums and many other benefits.

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The advantages for you.
  • Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat.
  • Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply)
  • Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities.
  • Free admission to more than 500 museums.
  • Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos.


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Yes, the Zürich Card entitles the holder to travel between Zurich Main Station and Zurich Airport and vice versa within the validity period of the Zürich Card.

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Trains and buses in Switzerland are included in the pass. However, seat reservations on panoramic trains are not included. Mountain railways (such as cable cars, funiculars, and rack-and-pinion trains) are discounted. City transport (buses, streetcars) is included in 90 cities.

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Rail passes are almost always a smart buy for Switzerland, with its fairly high pay-as-you-go ticket costs and excellent transportation system. The Swiss Travel Pass is a particularly good deal, as it covers nearly all transport in Switzerland — not only trains, but buses, boats, and many high-mountain lifts.

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