4 Hour Layover in Zurich
 

Fying FF miles into Zurich on way to Florence at the end of April. Arrive at 8:15 and take-off at 12:40. Is this enough time to see anything in Zurich (such as hire a driver for a quick tour?) How far is the airport from the city center? I have never been to Zurich and would appreciate your thoughts.

Colleen...Downtown Zurich is only a few miles from the airport. It will take less than fifteen minutes to get there on the train and they run frequently. A taxi might take longer due to traffic at that time of the morning.
Zurich is a beautiful, safe, clean city but it is expensive. I have foung the train station to be a bit confusing so make sure you know whick track your return train is on before you tour the city. I would take a walk down to the lake area near the train station. Have fun.

Thanks Rich-anyone else with thoughts on "must sees" in this time frame?

Hi. Good advice about checking your track number and times (every ten minutes or so and they take 12 minutes). I think I'd suggest that you walk down the bahnhofstrasse a bit and then turn off to your left toward the river to wander the old streets. They are charming with interesting shops and cafes.

Ursula, if you're around, could you give colleenk the street address of the Swiss Heimatwerk shop in that neighborhood -- I can't find my card. J.

Colleen, I would recommend against getting a car and driver, the train from the airport to Zürich is much more convenient and considerably faster. The streets of interest to you in Zürich itself are closed to traffic (mostly) so a driver would not help. I second jmws ideas for wandering around. I think you would have 2 hours at the most so just time for a quick glimps. There is a Swiss Heimatwerk shop in the Zürich railway station. Below is a link to a map of the Zürich railway station. http://www.vbz.ch/fahrplan/plan/bahn...v/z_richa4.pdf. If you like modern stained glass there are some beautiful examples in the FrauMunster and the GrossMunster churches within easy walking distance off the Bahnhofstrasse.

Lynn is right. There is a Swiss Heimatwerk branch right in the train station.
The one on the Bahnhofstrasse, close to the lake, is closed for renovation right now.
By the way, if anybody should wonder about the huge stones in front of all the jewelry and watch shops on the Bahnhofstrasse. Well, they have been placed last week to avoid robberies by cars. Cars used to drive into the windows to crash them. This should have an end now. Looks pretty good to and you can have a rest on them. :)
I liked the benches better, but I guess, when you're tired, just any place to sit on is ok.