I wanted to check on the easiest way to get to the main train station from Zurich airport. We do have some luggage and would this be a hindrance if we take the train? or is a taxi a better bet? where does one keep the suitcases on trains there?

>We do have some luggage and would this be a hindrance if we take the train?

As long as you can carry it, no, it won´t. The train needs about 10 min from the airport to the main station.

>or is a taxi a better bet?

If you have an extra arm and an extra leg to give up...

>where does one keep the suitcases on trains there?

Wherever there is space, and where it doesn´t inconvenience your fellow passengers.
Sorry, there are lot of different types of trains passing on the route.

Hi motheroftwoin,

Just to add some details to altamiro's post above --

The taxi will cost around 50 chf. Once I left my passport in my hotel, and the hotel's staff sent it on to me in a taxi, so that's how I know -- oh yes, I did give a BIG tip also!

It's quite easy to take the train, especially since you're going from train station to train station -- trains will link you directly.

You can load all your luggage onto a luggage cart at baggage claim, then roll the cart all the way to the train station. They are designed to be used on the escalators (much easier than it looks), or you can use the elevators to go downstairs to the train station. Then buy your tickets, find your track (gleis), and wait for the train. So you may have about 1m30 of discomfort when you load your bags onto the train -- not a bad compromise to save about 50 chf!

Good luck!

s

thanks a million, the train it is then. I was just wondering if the trains are extemely crowded then it will be a pain for everyone around.. including my husband.. But 50 francs is a lot.
Thanks again. We are there tomorrow evening and looking forward to a wondeful holiday thenks in no small measure to all of you...

Hi,

I live near Zurich, and I never take my car to the airport. Never. We always ride on the train.

The train station is right in the airport terminal building, and the luggage trolleys are free. You can even take them down the escalators to the train platform. Take your bags off and leave the trolly there -- another traveler will be grateful to have it there waiting.

Trains run at least every 15 min into Zurich Hauptbahnhof, often more frequently. If you want the exact schedule, go to www.sbb.ch. The number of people will depend on what time of day (rush hour?) and if you take a local S-bahn or one of the InterRegios. Don't worry about the baggage -- everybody is used to the airport crowd boarding with their bags.

Have a great trip.

-- Paul

I would like to second what Paul said.
The Zürich airport has an escalator and more than one elevator which descend to the raistation level in the airport.

Trains to the main Zürich station are frequent. For example in the hour beginning at 2 minutes after 3 pm (15:00) until 2 minutes after 4 pm (16:00), there are 10 connections that require no changes.

Travel time is 10 - 12 minutes depending on the train.

The local suburban train, the S-Bahn travels that route as well as inter city trains.

As for where you put your suitcases, the answer is anywhere you can. My largest one I usually stash at the end of the car or slide it between two seats that face in opposite directions. There are luggage racks but they require hoisting your case over your head.

Train fares are not dirt cheap but certainly less than a taxi.

make that rail station level of the airport

Thanks a lot you guys for all the useful info. Just one last question-Bob mentioned intercity trains. Do they also leave from the airport rail station? as our final destination for tomorrow is Interlaken. That would make it much easier for us and there will be one less change of trains.

>Do they also leave from the airport rail station? as our final destination for tomorrow is Interlaken. That would make it much easier for us and there will be one less change of trains.

Yes. Check the schedule at www.sbb.ch.

There are some direct trains from the airport to Interlaken (I think every 2 h). Other connections in between require a change either in Zürich HB or in Bern.

Thanks Altamiro,
got a direct train to Interlaken at the right time. Maybe a wait of 1/2 hour. Thats easier than negotiating another station and change of trains. Thanks a lot for your suggestion.

Yes. Intercity trains come through the airport station. No change connections to Interlaken leave at 9:39 and 11:39 and 15:39.

Numerous other connections require 1 change of trains. Usually the change is in Bern.

I suggest you check the schedule so that you can avoid the connections requiring 2 changes. Those are a chore with normal trans Atlantic luggage.

(I know; I have done it several times.)

Make sure you know whether or not you want Interlaken West or Interlaken Ost.
the two stations are separated by a couple of miles.

Interlaken Ost is usually the end of the line. Beyond that point the Berner Oberlandbahn operates trains to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. And other trains specially equipped ascend the Brünig Pass to Luzern.