Getting around Zurich

Public transport

Public transport in Zurich is typically Swiss in its efficiency. The Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ) (tel: +41 848 988 988; www.stadt-zuerich.ch/vbz) operates trams and buses. Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV) (tel: +41 848 988 988; www.zvv.ch) operates services within the canton as a whole, including all trains. Tickets must be purchased at machines (located at stops and stations) and validated before boarding.

Zurich operates on a zone system. A single fare for one to two zones is valid for one hour. The 24-hour and 72-hour ZürichCARDs cover all travel in the seven central zones, including trips to and from the airport. The 9-Uhr-Tagespass is ideal for regional day trips, valid for journeys after 0900.

Ferries also form part of Zurich's public transport network. The main terminal is at Enge, but it can be easier to board at Bürkliplatz. Zürich Navigation Company (tel: +41 848 988 988; www.zsg.ch) operates services to Rapperswil and Schmerikon.

Taxis

You can hail taxis in the street, pick them up at ranks or book them by phone. Reputable companies include Züri Taxi (tel: +41 44 222 2222) and Taxi 444 (tel: +41 44 444 4444). A compulsory service charge of 15% is included in the fare, although it's customary to tip for luggage handling.

Driving

Motorways almost go right into the city centre, making driving fairly easy. However, parking in the city can be difficult. Some of the more central car parks are located on Beethovenstrasse, Uraniastrasse, Sihlquai, Löwenstrasse and Gessner-Allee.

Car hire

Zurich is well represented by the major car hire firms, including Alamo (tel: +41 43 255 5656; www.alamo.ch), Avis (tel: +41 44 296 8787; www.avis.ch), Europcar (tel: +41 44 271 5656; www.europcar.ch) and Hertz (tel: +41 848 822 025; www.hertz.ch). The minimum age for car hire is 21. You must have held a full licence for at least one year.

Bicycle hire

Cycling is popular in Zurich, especially along the shores of the lake. From May to October Züri Rollt (tel: +41 44 415 6767; www.aoz.ch/zuerirollt) offers free bicycles for use in the city on presentation of a valid ID. Hire locations include the Velogate at the Hauptbahnhof and Bürkliplatz.

If you’re heading further afield or for longer trips, you can hire bikes at the railway station from Rent A Bike (tel: +41 41 925 1170; www.rentabike.ch).