Luckily for you, if you’ve found yourself with a layover at Zurich Airport, you’re passing time at one of Europe’s more traveller-friendly hubs. Travellers often praise the airport for its clean layout, clear signage, and efficient connections. It’s not especially large, but it is well equipped with shops, restaurants (often pricey), and fast links into Zurich and nearby towns. Whether you want to eat, stretch your legs, or simply pass the time comfortably, here are 12 things you can do on a layover at Zurich Airport.
1. Enjoy a meal
Start your layover with a proper meal or a few local bites. Zurich Airport lists 60+ restaurants, cafés, and take-away counters, spread across landside and airside areas. Options range from quick coffee stops to full sit-down restaurants — with prices generally higher than in the city.
If you’re curious about Swiss food, look for raclette or rösti at traditional-style restaurants such as Chalet Suisse, which focuses on classic Swiss comfort dishes. For lighter fare, Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar is popular for seafood and small plates, while Filini Restaurant serves Italian-leaning dishes if you want something familiar but well executed.
For snacks and casual meals, bakeries and cafés sell fresh breads, pastries, sandwiches, and salads typical of Swiss daily eating. Chocolate lovers often browse Lindt or Confiserie Sprüngli for pralines, truffles, and packaged sweets — fun to sample, though not budget-friendly.
International chains like Starbucks and Burger King are also available if you want something quick and predictable.
2. Relax in a lounge
Spending your layover in an airport lounge might be just what you’re looking for: pay a single fee for access to a comfortable, relaxing environment with food and drinks included in the price – and maybe even shower facilities! Luckily, some airport lounges here offer access to any traveller, regardless of the airline or flight class flown. Pre-book a pass online or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. [ read more ]
3. Hit the shops
Shopping is an easy way to pass time at Zurich Airport, especially if you’re looking for Swiss-made goods or last-minute gifts. The airport has 60+ shops, including bookstores, pharmacies, duty-free, and travel convenience stores.
For distinctly Swiss items, you’ll find Swiss watch brands, jewelry, and accessories throughout the terminals — mostly at premium prices. Chocolate is the most popular souvenir: Lindt boutiques and Confiserie Sprüngli sell boxed chocolates and confections that travel well.
Other local or regional brands include Swiss cosmetics, skincare, and specialty food products such as honey, biscuits, and packaged cheeses (subject to customs rules). There are also shops selling Swiss fashion basics and outdoor gear, reflecting the country’s everyday style.
Even if you’re not planning to buy, browsing the chocolate shops or duty-free areas is a low-effort way to fill time between flights.
4. Freshen up
A shower can make a big difference on a long layover. Pay-to-use shower facilities are available at Zurich Airport, typically bundled with towels, toiletries, and hair dryers.
Showers are offered through airport-connected facilities such as the Radisson Blu Hotel, the Airport Fitness & Wellness Center, and the Transit Hotel. Access methods, prices, and availability vary by location.
5. Treat yourself at the salon
If you’d like to tidy up or indulge a bit, there are several salons in the Airport Centre offering hair and beauty services. McCoiffure and Dlux Hair provide haircuts and styling, while Ceremony and Ella Beauty Salon offer manicures, pedicures, waxing, and other beauty treatments.
Availability and pricing vary, so walk-ins may not always be possible during busy periods.
6. Tour the airport
Zurich Airport offers guided airport tours, some focused on operations, infrastructure, or behind-the-scenes areas. Options may include bus-based tours or themed experiences, with varying durations and prices.
These tours are more suitable for travellers with long layovers and advance planning, rather than short connections.
7. Squeeze in a workout
If you want to move around between flights, the Airport Fitness & Wellness Center at the Radisson Blu Hotel offers gym access, classes, sauna facilities, and showers. Day passes are available.
Shower-only options may also be offered for travellers who don’t want full gym access.
8. Rent outdoor equipment
Switzerland’s scenery is close — but most hiking and skiing areas are not realistically accessible on a short layover. That said, travellers with extra time can rent bikes through PubliBike, Switzerland’s bike-sharing system, to explore nearby paths and neighborhoods.
Bike rentals are typically arranged via service areas near the airport.
9. Hunt for treasures
Families travelling with children may enjoy an in-airport scavenger hunt, available primarily in German. These self-guided activities are designed to keep kids engaged while exploring the terminal.
Details and availability are handled through Foxtrail, and participation may require advance planning.
10. Go sightseeing in Zurich
Zurich Airport is one of the easier European airports for a short city visit, thanks to its on-site railway station and frequent train service. If your layover is at least 5–6 hours, leaving the airport for a quick look around the city can be realistic — as long as you keep your plans simple.
Trains run frequently and reach Zurich Hauptbahnhof in about 10–15 minutes. Luggage storage and lockers are available at the airport and the train station, which makes short outings more manageable.
From the main station, many sights are walkable. You can stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s main shopping street, or head into the Altstadt (Old Town) for cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and cafés. The Fraumünster is well known for its stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, and the Swiss National Museum sits right beside the main station if you prefer a single, contained stop.
Keep expectations modest: long excursions, mountain trips are not practical for most layovers. Always allow generous time to return, retrieve luggage, clear security, and reach your gate. However you pass your layover, don’t forget to leave enough time to return and pick up your luggage, process through security, and hop on your next flight. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Zurich.
11. Get Connected
Zurich Airport offers free Wi-Fi, typically allowing 4 hours of access per device. After that, you may be able to reconnect later or purchase additional time.
Registration is required. Most travellers receive a login code by SMS, but if you can’t receive texts, you can obtain a code using your boarding pass at a Wi-Fi station or information desk.
12. Sleep
Airport staff are generally tolerant of sleepers, especially overnight, though comfort is limited. Airside seating is usually better than landside, but seating without armrests is scarce. The airport becomes quieter overnight (roughly 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.), and unused gates may offer more privacy.
Be prepared for cool temperatures, lighting, and cleaning noise. Security or police may ask to see identification during overnight hours. If sleeping on a bench or floor, an eye mask and extra layer help.
For proper rest, several airport-connected hotels are available. A Transit Hotel in the airside area offers short-stay rooms and showers. Alpine Garden Capsule Hotel provides sleep capsules in the public terminal area. The Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport is directly connected via a walkway.
Additional nearby hotels offer shuttles or day-use rooms. See our Zurich Airport Guide for current details. [ read more ]
Updated 30 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Zurich Airport. Visit our Zurich Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.