Travel to Switzerland
Flying to Switzerland
Switzerland has several major airports serving as key international and domestic travel hubs. The primary ones are Zurich Airport, Geneva Airport, EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg and Bern-Belp Airport. These airports ensure that Switzerland is well-connected to global destinations, with Zurich and Geneva airports being the primary gateways for international travel.
Swiss is the national airline. Other airlines operating flights to Switzerland include British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines.
Airport Guides
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
CodeBSL/MLH/EAP
LocationEuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is situated 8km (5 miles) northwest of Basel (in Switzerland), 25km (15.5 miles) south of Mulhouse (in France) and 70km (43 miles) south of Freiburg (in Germany). The airport is wholly within France, but is close to the Swiss and German borders.
Telephone+33 3 8990 3111
AddressEuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
Saint Louis
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Geneva International Airport
CodeGVA
LocationGeneva International Airport is located 4km (2.5 miles) northwest of Geneva city centre.
Telephone+41 22 717 7111
AddressRoute de l'Aéroport 21
Le Grand-Saconnex
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Zurich Airport
CodeZRH
LocationZurich Airport is located 12km (7.5 miles) north of Zurich.
Telephone+41 43 816 2211
AddressZürich-Flughafen
Zurich
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Bern-Belp Airport
CodeBRN
LocationThe airport is located within Belp’s city limits.
Telephone+41 31 960 2111
AddressFlughafenstrasse
Belp
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Flight times
To Geneva: from London - 1 hour 30 minutes; New York - 7 hours 50 minutes.
To Zurich: from London - 1 hour 35 minutes; New York - 8 hours.
Departure tax
None.
Travelling to Switzerland by Rail
Travelling to Switzerland by train is a seamless and scenic experience, with excellent connections from neighbouring countries. High-speed trains like the TGV Lyria link Paris to Geneva, Lausanne, and Zurich in just a few hours, while Germany’s ICE trains provide direct routes from cities such as Frankfurt and Berlin. From Italy, travellers can board the EuroCity trains for picturesque journeys through the Alps, connecting Milan to Zurich or Lugano. The extensive European rail network ensures that Switzerland is easily accessible, and once you arrive, the country's efficient Swiss Travel System makes exploring by rail a joy.
Rail passes
Switzerland is part of the Interrail Global Pass, making it an excellent destination for rail travellers exploring Europe. The pass allows unlimited travel across multiple countries, including Switzerland's scenic railways like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. Additionally, the Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on Switzerland's trains, buses, and boats, providing flexibility and convenience for exploring the country's stunning landscapes and cities.
Driving to Switzerland
Travelling to Switzerland by road is another excellent option, with well-maintained motorways and scenic routes connecting the country to its neighbours. Visitors can easily drive from France, Germany, Austria, or Italy. The motorways require a valid "vignette" (toll sticker), which is mandatory for vehicles using Swiss highways and can be purchased at border crossings or petrol stations. The picturesque Alpine passes, such as the Gotthard and Simplon, make road trips particularly memorable, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. However, driving in winter requires caution due to snow and ice, with winter tyres or snow chains often necessary in high-altitude regions.
