The 3 Closest Airports to zurich

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The 3 Closest Airports to Zurich

Zurich, a major global financial centre and a beautiful Swiss city, is well-connected by air. While it boasts its own large international airport, understanding the nearby alternatives can be useful depending on your origin, budget, or specific travel needs. Here’s a look at the three airports geographically closest to the city of Zurich.

1. Zurich Airport (ZRH)

This is Switzerland’s largest international airport and undeniably the closest and most convenient major airport for reaching Zurich. Located just north of the city, it serves as the primary hub for Swiss International Air Lines and offers extensive global connections.

  • Distance to Zurich City Centre: Approx. 12 km / 7.5 miles (10-15 minutes by train)

  • Address: Flughafen Zürich AG, P.O. Box, 8058 Zurich Airport, Switzerland

  • Pros: Extremely convenient location, direct frequent train access to Zurich main station (Hauptbahnhof) and other cities, vast selection of international and domestic flights, excellent facilities, major hub for SWISS.

  • Cons: Can be busy, potentially higher flight costs compared to budget airports.

  • Airlines: Hub for SWISS and Edelweiss Air. Served by virtually all major European carriers (Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, etc.) and many intercontinental airlines (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Delta, United, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, etc.).

  • Car Rental: All major international companies available (Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Enterprise, etc.).

  • Official Website: www.flughafen-zuerich.ch

  • Phone: +41 43 816 22 11

  • Rating: Generally rated very highly (e.g., ~4.4/5 Stars on Google)

2. EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP)

Uniquely situated on the border of Switzerland, France, and Germany, EuroAirport is the second closest major airport option. It’s a significant base for budget airlines like easyJet and serves the tri-national region.

  • Distance to Zurich City Centre: Approx. 85 km / 53 miles (1h 15min – 1h 45min by car or train/bus combo)

  • Address: Aéroport de Bâle-Mulhouse, F-68304 Saint-Louis Cedex, France (Note: has both Swiss and French sectors)

  • Pros: Good selection of European flights, major hub for easyJet (often cheaper fares), relatively close to Zurich, serves three countries.

  • Cons: Requires ground transportation (car, or bus to Basel SBB train station then train to Zurich), fewer long-haul options than ZRH.

  • Airlines: Major base for easyJet. Also served by Wizz Air, Ryanair, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Air France, Turkish Airlines, and others.

  • Car Rental: Major companies available in both the Swiss and French sectors (check location when booking).

  • Official Website: www.euroairport.com

  • Phone: +33 3 89 90 31 11 (France) / +41 61 325 31 11 (Switzerland)

  • Rating: Generally rated well (e.g., ~4.1/5 Stars on Google)

3. St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport (ACH)

This is a very small regional airport located east of Zurich, near Lake Constance. While geographically quite close, its scheduled service is extremely limited, making it an impractical choice for most travellers heading to Zurich unless using private aviation or the single scheduled route.

  • Distance to Zurich City Centre: Approx. 95 km / 60 miles (Approx. 1h 15min – 1h 30min by car)

  • Address: Flughafenstrasse 11, 9423 Altenrhein, Switzerland

  • Pros: Very small and potentially quick transit through the terminal, closest regional airport after ZRH.

  • Cons: Extremely limited scheduled flights (mainly Vienna), poor public transport links to Zurich, not suitable for most international travellers.

  • Airlines: Primarily served by People’s Viennaline (to Vienna), plus seasonal charters and general aviation.

  • Car Rental: Limited options, usually require pre-booking (e.g., Hertz, Europcar may be available).

  • Official Website: www.peoples.ch/en/peoples-airport-st-gallen-altenrhein/

  • Phone: +41 71 858 51 65

  • Rating: Often rated well for its size, but less data available (e.g., ~4.3/5 Stars on Google)

Conclusion

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is unequivocally the closest airport to Zurich city centre and also the closest major international airport. For convenience, flight selection, and ease of access to the city, it is the primary choice. EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP) serves as the next closest substantial airport, particularly useful for budget airline travellers. St. Gallen–Altenrhein (ACH) is geographically very close but serves a niche market with very limited scheduled flights.

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