Search Flights from Zurich to San Francisco

Zurich has a very well developed public transportation system within the city. This system also serves the airport, which is located 13 km from downtown Zurich. Using the tram or bus lines from anywhere in the city you can get to the main railway station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof. From this station you can easily take a train or tram to the airport. Zurich Airport is accessible by train, bus, tram, and taxi.

Train

Taking the train to the airport from the city center is very practical. Trains depart from the main railway station and get to the airport in about 12 minutes. Trains also run every 12 minutes.

Trains depart on time and are very reliable, unless there is a special circumstance that is causing a delay. The train provides transportation directly to the Airport Station, which is located on Level -2, next to the airport shopping center. Zurich’s main station experiences a lot of passenger traffic because trains operate not only within the city but to neighboring cities and countries like France and Germany as well.  

Other areas that regional trains travel to include the Glattbrugg Railway Station, Regensdorf Railway Station, Schlieren Railway Station, Waldburg, Wollishofen and Uetliberg. If you have time before your flight we recommend visiting the ShopVille mall, which is located beneath the main railway station.   

Bus

The city is famous for its public transportation network and the bus network throughout the city is especially advanced and comprehensive. Taking a bus to the airport is another convenient transportation alternative. You can take a bus from the main railway station, which is easily accessible from every part of the city. Buses provide direct transportation to the Airport Centre. Buses are on time and reliable under normal circumstances; in case of snow there can be delays.

Tram

The city’s tram network is also very advanced. The tram network extends to most parts of the city but the lines surround the city center. If there is a part of the city that is not accessible by tram you can transfer to a bus or train to get to your destination. Tram Line 10 provides transportation to the Airport Centre from the main railway station.

The following tram lines operate throughout Zurich: Line 2, which operates between Farbhof and Tiefenbrunnen Railway Station, 3, which operates between Albisrieden and Kluspla, Line 4, which operates between Werdhölzli and Tiefenbrunnen Railway Station, Line 5, which operates between Enge Railway Station and the zoo, Line 7, which operates between Wollishofen and Stettbach Railway Station, Line 9, which operates between Triemli and Hirzenbach, Line 10 which operates between Seebach and the Main Railway Station, Line 11, which operates between Oerlikon Railway Station and Rehalp, Line 13, which operates between Albisgütli and Frankental, and Line 14, which operates between Tremli and Seebach.

Taxi

Taxis are another convenient transportation alternative to get to the airport from the city center. However, taxis are more expensive when compared to public transportation options. Public transportation in Zurich is very comfortable and reliable, so you can enjoy the same comfort-level using public transportation for a fraction of the price.

Rental Car

If you don’t want to take public transportation consider renting a car, which can be more affordable than taking a taxi. You can rent a car from various rental car companies located throughout the city or book a vehicle in advance online. Renting a car to get to the airport is both fast and convenient.

Airport Information

Zurich Airport is located 13 km from the city center and is the primary international airport serving the city. It is also the largest airport in the entire country. In addition to offering convenient transportation alternatives to and from the airport, Zurich Airport also features services to meet passengers’ pre-flight and post-flight needs. Zurich Airport contains many shops, located both before security and after. The general area before security check features stores such as Migros, Herren Globus, and Inter Discount and places you can get a bite to eat or something to drink like Starbucks and McDonald’s.

Once passengers go through security they have access to a variety of services and venues. Passengers can go shopping for quality products at stores like Schweizer Heimatwerk, Porsche Design, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Greider, Omega, Swatch, Swarovski, Tommy Hilfiger, and Victorinox. The Duty Free shops offer passengers luxury products at reasonable prices. The airport also contains bookstores and gift shops where passengers can buy small items and knickknacks.  

There are a variety of restaurants located in the passenger zone, including Burger King, Center Bar, Chalet Suisse, Montreux Jazz Café, and Walter. Zurich Airport also offers passengers various services such as free internet for 2 hours, lounges, currency exchange services, emergency services, transit hotels and dayrooms, and even showers. 

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in San Francisco California, 21 km from the city center. The airport is a major transit center for passengers, particularly those traveling from Asia. San Francisco International is the second busiest airport in California and one of the first major airports to have an automated baggage system in place.  

San Francisco International Airport is an important hub for United Airlines and Virgin America. There are a variety of transportation alternatives available to get to the city center from the airport. You can get to various parts of the city from San Francisco International Airport by taxi, bus, train, rental car, and personal car.

Train

There are two rail systems that you can use to get to the city center from San Francisco International Airport. The first is the BART, a rapid-rail system. The BART station is located in the international terminal at the airport. The BART starts running in the early hours of the morning, providing easy and fast transportation between the airport and the northern and southern parts of the city.

The other rail system that you can use to get to the city center from SFO is the CalTrain. This train departs on the hour, every hour, every day of the week, until 10 pm. This train provides transportation between SFO and San Francisco and San Jose.

Taxi

One of the most convenient and fastest transportation alternatives to get to the city center from SFO is by taxi. Taxi fares are calculated based on the kilometers traveled. A taxi from the airport to downtown San Francisco can cost between 42 and 62 dollars and takes about 20 minutes. Taxis are readily available at each terminal at the airport and depart from the taxi zones located on the arrivals/baggage claim level. For more information on taxi companies and their contact information please visit San Francisco International Airport’s website.

Bus

SamTrans buses provide transportation between San Francisco International Airport and the city center. These public buses are operated by San Mateo County and run between San Francisco International Airport and San Mateo and various parts of San Francisco. SamTrans lines KX, 292, 397, and 398 stop at the airport terminals. Buses stop at the arrivals and baggage claim level of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and at Level 1 of the International Terminal.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another transportation alternative to get to the city center. There are many rental car companies that have offices at the airport. Renting a car is also a great way to get around the city during your trip. The AirTrain Blue Line provides access to the Rental Car Center from the airport terminals and it operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National, Budget, Fox and Thrifty. If you are traveling between multiple places make sure to specify your vehicle pick up and drop off location.

Bike

San Francisco International Airport contains bike assembly stations and parking areas for those who are traveling with their bike or who want to leave their bike at the airport. The BART and SamTrans rapid rail systems provide passengers with bike/transit options and the airport features marked bicycle routes.