Zurich Card: Everything You Need To Know

Many cities in Switzerland have cards specifically for tourists; Zurich is no exception. The Zürich Card is an excellent option for visiting Zurich for a few days as it offers free travel and entry to various attractions. Some museums are included, while many other of Zurich’s attractions have discounts, even up to 50%.

So, if you plan to explore this historic alpine city, find out if the Zurich Card is for you.

Zurich Card Benefits

There are many benefits to buying a Zurich Card, starting with free travel on all forms of public transport. This means unlimited travel on trains, buses, trams, and boats within the city. Any rides on cable cars or funiculars are included, too.

Entry to the following museums is also free with the Zurich Card:

• Swiss National Museum
• Kunsthalle
• Museum für Gestaltung
• Museum Haus Konstruktiv
• Museum Strauhof
• Beyer Clock & Watch Museum
• North American Native Museum
• Pavillon Le Corbusier
• Swiss Finance Museum
• Zurich City of Guilds
• Toy Museum

I managed to visit five museums in one day with my Zurich Card, as well as make use of public transport. So, in the end, I saved five times the card’s price. It’s a big win if you ask me.

Zurich Card Museums

You can also get great discounts on entry to Zurich’s museums:

And, there are a variety of discounts in specific stores and other attractions like

• AlpaMare Waterpark
• Hurlimann Spa
• Globus department store
• Franz Carl Weber toy store
• Schweizer Heimatwerk for souvenirs

And, quite a few other stores and experiences like an old town walking tour and other public city tours.

Certain boat cruises are also included, such as

• The short lake cruise
• Mini lake cruise
• The Limmat River cruise

You can find the complete list of benefits on the Zurich website.

Zurich Card Price

There are two options for a Zurich Card, a 1 day (24 hour) or 3 day (72 hour) card.

If you plan your trip right, you can use a 72-hour (3-day) Zurich card. Given it is less than twice the price of a one-day card, it makes a lot of sense.

The prices are as follows:

Note: Children 16 and over pay adult prices

Zurich Card Bike

Using a bike is a great way to explore a city like Zurich. And with Zurich Card Bike, you can combine the benefits of the Zurich Card with the rental of a bike or e-bike. Given Zurich’s hilly parts, I recommend the e-bike option, though.

The bikes are offered in conjunction with PubliBike, a Swiss-wide bike-sharing scheme. So, you know they are reliable and available.

Zurich Card Bike Prices

The prices for the Zurich Card Bike are 32 CHF for 24 hours and 62 CHF for 72 hours. Just be aware that you must also download and install the PubliBike App to use the bikes in Zurich.

Zurich Card Validity

You can get a Zurich Card for either 24 or 72 hours. And during that time, it is valid for free travel in the following parts of Zurich (see map below).

Where To Buy The Zurich Card

Online

The easiest way to buy the Zurich Card is online here. The best way to keep it handy is to download the Zürich City Guide App (Android, iOS) and store it there. The App also includes other useful information about Zurich and the attractions you will visit.

If you don’t want to download the App, you can download the Zurich Card as a PDF and store it on your phone for your stay.

In Zurich

You can also buy the Zurich Card in person at any one of these locations:

• Zurich Main Station – at the Tourist Information
• Zurich Airport – at the switzerlandinfo+ counters, Service Center or P2 car park, SBB Travel Center, or SBB ticket machines
• Ticket Machines – All SBB or ZVV Ticket Machines throughout the city

Is the Zurich Card worth it?

The Zurich Card is worth it if you visit many of the major attractions in Zurich covered by the card. It also offers free public transport and discounts on bicycles, so is great for getting around the city.

Public transport is also free with the card, and there are discounts on many local shops that tourists often visit.