Zurich is a one-terminal airport – and yet check-in areas, docks, gate letters and the Skymetro confuse many travellers. How the airport is laid out, which gates are for Schengen and non-Schengen flights, how long the walks take and where to meet your driver.
Your ticket says "Gate E42", the departure board says "Check-in 3", and on the phone the driver asks whether you are in Arrival 1 or 2. Anyone in Zurich for the first time soon wonders how many terminals this airport actually has. The good news: Zurich is compact and logically laid out once you know the principle.
This guide explains the layout of Zurich Airport step by step – from the station via check-in to the gate – and shows where to meet your driver on arrival.
The principle: one terminal, several docks
Zurich Airport is a so-called one-terminal airport. There is one central building with the check-in areas, a shared security check and, beyond security, the Airside Center from which the docks with the gates extend. So you can go through security anywhere and still reach every gate.
According to the airport and airlines, travellers need at most around 30 minutes from check-in to the gate. That makes Zurich one of the most pleasant transfer airports in Europe.
| Area | What happens there |
|---|---|
| Check-in 1, 2 and 3 | Counters, self check-in and bag drop before security |
| Security check | central, shared for all gates |
| Airside Center | shops, restaurants and lounges beyond security, connection to the docks |
| Gates A and B | flights within the Schengen area |
| Gates D and E | flights outside the Schengen area, with passport control |
| Arrival 1 and Arrival 2 | public arrivals halls, meeting point with the driver |
Check-in 1, 2 and 3
All three check-in areas are before security. Check-in 1 and Check-in 2 are in the departures hall, Check-in 3 is in the Airport Center directly above the railway station. Which area applies to you depends on the airline and is shown on the departure board and in your booking confirmation; SWISS, for example, uses Check-in 1 and Check-in 3.
If you have checked in online and only have hand luggage, go straight to security. With checked luggage, first go to your airline's counter or self bag-drop station.
The gates: A, B, D and E
After security you enter the Airside Center. The docks extend from here:
- Dock A: gates A, flights within the Schengen area, for example to Germany, France, Italy, Spain or Scandinavia.
- Dock B with gates B and D: gates B serve Schengen flights, gates D in the same dock serve non-Schengen flights, for example to London. For D you pass through passport control.
- Dock E: the long-haul dock with gates E, for flights outside the Schengen area, for example to North America, Asia or the Middle East. It lies between the runways and can only be reached by the Skymetro.
The Skymetro to Dock E
The Skymetro is a small driverless train that connects the Airside Center with Dock E in around three minutes, passing under a runway. It runs as a shuttle without a timetable, so you simply get on. You pass through passport control beforehand.
Do not confuse the Skymetro with the train to the city: it only runs within the security area. Allow a little more time to reach an E gate, including passport control and the Skymetro, than for gates A or B.
Railway station, car parks and The Circle
Zürich Flughafen railway station lies directly beneath the Airport Center; escalators and lifts lead up to Check-in 3 and the departures hall. Car parks P1, P2 and P3 are directly connected to the building – details and prices are in Parking at Zurich Airport.
Opposite the terminal is The Circle, with hotels, restaurants, offices and a convention centre. Which hotels can be reached on foot is shown in Hotels at Zurich Airport. If you have time, visit the observation deck overlooking the apron.
On arrival: Arrival 1 or Arrival 2
After landing, follow the signs to baggage claim and the exit. There are two public arrivals halls: Arrival 1 and Arrival 2. Which one applies depends on your flight; your driver knows it from the flight number and waits with a name sign right at the exit.
Everything about the meeting point, waiting time and what to do if you do not find each other straight away is in Arrival 1 or Arrival 2?.
On departure: where the driver drops you off
On the way to the airport the driver drops you in front of the departures hall, as close as possible to your airline's check-in area. Just tell him whether you need Check-in 1, 2 or 3; if it is not yet known, he takes you to the central entrance, from where all areas are a few minutes away.
How much time to allow at the airport is explained in How early should you be at Zurich Airport?.
Frequently asked questions about the layout of Zurich Airport
How many terminals does Zurich Airport have?
Essentially one: Zurich is a one-terminal airport with three check-in areas and several docks with gates A, B, D and E.
How do I get to the E gates?
After security and passport control, take the Skymetro, which reaches Dock E in around three minutes.
Which gates are for Schengen flights?
Gates A and B. Gates D and E serve flights outside the Schengen area.
Where is the railway station?
Directly beneath the Airport Center, with escalators up to Check-in 3 and the departures hall.
Where do I meet my driver?
In the public arrivals hall, Arrival 1 or Arrival 2, right after the exit. The driver waits with a name sign.
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