Transportation

1. Air

Flight time from Geneva to Los Angeles is 17 hours, and that from Geneva to New York is 9 hours 45 minutes. Flight time from Zurich to Los Angeles is 14 hours 35 minutes, and that from Zürich is 7 hours 20 minutes.

Main airports

Zurich Airport is the main airport for the city of Zurich. It is located 7 miles from the city (journey time - 20 minutes). There are trains running to and from the airport every 10 to 15 minutes. Regional buses run from the airport to different places. Passengers who arrive in Switzerland by air can buy a Fly-Rail Luggage ticket from the airport of departure. This ticket will allow them to have luggage delivered to the train station of their choice, and they can also check in their luggage at the train station up to 24 hours prior to their flight. Cabs are also available at the airport to take you to the city.

The Geneva Airport is located 3 miles to the north of the city. Cabs are available to ferry you to and from the city. Train service is also available from the Geneva Cornavin Station (journey time - 6 minutes). A good bus service is also available.

2. Bus

Bus stations in Switzerland are almost always situated in the forecourt of train stations. The time tables of buses and trains are coordinated together, thereby ensuring good connectivity between them. Swiss buses always turn up on time.

A majority of the bus lines in Switzerland are operated by the post office. They are yellow in color and have Die Post, La Poste, or La Posta on their sides. Many regions have local bus companies operating their buses, but even these are absolutely reliable. Sion and Chur have the largest post bus stations in the country. Both these areas are located in populous mountainous regions and are difficult to access by train. You might need to make reservations when traveling by some of the longer or more difficult bus routes like the ones over the Alpine passes. If so, it is indicated in the bus timetables. You could also check with the bus stations about this information.

You are allowed to send unaccompanied luggage to a post office by a postbus for pickup later, for a flat fee of CHF 12.

3. Car

It is very expensive to rent a car in Switzerland. It costs almost twice the cost of hiring a car in neighboring European countries. It could cost you about CHF 130 per day for the smallest car, although you would get better prices on including weekends. It is cheaper to rent cars via offices of agencies in your own country or via the Internet.

You must have an international driving license to make a car rental. Minimum age requirement for making a car rental is 20 or 21 years, sometimes it is 25 years.

4. Ferry

Switzerland is a country of numerous picturesque lakes and rivers with many of them connected by a system of waterways. Several watercrafts navigate these waterways. There are steamers and cruise ships with dining and entertainment. You could use a Swiss Boat Pass to travel across the country by water.

5. Ship

You can opt to travel to Switzerland from Amsterdam by boat along the river Rhine. You can also travel to Switzerland from Germany via Lake Constance, from Italy traveling along Lake Maggiore and from France traveling through Lake Geneva.

6. Taxi

Taxis in Switzerland are a bit expensive and you are expected to tip the drivers 15%, although they do offer a quicker alternative of travel.

7. Train

Train travel in Switzerland is comfortable and hassle-free. In addition, you are treated to scenic views all along the train ride. The Swiss Federal Railways or SBB-CFF-FFS is a modern and ecologically sound train system run by the government. Train fares are affordable and the staff is friendly and cooperative. Privatization of the railways took place in 1999.

You can reach almost anywhere in the country by the SBB, but some routes such as the Alpine lines, are operated by individual companies by which they were constructed in the first place. There are also many private line used by people to travel to and from the nearest towns.