Let’s learn how to spend a long layover in Zurich, Switzerland. A few posts ago we talked about why it’s a good idea to choose a long layover. You get the chance to visit two countries for the price of one. Now let’s see what I did during my long layover.

My first layover was 11 hours long. An 11-hour layover sounds very long. However, it goes by very quickly. The plane arrived early in the morning, so nothing was open for the first few hours. (I took a much-needed nap because I couldn’t sleep in the cramped plane seat. More about those seats in an upcoming flight review post.) Then I needed to go through passport control and exit the airport. All of that cut into my layover.

Store Carry-on Luggage

When traveling through Zurich Airport, you will need to go to the building across the street from the baggage claim at terminal B. This will take you to the airport train station. There are two areas in the station that have lockers. They range in size from small to extra-large.

Explore the Train Station

The airport train station in Zurich has a lot to offer. There was a bookstore. We caught a bite to eat. There were lots of restaurants and cafes to choose from. Even popular U.S. chains offered Switzerland-exclusive menu items. KFC offered veggie options.

The image below is of my sister’s Homestyle Crispy Chicken Curry Bacon sandwich from McDonald’s. Other stores sold clothes and shoes. I didn’t even have time to see most of the places there.

Buy Train Tickets

There are two types of trains that leave this train station. First there is a tram that rides on the streets. Then there is a regular train that rides above the streets. This train is quicker than the tram. The tram is good for sightseeing and if you are visiting somewhere a short distance from the train station. I took the regular train since I was interested in going straight to the city center.

The Train

The train itself was very unique. It looked like a commuter train. The seats were comfortable and included a tray to eat. Yet it took you short distances the same way a subway train does.

The train I was on had two levels. It included a place to put your bicycle. There was a bathroom on the lower level. The tickets were based on a merit system, where a conductor may or may not check your ticket.

Zurich HB Station

The Zurich HB station is 10 minutes away from the airport train station. This stop takes you to the city center and to a nice walkable area.

I walked around this area for most of the layover. There were shops located on the ground floors of buildings. Besides those stores, there were malls located in the buildings as well. Many people rode bicycles.

Research the Weather

Walking around the area was pleasant. However, I was cold. Malta, my actual destination, was going to be warm, so I didn’t bring many cold weather clothes. I should have done a little bit more research before my long layover in Zurich.

Visit a Grocery Store

I truly believe grocery stores are one of the best places to buy souvenirs. You’re also able to experience life like a local. The grocery store I visited is called COOP (Co-op) Supermarket, and they have many locations throughout Zurich.

I loved discovering the machines that made fresh juice. You could buy fresh orange juice as well as fresh pomegranate juice.

Check out the eggs below that are on the shelves and not refrigerated. This is Europe, where the eggs are not washed, so they don’t need to be refrigerated like in the U.S.

There were lots of different varieties of beer. They even had alcohol-free beer.

The Architecture

One of the highlights of my long layover in Zurich was the Swiss architecture. Each building I passed was more enchanting than the last. They came in such a variety of colors and shapes. Each had its own personality.

Get lost and explore Zurich! I gave you only a taste of what you can do during a long layover in Zurich, Switzerland. Going on one trip is great. It’s a whole different story when you get to visit two countries for the price of one.  If you have a trip coming up, definitely choose the flight with the long layover.