London Zurich Flights

Overview –

It may not be the country’s Capital, but as far as everything else is concerned Zürich seems to outclass the majority of European cities. In fact, for no less than 8 years (2001-2008), it was officially recognized as the city with the best quality of life in more aspects than one: leisure and relaxation, safety, cleanness, political and economical stability and also medical care. So, does Zürich really have it all for everyone? Let’s say you are/aspire to be just for your short stay a quiet, laid back rather traditional little man searching for nature and all that comes along with that. Then you will have to choose between the numerous parks (Backer Park, Belvoir Park, Irchel Park or Platzspitz), gardens (Labyrinthplatz, Municipal Gardens, Chinese Garden) and of course the Zoo (with the 11000 square meter Masoala Rainforest) and Lake Zürich (no more than 35 minutes from the city, offering a wide range of GPS tours in that region).

In case you are a person with a passionate eye for art and a curious pair of ears for history, there are more than 100 art galleries and 50 museums awaiting your visit. Just to make it easier on you, we strongly recommend Landesmuseum or Swiss National Museum, built in 1898. Kunsthaus art museum is also a must as it exhibits masterpieces of modern sculptor Giacometti and of eighteenth century painter Fuseli, both of them, obviously, major Swiss artists. You should also schedule some time for the gothic church of Fraumunster that has window paintings made by none other than Marc Chagall, the Roman castle Lindenhof, St Peter’s Church or the house of famous architect Le Corbusier.

On the contrary, if you are just a night owl or a party animal, there will be plenty of pubs and restaurants to choose from, many of them having no official closing time. And for those of you who are just known for how quickly you can spend huge amounts of money, don’t forget to drop by Bahnhofstrasse just for a “short” walk… All in all, Zürich does seem to nail anyone’s expectations and wishes. No wonder it’s called the “Downtown Switzerland”…

Getting around –

Before starting doing that, you should purchase a Zürich Card (one to three days valid) that offers free public transportation, free entrance for 40 museums and deals at various pubs and restaurants. Naturally, most attractions are in the Old City (Altstadt), known as the first district. On the left side of the Limmat river you will find the Lindenhof and on the right side the Rathaus, both corresponding to the medieval period. In the Old City you can also see Grossmunster, Fraumunster, St Peter’s church, Platzspitz or the Botanical Garden.

Flights to Zürich –

Kloten Airport, located 8 miles north of Zürich, represents Switzerland’s biggest international airport. It has two terminals and is the hub to Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS). Underneath terminal B there is the Zurich Airport railway station. From there you can easily access many different locations from all of Switzerland like Winterthur, Bern, Basel, Brig or Germany such as Konstanz and Munich. On a daily basis there are approximately 18 flights from London arriving in Zürich. The main companies involved are British Airways and of course Swiss International Air Lines.
British Airways – This Company has 9 daily flights to Zürich, either from Heathrow Airport or London City Airport. The flight lasts for about one hour and 40 minutes. The first flight departs at 8:05 (local time) and arrives at 10:50 (local time). Next flights leave London at 9:40, 12:10, 12:55, 13:35, 15:50, 16:00, 18:35 and 19:10, landing on Zürich Airport at 12:25, 14:50, 15:35, 16:20, 18:30, 18:50, 21:10 and 21:55. Costs vary from 95£ to 288£ depending on the day of the week and also the season. In order to keep track with flights and costs we suggest you access one of the many OTAs available on the internet such as Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline, Travelocity etc. These are sure to provide you with the cheapest prices.

Swiss International Air Lines –

Many flights to Zürich are offered by this company, although they are more expensive. A one way trip costs approximately 372 £. There are 6 daily flights, the first one departing at 6:00 (local time) and landing at 8:40. The last flight parts from London at 20:00 and arrives in Zürich at 22:40.

Eurostar Train –

For those of you who don’t really enjoy flights, either because –let’s admit it- you are scared of them or you are just tired flying around all the time and not actually seeing anything, we suggest you try the old fashion way, but nevertheless updated. Why not take the Eurostar train? Skip the early morning rises to reach the airport in time to sit at …a line for the check-in. Avoid the ridiculous moments at the check up when you are asked to remove different pieces of clothing that otherwise you use only in private settings.

You are asked to choose between three types of seating: Business Premier, Leisure Select or Standard, depending on the level of comfort you require. Also the seating is carefully organized according to the travelers: are you with your partner, your family, your friend or are you just alone working? The journey itself is wonderful: the train leaves in the morning, at 9:32 from St Pancras London and arrives in Paris in about two hours.

You get off at one of the most prestigious railway stations in the world, Gare du Nord. From there a TGV will be waiting for you to embark and take you to your final destination Zürich that you will reach in the evening, around 7 o’clock. Needless to say that the scenery is spectacular, the TGV passing through Dijon, Neuchatel and Bern. This time you can really enjoy your travel admiring the views from a large, luminous window and not a small porthole, savoring a serious meal and a drink of your personal choice. A “nice trip” indeed…