By Plane
Switzerland has three international airports that are directly accessible from German cities:
Zürich-Kloten (ZRH) — The Hub
The largest airport in Switzerland, hub of Swiss International Air Lines (Lufthansa Group). Direct flights from all major German cities: Munich (50 min), Frankfurt (1:00h), Berlin (1:20h), Hamburg (1:25h), Düsseldorf (1:10h). Also Eurowings, Ryanair, and easyJet.
Transfer:
- SBB train: 10 minutes to Zürich main station. 6.80 CHF (2nd class). Every 5–10 minutes. The fastest and cheapest way!
- Tram 10: 30 minutes to the city center. Included in the ZVV ticket.
- Taxi/Uber: 50–70 CHF to the center, about 20 min.
Geneva-Cointrin (GVA) — Gateway to Romandy
Located right on the French border. Direct flights from Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg with Swiss, easyJet, and Lufthansa. Ideal for Lausanne, Montreux, and Valais.
Transfer: Train to Geneva-Cornavin station in 7 minutes (from 3.60 CHF). Free ticket for public transport zone Geneva upon arrival at the baggage claim!
Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP) — The Tri-Country Airport
Unique airport on French soil, shared between Switzerland, France, and Germany. Cheap flights with easyJet, Wizz Air, and Ryanair. Ideal for Basel, Bern, and the Central Plateau.
Transfer: Bus 50 to Basel SBB station in 20 minutes (5.10 CHF).
Flight Prices (Guidelines, one-way)
| Route | Off-season | Peak season |
|---|---|---|
| German city → Zürich | 40–90 € | 70–180 € |
| German city → Geneva | 45–100 € | 75–200 € |
| German city → Basel | 30–70 € | 50–140 € |
💡 Tipp
For many German cities, the train is faster than the plane (door-to-door): Munich → Zürich in 3:30h, Frankfurt → Basel in 2:50h, Stuttgart → Zürich in 2:45h. No check-in, no security stress, city center to city center.
