One of the main attractions that the city of Zurich boasts is the Kloten Airport. It is the busiest in Switzerland and one of the largest in Europe in terms of the number of passengers allowed. Flights from here follow to Moscow, Washington, London, Paris, Berlin, Singapore and other cities located in different parts of the world. The largest airlines that are served here are Swiss International Airlines, Aeroflot, Air Berlin, Pegasus Airlines and others.
general description
Switzerland's main air harbor is located in the canton of Zurich. Kloten Airport is located thirteen kilometers north of the country's largest financial center. In 2003, a large-scale reconstruction took place here. In particular, another passenger terminal with car parking was built on the territory of the complex. In addition, an underground link between the individual parts of the airport was put into operation. Five years later, the complete reconstruction of terminal “B” began. Several large buildings on the territory belong to the national carrier - Swiss International Airlines.
As of today, Kloten annually serves more than twenty million passengers. About 120 aviation companies operate on its territory, the aircraft of which follow in 135 different directions (93 of them are flights to European countries).
Construction
In 1943, the search began for a plot of land intended for the construction of a large air harbor, and two years later a suitable place was found, and what was especially convenient, Zurich was very close by. The airport began to be built here in 1946. Debut flights from the new runway were carried out only two years later. Over the entire period of its existence, Kloten has been repeatedly reconstructed and expanded.
Terminals
Zurich Airport, the scheme of which is located below, consists of three terminals: “A”, “B” and “E”. All of them are connected to each other by transitions, each of which can be overcome on foot in about fifteen minutes. To get from terminal “A” to terminal “E” is possible with the free Skymetro train. It should be noted that the gates are at a very long distance from the registration area. It takes about twenty minutes to reach them.
Railway connection with Kloten
The main question that interests tourists who first arrived at the airport in Zurich: how to get to Kloten? The most convenient way to get to not only the country's largest financial center, but also to other major cities is by rail. The station, from which trains and a suburban tram leave, is located directly under the air harbor building, and it is allowed to descend to it even with a luggage cart. It should be noted that this is the cheapest, fastest and easiest way to travel, the main drawback of which can only be called the fact that it will not take you directly to the hotel. In order to get to the station, you must follow the signs with the inscription SBB.
Regardless of the time of day, the train departure interval is very small. The waiting time for a suitable flight will be no more than half an hour. You can buy a ticket in the machine or at the box office. It should be emphasized that the probability of checking a ticket is very high, and the penalty in its absence is 100 francs.
Other types of transport
In addition to the railway, you can get from Zurich Airport to the city by bus. However, it is not as convenient an option as the railway. The fact is that the bus runs to the Oerlikon station. The only time you should prefer a bus is if the destination is on its route.
Tram route number 10 with the message “Main Station (Zurich) - Kloten Airport” is considered quite convenient and fast. Unlike other types of public transport, its use allows you to get to your destination with much fewer transfers. Moreover, passengers have the opportunity to clearly see the city sights.
As for the taxi, the trip on it will cost about 45 euros and will take about 20 minutes of time. It should be noted that taxi drivers near the terminal are not crowding, and the parking can be found according to the relevant indicators.
Swiss Travel System
The most convenient way to travel around the country is the Swiss Travel System (“Swiss Travel System”). This is a preferential system designed for foreigners. It includes all public transport of the state: tourists have the right to travel from the airport to anywhere in the country at the price of a group transfer. The main feature is that the date is not stamped on the ticket. In other words, you can use it at any time.
Services
Most travelers who have visited here find the Kloten Airport (Zurich) quite comfortable. Waiting for a flight will not be tiring, as tourists have created ideal conditions for shopping and recreation. A large shopping center, more than sixty shops, bars, restaurants and cafes function on the territory of the building. A fairly popular and original service, which deserves special attention, is the ability to climb to a special viewing platform. Travelers have the opportunity from a relatively close distance to observe the takeoffs and landings of airliners, their service, take photographs as a keepsake. The cost of this service is 5 francs, and the preliminary inspection is similar to that carried out before boarding the plane.