Walking from Zürich Main Station

For the most up-to-date details, check Zürich travel info before you go.

For the most up-to-date details, check Zürich travel info before you go.

Start by exiting the station onto the famous Bahnhofstrasse. This street is known for luxury shopping and beautiful architecture. Follow the street south for about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles). The Lake Zürich walking distance from city center is quite manageable.

You will eventually reach Bürkliplatz at the end of the street. This square sits directly on the edge of the water. The promenade begins here and stretches along both sides. It is a perfect place to start your adventure.

The entire walk takes approximately twenty minutes at a steady pace. You can stop at many cafes along the way. Most visitors find the route very easy to follow. Look for the blue signs pointing toward the lake.

Using the Efficient Zürich Tram System

Trams are the most popular way to reach the water. They are fast, frequent, and very easy to navigate. Most lines run every 7 to 10 minutes during the day. You can find tram stops near every major hotel.

Take tram line 11 or 2 from the main station. These lines go directly to the Bellevue or Bürkliplatz stops. Both stops put you right next to the Lake Zürich promenade walks. The ride takes approximately eight to ten minutes.

Tram line 4 is another excellent option for visitors. It travels along the Limmat river towards the lakefront. You will enjoy great views of the Old Town during the ride. Get off at the Opera House for immediate lake access.

Always remember to buy your ticket before boarding the tram. Ticket machines are available at every single stop in the city. You can pay with coins or credit cards easily. Most machines offer instructions in several different languages.

Best Ways: How to get to Lake Zürich promenade

Arriving by water provides a unique perspective of the city. Several boat lines operate on the lake throughout the year. You can board a ferry from various points around the shoreline. This is a relaxing way to start your day.

Look for the Zurich Navigation Company (ZSG) boats at the piers. They offer short round trips and longer cruises across the lake. Most boats depart from the Bürkliplatz pier every thirty minutes. Prices for a short round trip start around 9 CHF.

You can use a standard zone ticket for some boat routes. Ensure your ticket covers zones 110 and 140 for these trips. The boats are clean and offer plenty of seating for everyone. This is a great choice for families with children.

Biking is another fantastic way to reach the promenade. The city offers many bike-sharing stations for public use. You can ride along the river paths to reach the lake. This allows you to explore the shoreline at your own pace.

Travel Costs and Ticket Tips for 2026

Planning your trip involves understanding the local transport costs. A single ticket for the central zone costs about 4.40 CHF. This ticket is valid for one hour on all transport types. You can buy tickets at any silver vending machine.

Consider purchasing a Zürich Card for your stay in 2026. This card offers unlimited travel on trams, buses, and trains. It also includes free entry to many local museums and attractions. A 24-hour card costs approximately 29 CHF for adults.

This card is highly recommended for those enjoying scenic walks in Zurich 2026. It saves you the trouble of buying individual tickets every time. You can purchase the card online or at the airport. It makes navigating the city much more convenient.

Children under six years old travel for free on all transport. Kids aged six to sixteen pay a reduced half-fare price. Always keep your ticket ready for inspection by transit staff. Fines for traveling without a ticket are quite high.

Accessibility and Parking Near the Lake

The route to the lake is designed to be inclusive. Most trams and trains feature low-floor entry for easy boarding. Station platforms are level with the vehicle floors in most areas. This makes traveling with strollers or wheelchairs very simple.

The promenade itself is flat and paved for its entire length. There are no steep hills or difficult stairs to navigate here. You will find many benches and rest areas along the path. Is the Lake Zürich promenade wheelchair accessible today? Yes, it is.

If you choose to drive, several parking garages are nearby. The Parkhaus Opera is located right next to the lakefront. Expect to pay around 4 to 6 CHF per hour. Parking on the street is very limited and often restricted.

Accessible restrooms are available at several points along the lakeside. Look for the "Züri-WC" signs for clean and modern facilities. Most of these toilets require a small fee or a key. The city maintains these areas to a very high standard.