Oerlikon Railway Station

Oerlikon Railway Station (Zürich Oerlikon) is one of the most important transport hubs not only in Zurich but in all of Switzerland. Located in the northern part of the city, it serves as a key transfer point for passengers travelling from the airport to the city centre or other regions of the country. Thanks to a recent large-scale reconstruction, the station has been transformed into a modern, spacious, and convenient complex with developed infrastructure.

The station acts as the "North Gate" of Zurich, serving tens of thousands of passengers daily. Numerous commuter S-Bahn lines, regional express trains, and intercity routes intersect here. The architecture of the complex combines historical elements with modern design, ensuring a comfortable stay for travellers.

It is important for passengers to know that the station has a complex structure with multiple platforms (Gleis) connected by underground passages. Navigation here is intuitive thanks to clear blue signs. The main exits lead to the squares Bahnhofplatz Oerlikon (to the south) and Max-Bill-Platz (to the north), where public transport stops are located.

To plan your trip and get the latest information, please use the following contacts:

• Official website: sbb.ch (Swiss Federal Railways).
• Information phone: +41 848 44 66 88 (SBB Contact Centre, available 24/7).
• Address: Hofwiesenstrasse / Bahnhofplatz, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland.
• Station opening hours: The station building and passages are open 24 hours a day. Ticket counters usually operate from 07:00 to 19:00 (hours may be reduced on weekends), while ticket machines are available around the clock.
• Luggage storage: Automatic lockers (Schliessfächer) of various sizes are available, located in the underground passages.
• Accessibility: The station is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility (elevators, ramps). The SBB Call Center Handicap is available for pre-booking boarding assistance.

Getting to Zürich Oerlikon station is very simple, as it is perfectly integrated into the city's transport network.

Public Transport:

• Train (S-Bahn): This is the fastest way. From Zurich Main Station (Zürich HB), the journey takes just 5–7 minutes. Almost all lines heading north are suitable (S2, S6, S7, S8, S9, S14, S15, S16, S19, S24).
• Tram: Routes No. 10, 11, and 14 stop right at the station (stops Bahnhof Oerlikon and Sternen Oerlikon). This is a convenient option for trips from neighbouring districts.
• Bus: Many city and regional buses (e.g., No. 61, 62, 64, 80) have their terminus or intermediate stops here.

From the Airport:

The trip from Zurich Airport to Oerlikon takes about 4–5 minutes by train. It is the next stop for many direct trains heading to the city centre.

Taxi and Walking:

Taxi ranks are located at the exits on both sides of the station. The walking route from the very centre of Zurich would take over an hour, so tourists are recommended to use transport.

The infrastructure of Oerlikon station offers a wide range of services for comfortable waiting and handling daily tasks while travelling.

• Tickets and Information: There is an SBB Travel Centre (Reisezentrum), as well as numerous touch-screen ticket machines that accept cards and cash (Francs and Euros).
• Connectivity and Charging: Free SBB WiFi is available on the premises (simple registration required). Power outlets for charging gadgets can be found in waiting areas and some cafes.
• Luggage Storage: Automatic lockers allow you to leave items for up to 72 hours. Payment is made by coins or card (on newer models).
• Facilities: Paid toilets (usually McClean systems) are maintained in immaculate cleanliness. Baby changing rooms are available.
• Shopping: The station is a veritable shopping centre with supermarkets, a pharmacy, bookstores, and kiosks operating late and on weekends (Abendverkauf), which is a significant advantage in Switzerland.

At Oerlikon station and its immediate vicinity, it is impossible to stay hungry. An excellent selection of establishments for every taste and budget is presented here.

For a quick snack, numerous bakeries (such as Brezelkönig) and take-away sandwich kiosks located in the underground passage are ideal. Here you can buy fresh pastries, pretzels, and beverages. The average bill for a coffee and a bun will be around 8–12 Francs.

If you want a substantial meal, pay attention to the food courts and fast-food restaurants. Also, right in the station building and next to it are large supermarkets (Coop, Migros), where you can buy ready-made salads, hot dishes, and fresh fruits at reasonable prices. Next to the station, on the square, there are cafes and pizzerias where you can sit down for a more relaxed meal.

The history of Oerlikon station is inextricably linked with the industrial development of this Zurich district. The station was opened in 1855 as an important node on the line connecting Zurich with Lake Constance. Initially, it was a small stop in the suburbs, but with the growth of engineering plants (the famous Oerlikon), the station's importance grew rapidly.

Throughout the 20th century, the station was rebuilt multiple times to cope with the increasing passenger flow. The most significant stage in recent history was the opening of the new underground Durchmesserlinie (Cross-City Link) in 2014–2015. This required massive reconstruction: new tracks were added, underground passages were expanded, and platforms were updated. Today, the historic station building sits harmoniously alongside ultra-modern infrastructure, symbolizing Oerlikon's transformation from an industrial district into a business and residential hub.

To ensure your trip through Oerlikon station goes smoothly, make use of the following tips:

• Arrival Time: During peak hours (morning and evening on weekdays), the station is very busy. If you need to buy a ticket at the counter or check in luggage, allow an extra 15–20 minutes for this.
• Tickets and Zones: Be careful with fare zones. Oerlikon station and the city centre are in Zone 110. However, Zurich Airport is located in the neighbouring Zone 121. For travel between the airport and Oerlikon, you will need a ticket covering both zones.
• Navigation: Watch the display boards carefully. Trains to the same destination may depart from different platforms. Use the SBB Mobile app to track the track (Gleis) in real time.
• Safety: Swiss stations are safe, but it is worth keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. At night, the station is well-lit and patrolled.
• Transfers: If you have a short transfer (less than 5 minutes), find out the platform numbers in advance and use the nearest underground passage without going up to the street level.