Zurich Lake Cruises, Funicular and City Walks

October 29, 2026

Ticketed rides in Zurich are short, scenic and mostly run by public operators. Here is what each one is, what it costs and when it runs. Prices are in Swiss francs (CHF) and are rounded, so check before you travel.

River boat through the old centre

The Limmat boat, run by the lake shipping company ZSG, is a low electric vessel with a glass roof. It leaves from the Landesmuseum landing next to the main station, goes under the bridges past the Rathaus and the two big churches, and carries on to Zürichhorn. One way takes about 25 minutes. The return ticket costs about CHF 4.60, or CHF 3.20 reduced, and it is a ZSG ticket, not a city transport one. Service is April to October, about every 30 minutes, and the boats can stop in low water, so look at zsg.ch first.

Lake Zurich on a scheduled boat

Two classic outings leave from the Bürkliplatz piers. The short cruise runs about 90 minutes along both shores and costs about CHF 9.20 in second class. The long cruise runs about 4.5 hours to Rapperswil and costs about CHF 27 in second class. Both are 2025 brochure figures. A Zürich Card includes the short ones but not Rapperswil. Winter timetables are thinner.

Polybahn

The Polybahn is a 1889 funicular that climbs 41 m from Central to the ETH terrace in 100 seconds. From the terrace you see the Old Town roofs and the river. Ordinary city fares apply, and the Zürich Card is valid. It does not run late at night, and Sunday service needs checking.

Dolderbahn

From Römerhof, a rack railway climbs through wooded slopes to The Dolder Grand and walking paths on the Adlisberg. It is run by the city transport company, so look up the current fare and times.

City walks with a guide

Zurich Tourism runs a two-hour walking tour of the Old Town from the station desk. It has been listed at about CHF 25 for adults and CHF 12.50 for children aged 6 to 16. Confirm dates at zuerich.com . If you prefer an independent route, use the sightseeing page .

Uetliberg railway

Until 13 December 2026, the S10 does not run between Zürich HB and Selnau because of works. A 12-minute walk or tram 3 or 14 to Stauffacher bridges the gap. After that, it takes about 25 minutes.

Where to book

Boat tickets are sold at the piers and on the ZSG site. Packaged city tours with a guide appear on this Zurich tours search .