London to Zurich (LGW–ZRH) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders enter Switzerland (a Schengen member though not in the EU) visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day rolling period. No fee, no advance application. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date with at least two blank pages. UK passports are stamped on entry and exit.

Border officers can ask for proof of accommodation, return travel, and sufficient funds (Switzerland suggests CHF 100 per day). The 90-day limit is shared across all 29 Schengen states, so days spent in EU Schengen countries count toward the same clock. ETIAS pre-travel authorization (EUR 7, valid 3 years) is expected to become mandatory in late 2026 and will apply to Switzerland.

Direct flights from London to Zurich run about 1 hour 50 minutes, to Geneva about 1 hour 40 minutes. SWISS, British Airways, and easyJet all operate nonstops. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), trading at roughly 0.88 CHF per $1. Euros are accepted in many tourist areas and large retailers but change is given in francs. No vaccination requirements for UK arrivals. The UK-Swiss Services Mobility Agreement (2025) provides a framework for business travel beyond 90 days, but tourism stays remain capped at 90/180.

The Gatwick Express runs non-stop from London Victoria to the South Terminal in 30 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes (from £21.50 one-way; advance fares cheaper online). Thameslink trains from London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, and Farringdon are slower (35–45 min) but significantly cheaper; often £10–13 on Oyster or contactless. Southern trains also serve the route.National coaches (National Express, Megabus) connect Gatwick to Victoria Coach Station for £6–15. Taxis from central London cost £70–100+ depending on traffic. Driving via M23 and A23 takes 35–60 minutes; multi-storey car parks are directly connected to both terminals by a 2-minute monorail shuttle.

SBB trains from the airport station (below Check-in 2) to Zurich HB take 10 minutes and run every 10–15 minutes. Long-distance intercity trains to Geneva, Basel, Bern, and Lucerne depart directly from the airport station; Zurich Airport is one of the best-connected airports in Europe for onward rail travel. Taxis queue outside arrivals; fares to the city centre are CHF 55–75.Rental car desks are located in the arrivals area. Swiss customs exit is prompt for EU/Schengen arrivals. The Meet & Greet area is directly adjacent to baggage reclaim.

Temperate continental climate. Winters (November–February) are cold and frequently foggy on the Swiss Plateau; fog (Hochnebel) can persist for days and is the most common cause of delays, with the airport above the fog layer on clearer days but below it on others. Snow does occur but is well managed. Temperatures range from −2 to 5°C.

Summers (June–August) are warm at 22–28°C with afternoon thunderstorms that can be intense but brief. Spring and autumn are mild and variable. Hochnebel fog season (October–January) is the primary operational risk to plan around.