Commuting from London to Zurich

Transportation, Travel and Trips
21
I had one year of frequent weekends in the UK. I found it useful to check all airlines well in advance for the cheapest tickets. At times it was cheaper to book out with one airline, and back with a different, or to have returns that overlapped, so still using both BA and Swiss air.

The earlier the tickets are booked, the cheaper they are.

If the budget is not that strict, then look at which airport destination is going to give you the most amount of time at home, rather than in transit - Heathrow or City?

Also, if you are looking at having your family move over, then consider that some weekends they come to Zurich instead of you going back to the UK. Make those weekends fun and sell the place to them!

22
where is the 'finance district' of zurich?!

23
Hi, I can't comment on the commute even though I have done ZRH - LCY many times over the last fews years.

If you are looking for a place to stay during the week, check out www.businesshome.ch they have small furnished apartments in Seebach (Schauffhauserstrasse 550), 10 mintues by bus from the airport and 25 minutes from downtown (tram 14).

It is not the best part of town (I have an office in the same building) but it is cheap and flexible.

For some unknown reason (I'm not from Croydon, I'm originally from Canterbury) I am a lifelong Crystal Palace fan even though I have never been to Selhurst Park. When I was 5 I decided I liked the look of their home kit and didn't want to support MU like my brother or Liverpool like my dad.

24

I did this commute for some years except I flew in on Monday morning. Only tip I can give you is outdated; breakfast on both BA & Swiss was terrible so I used to buy the Macdonalds takeaway breakfast but I believe Macdonald's is no longer in Heathrow??

A lot of people did this commute; you soon recognise the faces.

25
Cheers for the responses - its really appreciated.

Nigelr - What an inspired decision for a 5 year old! i've had a season ticket at Palace for 20 odd years now.

Poot - i'll be working on Freigutstrasse

Marton - they wont let me fly in on Monday morning which was a big point for me. They want me back Sunday night for 8am start on each Monday. Is this representative of the working culture in Zurich? my current employer in London offers flexible working.

Biff - thanks, i live in SE London so City is by far the best choice. Its also less hassle so this will be my departure and arrival airport.

26
In my personal experience the culture is strict but loosens up a bit when they know you. After a few months here I was able to fly in on Monday Morning and then make the time up during the week, leaving early on a Friday again, but at the start there was no way I could do that. It really depends on the company and your boss.

27
Full time: Spurs 2 Crystal Palace 0. Goals from Christian Eriksen and Jermain Defoe give us our first win over the Eagles at White Hart Lane since 1980.

From a life-long Spurs supporter.

28
Hi,

I did this for six months, but I didn't get to fly every weekend, sometimes, every two weeks, sometimes only once a month.

Initially, I flew back to Zurich Sunday night (from Henley in Oxfordshire), and flew out Friday evening.

When things got more familiar, I requested permission to arrive late on Monday and leave early on Friday, but doing extra hours in between.

Unfortunately I could not buy tickets well in advance (due to the pi$$ poor organisational skills of the people I worked with), so usually had to pay about CHF500 for the pleasure.

The area I stayed in is two minutes walk from where you mentioned, i.e. beside the stock exchange. I stayed with Swiss Star apartments, it cost several thousand for a split level apartment. It's worth the extra money as the smaller accommodation they have, well to be honest, I wouldn't put a large dog in it. At least a cleaning lady dusted the place weekly, and put fresh linen on the bed, but you will have to wash your clothes in a washer / dryer in the basement and the dishes too (but not in the basement). It was on Morgartenstrasse, very close to the Stauffacher area (which is a very nice place)

I rationalized the expensive accommodation this way....When my family come over I'll easily be spending CHF4K a month on a family sized apartment or house in Zurich downtown.

You'll get to know tiny town quite well, and it is quite likely you'll enjoy self too. And it'll be a pleasure when your family brings up the rear.

Take point dude and establish that FOB!

29

Only thanks to the worst penalty miss in the history of football

30
Thanks Burner - I will take a look at the accommodation you mention. They have told me i can leave early on Friday, but really would want to fly back late on Thursday night and work from home on the Friday.

What do you mean by FOB?

Cheers

31
Wise choice, such a quick and easy airhead to use. I sometimes used Heathrow as the prices were occasionally a lot cheaper but regretted it every time.

Shame Palace will not be in the Premier league next year.

32

FOB -Forward Operating/Operational Base. I think?

33
You might find it cheaper if you get one return ticket LDN-ZRH covering six months, and then buy Fri-Sun ZRH-LDN tickets.

34
Swiss and BA both often have surprisingly good rates at times. Since you know when you're flying, bulk book and see if you can do some cross-booking between the 2 airlines.

Vision apartments also do furnished apartments but maybe you want to look at just getting a 1 or 2 bed place around in central zurich to keep any commuting outside of the weekly commutes to a minimum. In the long run, this will work out way cheaper and a trip to ikea will sort you out on furniture.

As with any new employer anywhere, you will have to establish your reputation as a reliable employee despite your circumstances. With time, that flexibility will figure itself out if it's possible operationally.