Taxi to Zurich Airport at 4.30am. Practical?

Transportation, Travel and Trips
1
I need to travel to UK from Zurich on 23rd December. I have found a well priced flight to my local airport; great. The only thing is, in order to make the flight, I would like to be at the airport for around 5.00am. This would mean leaving my accomodation (Sihlfeld, near District 4) at around 4.30am.

How much would I expect to pay for a taxi at this time, for the approximately 13km (20 minute) journey? CHF100? The next cheapest flight is around CHF100 more, and not to my preferred airport, though I could take public transport as it is slightly later. The earlier flight would be preferred.

What is taxi availability like during these hours? Should I book something in with a taxi company the day before?

Many thanks!

2
Hey,

Online taxi price calculators say this would be about 50 chf one way.

And sure give them a call, 4:30 should be no problem.

3
Yes, you can book a cab in advance or also call a bit earlier, before you need the taxi.

I'm not sure about prices from your area, but I would say around 80CHF based on the distance and the night tariff.

Have you tried Uber? i've cut my airport trip costs down by half with them...

4
I've Paid 65 francs from Stampfenbachplatz to the airport.

I would attempt uber if you want to save some money.

Although I have never had an issue catching the first flight of the day---I usually take one once a month

5
Is the inconvenience of having to get up at some ungodly hour to take a taxi that hopefully turns up really worth trying to save what is probably less than Chf 50.-- ?

6
Have you checked train times?

There are some very early trains to Zürich Airport.

I caught one from Hardbrücke once at maybe 3:00 or something like that.

7
What time is your flight out of curiousity?

8
I second the train option.

Any flight is well served by the SBB from the HB. So if anything you just need to get to the HB.

The first train to the Airport from the HB is @ 5:00 am, which gets you there for 5:14 am.

9
Inside the gate if you check-in day before (pre 21:00h) you may sleep during the night at the gate:

http://www.zurich-airport.com/passen...079.1446020857

But make sure you call and reserve before, I didn't and ended up sleeping in the lounge

It's cheaper than Taxi and much more confortable. The staff wakes you up if you request.

10

WOW and i can save at least Chf 50.-- not counting the expensive food and bottled water i may need to buy

11
You are allowed to check-in with a full stomach and isn't one bottle of 1.50.- enough? It's what costs a small bottle in the duty free. It tastes bad I give that to you... can't be more expensive than ordering a taxi to bring you to the airport...

12
25chf - the sleeping cubicle costs 25chf.

Probably not worthwhile for someone who's actually fairly close to the airport, but if further away could be a good option.

13
We took a taxi recently for our flight at 6am from Albisriederplatz (8003) to the airport and it cost us about 80Chf. It seems Uber is not allowed to go to the airport...

14
Since when? And how is that policed?

15
Try reading. It saves 100 CHF and it lands at the airport he/she wants. OK it isn't for you, but not everybody can afford to be as choosy as you.

If it offends you, then move on. There's plenty more internet out there.

16
The earliest UK departure is at 0640 but the majority of the UK early morning departures leave shortly after 0700. For flights leaving between 0630 and 0730, you can be comfortable arriving at the airport 45 minutes before departure.

I think you are leaving approx 1 hour too early. Go later and take public transport.

17
Thanks to all the input guys.

The flight is 06:55 but I REALLY cannot miss it as it means missing Christmas at home!

As mentioned, this flight takes me to my chosen airport, is CHF100 cheaper and allows me to get back to UK early (note: it is not a direct flight, it is via AMS).

I think public transport may be tight, and I'm unfamiliar with the system (will have only been in Zurich three weeks).

Will most likely go with an early taxi. Yes, it costs alot more than public transport, but on balance I'll likely be financially better off than taking the later flight with public transport. And I'll need to get home from the airport the other end.

In summary, it appears that I will be able to get a taxi at 4:30 to the airport for under CHF 100.

18
Re: the transit hotel at the gates, it's CHF 94 for an overnight stay. Why not then consider one of the airport hotels? E.g. Moevenpick near Zurich airport that also operates a free shuttle from 0510. You might be able to find a good deal (25-50% less than the stated price) via the lastminute website (which is what I did once).

19
Maybe an unpopular plan for some,

but as long as I have my luggage checked 1 hour before the flight at Zurich airport, timing is fine.

The 3 levels of security mean that there is never a long line up, and even with one of the airport trams not running---only 15 mins to gate.

This of course is still subject to unforeseen circumstances, but I fly in and out of Zurich airport 2-3 times a month and have never had to rush for a flight. Once even luggage checked 25 mins before take off, but I could have taken that as carry on too if needed.

20
I've always taken public transport for the first flights of the day and I live much further out than Sihlfeld.

However early you think you need to be at the airport - you can guarantee that there will be people who work there who need to be there earlier than you and they're definitely not taking taxis everyday.