Polybahn Funicular Zurich
A historic 1895 funicular connecting Zurich's Central Square to ETH Zurich, offering a quick ride and stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the student rush
Polybahn Funicular Zurich
Best Time
Beat the student rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1895 funicular connecting Zurich's Central Square to ETH Zurich, offering a quick ride and stunning city views.
"A small but iconic piece of Zurich's charm, perfect for a quick ride with kids or as part of a walking route."
✅ Use Your Travel Pass
Swiss Travel Pass, Zurich Card, or ZVV tickets often cover the ride! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Walk Downhill
Enjoy the scenic walk down after taking in the views. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Funicular Ride
Central Square to ETH Zurich
Experience a charming 2-minute journey on a Victorian-era funicular with a retro wooden interior.
Panoramic City Views
Terrace near ETH Zurich
Enjoy breathtaking, free panoramic views of Zurich's old city and lake from the university terrace.
ETH Zurich Campus
Top station
Explore the historic campus of ETH Zurich, a hub of innovation and learning, and find Einstein's locker.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Ride, Big Views
Tickets & Passes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Use Your Travel Pass
Swiss Travel Pass, Zurich Card, or ZVV tickets often cover the ride! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Walk Downhill
Enjoy the scenic walk down after taking in the views. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the View
The terrace offers fantastic photo ops of Zurich and the lake. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Short but Sweet
The ride is only about 2 minutes, so savor the historic charm! :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Use Your Travel Pass
Swiss Travel Pass, Zurich Card, or ZVV tickets often cover the ride! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Walk Downhill
Enjoy the scenic walk down after taking in the views. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the View
The terrace offers fantastic photo ops of Zurich and the lake. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Short but Sweet
The ride is only about 2 minutes, so savor the historic charm! :clock1:
📍 Find Einstein's Locker
A fun little surprise near the ETH campus for history buffs. :key:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Polybahn for its historic charm, quick and characterful ride, and the rewarding panoramic views from the ETH Zurich campus. It's seen as a delightful, iconic piece of Zurich's heritage, especially convenient for those with public transport passes. Some note the ride is very short and the hill could be walked, but the overall experience is highly positive.
"The ride only lasts about 2 minutes, but it’s full of character — with its retro wooden interior and preserved station design.
Once you reach the top, you'll find the ETH main campus just across the street — and more importantly, a public terrace lookout point offering panoramic views of Zurich and its lake. It’s an underrated but highly rewarding stop for any visitor.
Perfect for a quick ride with kids or as part of a walking route around the city. A small but iconic piece of Zurich’s charm."
Alfred Ng
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Riding the Polybahn was such a fun and memorable experience! I loved that it was included in my SBB daily travel pass, so there was no need for an extra ticket. The ride itself is quick but scenic, and once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with spectacular views over the heart of Zürich. Be sure to stop in at the university and look for Einstein’s locker. It’s a cool little surprise that adds to the charm of the whole experience. A great blend of history, convenience, and stunning sights. Don’t miss it!"
Rick Bremer
"It was a short but lovely ride. If you already have a public transportation ticket, you can use it for the polybahn. Once you reach the top, you'll exit near the school that Albert Einstein attended. I didn't go inside, but the view from up there is amazing."
Francesca Perez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Polybahn's lower station is conveniently located at Central Square in Zurich. It's easily accessible by tram and is a short walk from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main station). 
Yes, the Polybahn is operated by Verkehrsbetriebe Zurich (VBZ) and is considered part of the city's public transport network.
Absolutely! Your GA is valid for all ZVV public transport offers in Zurich, including the Polybahn.
While the funicular itself is historic, accessibility information for wheelchairs should be confirmed directly with VBZ, as older systems can sometimes have limitations.
Take the S-Bahn train from Zurich Airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof, then transfer to a tram or walk to Central Square to catch the Polybahn.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you don't have a valid public transport pass like the Swiss Travel Pass or Zurich Card, you'll need to purchase a ticket at the kiosk or via the SBB app. Prices are generally reasonable for the short ride.
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass typically covers the Polybahn ride, making it a free and convenient option for pass holders. +1
The Zurich Card usually includes unlimited travel on public transport within the city, so the Polybahn should be covered.
Discounts may be available if you have a specific student or senior public transport pass valid in Zurich. Otherwise, standard ticket prices apply.
Operating hours can vary, but it generally runs throughout the day, connecting Central Square to the ETH campus. It's best to check the official VBZ website for the most current schedule.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the top, you're at the ETH Zurich campus. You can explore the university grounds, find Albert Einstein's locker, and most importantly, enjoy the public terrace with panoramic views of Zurich and its lake. +1
The ride itself is very short, lasting only about 2 minutes. It's more about the historic charm and the destination than a lengthy journey.
While the ride is quick, the views from the terrace at the top are spectacular, offering a sweeping panorama of Zurich's old town and the lake.
It can get busy, especially during peak student hours or when tour groups are present. However, the short ride duration means turnover is relatively quick.
Yes, it's possible to walk up the hill to the ETH Zurich campus, which takes about 5-10 minutes. Some find it a pleasant alternative to the funicular.
📸 📸 Photography
The public terrace at the top of the Polybahn offers the best panoramic shots of Zurich. The historic interior of the funicular itself is also a great subject.
Yes, the ride is short and the windows offer clear views. Just be mindful of other passengers and the quick boarding/alighting process.
Late afternoon or early evening, especially during the golden hour, can provide beautiful lighting for cityscapes. Weekday mornings might offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and near universities. Always check local regulations before flying a drone in Zurich.
Look for the historic station design and the retro wooden interiors of the funicular cars for unique, vintage-style shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The real prize, however, is the stunning panoramic view from the terrace at the ETH Zurich campus. Aim for late afternoon for golden hour light, or early morning to avoid crowds and get unobstructed shots of the city and lake. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Ride Through History
+1Originally built to ease the commute for students and faculty heading up the steep hill, the Polybahn has evolved into a beloved local icon and a must-do for visitors. It's a testament to enduring engineering and a delightful way to experience a slice of Zurich's heritage. The fact that it runs fully automated with minimal staff onboard also highlights its efficient, modern operation despite its vintage aesthetic.
For many, the Polybahn is a nostalgic journey and a convenient shortcut. It’s a small but significant part of Zurich's urban fabric, offering a quick, enjoyable ascent that culminates in rewarding city views.
The View from Above
This viewpoint is particularly appealing because it's free to access, making it a fantastic alternative to paid observation decks. It’s a perfect spot to pause, take in the scenery, and capture some memorable photographs of Zurich. Many travelers find this view to be a highlight of their visit, appreciating the expansive scenery that unfolds before them.
Beyond the view, the area around the ETH campus offers a pleasant atmosphere. You can stroll through the university grounds, perhaps even seeking out the famous locker of Albert Einstein, adding a touch of intellectual history to your visit.
Navigating the Polybahn: Tips from Travelers
Some users suggest that while the ride is short, the walk downhill after enjoying the views can be just as pleasant, offering a different perspective of the city.
For photography enthusiasts, securing a spot near the windows is ideal for capturing the cityscape. While the ride is brief, the historic interior of the funicular itself is also a photogenic element.
+1 Remember that the Polybahn is a commuter route for students, so be mindful of peak hours if you prefer a less crowded experience. 
Social
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