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Zurich is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland that offers a combination of culture and history and proximity to the surrounding mountains.
Uber is the most popular transportation in Zurich that’s safe, quick, and reliable and allows you to see the best spots in the city, and surrounding areas like Rapperswill, Lucerne, and Zug.
If you want to enjoy some of the best things to do in Zurich, using Uber is the best option. Since you don’t have to rely on public transport and spend tons of money on expensive taxis in Zurich.
✅ Check my complete guide to the 14-day Switzerland itinerary
In which cities is Uber available in Switzerland?
Uber is available in 9 cities throughout Switzerland: Zurich, Zug, Winterthur, Basel, Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Lausanne, and Lucerne.
Uber in Switzerland: Overview
In 2022, Switzerland’s top court ruled that Uber should be treated as an employer, dismissing the company’s attempt to overturn a Geneva court’s verdict. Before that, Switzerland had a temporary ban on Uber but had since lifted it.
Uber drivers in Zurich and Switzerland are considered employees, and Uber prices in Zurich are higher than in many other cities in Europe.
Can I use Uber in Zurich?
Yes, Uber is one of the best ways to get around Zurich if you want to save money and enjoy a hassle-free ride.
What’s the minimum Uber price in Zurich?
The minimum price of Uber in Zurich is between 3-6 Swiss Franks, but the exact rate depends on the timing of your trip. If you order an Uber ride during a busy time, your minimum rate will be higher.
Uber in Zurich prices:
If you are wondering about Uber prices in Switzerland, here’s an overview:
- Zurich to Lucerne – 40 min (52.0 km) via A4 and A14 – 75-80 CHF
- Zurich to Winterthur – 20 min (23.8 km) via A1/A4 – 35-40 CHF
- Zurich to Rapperswil – 32 min (39.5 km) via A3 – 55-60 CHF
- Zurich Airport to Old City – 18 min (19.7 km) via A1/A4 – 33-36 CHF
Is a taxi or Uber cheaper in Zurich?
Zurich has some of the most expensive taxis in the world. If you want to save money, Uber is a much better option than a taxi in Zurich, as many taxis have meters, and you end up paying for the time.
Zurich Card
If you are spending a few days in Zurich, get the Zürich Card city pass that allows you unlimited 2nd class travel on all forms of public transportation on the entire city network. You can buy the card through the “Zürich City Guide” app, or a ticket machine.
➡️ Read: Uber in Madrid
Other ride-sharing services in Switzerland
Vertt
Vertt is a Swiss start-up based in Zurich that attempts to supplement public transpiration services and offer an alternative to expensive taxis in Zurich.
Bla Bla Car
Bla Bla Car is an online platform and app that offers carpooling services between popular destinations in Switzerland and other countries. Booking Bla Bla Car is available only via BlaBlaCar.com, where drivers advertise specific routes at their prices.
How does Bla Bla Car in Switzerland work?
Drivers registered with BlaBlaCar, who plan a trip, can publish their itinerary on the platform and specify the number of seats they have available and the prices they charge. You can book available seats via a platform, but the payment is often done in cash before the trip.
How do I book Bla Bla Car in Switzerland?
To book Bla Bla Car in Switzerland, type in the city’s name in a search bar, specify your travel dates and choose whatever carpool fits you best. There could be multiple carpools on the same date at different times, while sometimes there could just be a few or one.
Once you select your preferred Bla Bla Car, you will either have an instant confirmation or will have to wait for approval from a driver.
Once the driver confirms the ride, he or she will tell you what your departure point is. Bla Bla Car drivers often pick up their passengers near bus stations, landmarks, or markets.
Is Bla Bla Car in Switzerland safe?
Bla Bla Car in Switzerland is safe. Most drivers are vetted by the platform, and you also ride with other passengers, however, it’s not common to be one-on-one with your driver in a car.
Bla Bla Car drivers get ratings and as a customer, you can leave your review after your trip. You can also choose your Bla Bla Car based on customers’ reviews if your travel date has several available carpools.
For example, you can choose a carpool from Zurich to Bern, or from Zurich to Lugano, the biggest city in the canton of Ticino, which should take a few hours.
Public transportation in Switzerland
The best way to get around Switzerland is by train. Swiss trains offer connections between virtually all places in Switzerland and it’s super easy to book your ticket through the SBB app, where you can check train schedules, platforms, and connections. You can book your train tickets on the app.
Swiss Pass
If you are traveling in Switzerland, you should get the Swiss Pass. It helps you to save money on transportation such as buses, trains, and tour boats. It also provides free admission into many museums in Switzerland and discounts on cable cars and funiculars.
If you need to get around major cities in Switzerland like Zurich and Lucerne or Zurich and Geneva, the Swiss Travel Pass is your best friend.
What’s the price of Uber in Zurich?
Uber in Zurich has a rate of $2.02 per kilometer, and the base fare is $3.36 for UberX.
How to get a free Uber ride in Zurich?
You can get a free Uber ride by signing up for one of Uber’s promotions or getting one of the promo codes to save on your trip.
Can I use my Uber app in Switzerland?
If you are visiting Switzerland, and already have an existing Uber account, you can use your app in the country.
How does Uber work in Zurich?
Download the Uber app, and create an account under your name. Next, connect your credit card or PayPal account so you can pay for the rides, and voila!
No cash is needed to pay for Uber in Switzerland. Every time you finish your Uber ride, your credit or debit card on file will be automatically charged the amount.
Do I need to tip Uber drivers in Switzerland?
You can also leave a tip for your Uber driver through the app. Although your are not required to tip Uber drivers, your tip will be appreciated. If you want to leave a gratuity, another option is to leave a cash tip for your driver at the end of your ride.
What type of Uber is available in Zurich?
You can order UberX, Uber XL, Green Uber, and Uber Black in Zurich.
Is There Uber XL in Zurich?
Yes, there is Uber XL in Zurich, if you travel with a bigger group, UBER XL is the best way to get around Zurich. Other types of Uber available in Zurich are Uber Comfort, Uber Black, Uber X, and Uber Green, which are eco-friendly rides in electric or hybrid cars. If you want more comfort, order Uber Black, which is a luxury vehicle.
How to use Uber in Switzerland?
To use Uber, download the Uber app, and create an account under your name. Next, connect your credit card or PayPal account so you can pay for the rides, and voila!
Do I need cash to pay for Uber in Zurich?
No cash is needed to pay for Uber in Switzerland. Every time you finish your Uber ride, your credit or debit card on file will be automatically charged the amount.
Do I need to tip Uber drivers in Zurich?
You can leave a tip for your Uber driver through the app. Although tipping Uber drivers in Switzerland is not required, your tip will be very appreciated. If you want to leave a gratuity, another option is to leave a cash tip for your driver at the end of your ride.
Uber in Zurich Airport
If you are arriving in Switzerland via Zurich Airport (ZRH) and need quick transportation, Uber is a good option if you want to get to your hotel quickly and with no hassle.
How much is Uber from Zurich Airport to downtown?
Uber from Zurich International Airport to central Zurich cost 35-37 USD if you take Uber X or Uber Green. Uber Black and Uber XL will cost over 45 USD.
Private transfer from Zurich Airport
If you don’t feel like ordering Uber, you can also book a private transfer from Zurich Airport to your hotel. You driver will pick you up at the arrivals and drive you straight to your hotel whether you are staying in Old Town Zurich or any other part of the city.
Renting a car in Zurich
Renting a car in Zurich is a perfect way to see Switzerland without relying on public transportation or expensive tours. You can rent a car in Zurich Airport after you arrive and get on your way, so you can explore Zurich and surrounding areas.
✅ CLICK HERE TO RENT A CAR IN ZURICH
What other cities in Switzerland have Zurich?
Uber Lugano
Lugano is the largest city in the Italian canton Ticino, which is known for its Italian flair and gorgeous southern Alps. If you want to get around Lugano and visit nearby towns like Locarno, Bellinzona, Morcote, and Ascona.
Uber in Geneva
Geneva is a compact city and can be easily navigated on foot or by public transportation. If you need to get to your destination quickly, Uber in Geneva is an excellent alternative to expensive taxis, as it costs about 40-50 percent less than a taxi cab.
Uber in Lausanne
Lausanne is the third-largest city in Switzerland, and although the city is perfectly walkable, you can take an Uber to get around and visit nearby destinations like Lausanne wine terraces or Montreux.
Uber in Bern
Bern is the capital of Switzerland, and if you are looking to skip public transport and taxis, Uber is the best deal, as it’s cheaper, faster, and more reliable than taxis.
✅ Read my article about the best time to visit Switzerland
Uber in Zurich: FAQs
Is Uber safe in Zurich?
Uber does many things to make its customers feel safe, it does a background check of its drivers, it follows every car with GPS to ensure they will be able to send help your way if you are ever in need of help, it also has an emergency button for you to use when in danger.
Is Uber safe at night in Zurich?
Yes, it’s safe to take Uber at night in Zurich. Although Zurich is one of the safest cities in Europe, taking Uber to get around will make your trip even safer.
How reliable is Uber in Zurich?
Uber is one of the most reliable forms of transportation in Zurich. It’s available 24/7, and your driver usually shows up within a few minutes after you order your ride through the Uber app.
Is Uber expensive in Switzerland?
Uber is more expensive in Switzerland than in many other countries, however, it’s still an excellent alternative to taxis in Switzerland which are notorious for their high prices, as charge based on what their meter shows.
What’s cheaper In Zurich: Uber or taxi?
Taxis in Zurich are usually more expensive than Uber, but if you want to take UberX or Uber Black, you will most likely pay an equivalent to a taxi ride. If you take UberX or Uber Green in Zurich, you will pay less than for a taxi in Zurich.
Is Uber common in Switzerland?
Uber is one of the most common ride-sharing platforms in Switzerland that’s available in nine cities.
Can I use Uber in Zurich?
Yes, you can use Uber to get around Zurich, if you don’t want to take public transportation and want to skip expensive taxis.
Can you pre-book Uber in Zurich?
Yes, you can pre-book your Uber. To do so, you need to select a time for your next Uber ride and specify your pick-up location. Once you get close to the time of your travel, the app will send you a notification. You will also receive another notification when your driver is on your way and when he or she has arrived at your place.
Is a taxi or Uber cheaper in Zurich?
Uber is much cheaper than taxis in Zurich.
Uber in Zurich: Final word
Uber is an easy and convenient way to get around Zurich, which offers a perfect way to save on taxis. You can take an Uber from Zurich Airport or catch it to get around the city. All you need to do is download the app, select your destination and the type of Uber ride you want to use.