The Zürich Card: Is It Worth Buying for a Family Trip?

City cards are often presented as an easy way to save money, although the reality can be rather different. A long list of discounts is not especially useful when several attractions are closed, the children have lost interest after the first museum and reaching everything would require a tightly managed itinerary.

The Zürich Card is more practical than many tourist passes because its value is not limited to sightseeing. It covers public transport within Zürich and the surrounding zones, including the airport, and adds free museum entry, selected boat trips, cable cars and restaurant discounts.

For families planning to visit the FIFA Museum, use public transport and take either a boat trip or the Felsenegg cable car, the card can represent good value. Those intending to spend most of their time walking around the Old Town and visiting free places may spend less without it.

The important question is not how many benefits the card includes. It is how many of them the family would genuinely choose if there were no pass to justify.

How much does the Zürich Card cost?

The Zürich Card is available for either 24 or 72 hours.

Card	Adults	Children aged 6–15
24 hours	CHF 29	CHF 19
72 hours	CHF 56	CHF 37

The child price applies until the day before a young person’s 16th birthday. Children under six do not need a card for local public transport when accompanied by an adult, although individual attractions have their own age rules. So if you have a child around that age, the question of whether to get the card is a bit more complicated. You may well be better simply paying separately for their entry.

There are no separate student, senior or pensioner prices. The current prices are the same whether the card is purchased online, through the app or in person, according to the official Zürich Card information.

As an example, for two adults and two children aged between six and 15, the totals are:

• CHF 96 for four 24-hour cards
• CHF 186 for four 72-hour cards

The 72-hour version is therefore considerably cheaper than buying three separate 24-hour cards.

The card lasts for 24 or 72 actual hours

The Zürich Card does not expire at midnight. It lasts for the full number of hours from the chosen starting time. This is a massive advantage, as it allows you to maximise your usage.

A 24-hour card activated at 3pm remains valid until 2.59pm the following day. This can be useful for a family arriving in Zürich during the afternoon, as the same card may cover the airport transfer, evening transport and the following morning’s sightseeing.

Timing still needs some thought. Activating the card at lunchtime and then spending the afternoon at the hotel wastes a useful part of its validity. Equally, delaying activation may be a false economy if the family then buys separate airport and city transport tickets.

Look at the complete 24- or 72-hour period before choosing a starting time, including the journey back to the airport if that may fall within it.

Where can the Zürich Card be bought?

The easiest option is the Zürich City Guide app. It holds the digital card, displays the public transport QR code and shows the current attraction and restaurant partners.

Several family members’ cards can be stored on one phone. This is convenient at ticket desks but leaves the whole family dependent on one charged device. Save the confirmation email or PDF somewhere another adult can access and carry a portable charger. If other family members have their own devices, get them to download the app, and they can import their own card as a backup.

The card is also sold through the Zürich Tourism webshop. It can then be displayed on a phone, printed or imported into the city guide app.

Visitors who prefer to buy after arriving can use:

• The Tourist Information office inside Zürich Hauptbahnhof
• SBB and ZVV ticket machines
• Selected hotels and partner locations
• The SBB Travel Centre at Zürich Airport
• Switzerlandinfo+ counters in Arrivals 1 and 2
• SBB and ZVV machines at the airport

The official Zürich Card points-of-sale guide contains the current options.

Buying at the airport is particularly useful when the card will be used for the train into the city. There is no need to purchase a separate airport fare first.

How to activate and use the card

A digital Zürich Card is linked to the starting date and time selected during purchase. It can be shown as a QR code or digital ticket when requested by an inspector or attraction partner.

A physical card needs to be validated before the first public transport journey. Use an orange SBB validator on a railway platform or follow the instructions at a ZVV ticket machine.

Every traveller needs their own card. The pass is personal and cannot be transferred from one family member to another.

Present it before paying at museums, attractions and restaurants. Some offers cannot be applied retrospectively after a ticket or restaurant bill has already been processed.

What public transport is included?

The Zürich Card covers unlimited second-class travel in fare zones 110, 111, 121, 140, 150, 154 and 155.

This includes:

• Trams
• Local buses
• Eligible trains and S-Bahn services
• Travel between Zürich Airport and the city
• The railway to Uetliberg
• The Polybahn
• The Rigiblick funicular
• The Dolderbahn
• The Felsenegg cable car
• Limmat river cruises
• Mini Lake Zürich cruises
• Short Lake Zürich cruises

The practical benefit is being able to change plans without buying another set of tickets. If a child is tired, the family can take a tram for two stops rather than continuing to walk simply because the journey was not budgeted for.

Travel outside the included zones requires an extension ticket. The Zürich Card does not provide general transport around Switzerland and cannot be used as a free ticket to Lucerne or other distant destinations.

According to Zürich Tourism’s transport guidance, a four-zone extension can be combined with the card to cover the full ZVV network. Extensions are available through ZVV, online or from ticket machines rather than through the Zürich City Guide app.

Airport transport can make the card much better value

The airport transfer is easy to overlook when comparing the pass with admission prices. Zürich Airport has fast rail connections to the city, but those journeys still cost money without a card.

A 24-hour card may cover an arrival transfer and the following day’s transport. It will only cover the return airport journey as well if the departure falls inside the same 24-hour window.

The 72-hour card is more likely to cover transport in both directions during a short city break. Check the exact expiry time rather than assuming the third day is covered until midnight.

Families arriving late and going directly to bed may prefer not to activate the card immediately. The saving on one airport journey needs to be weighed against losing the final evening or morning of validity.

Free entry to the FIFA Museum

The FIFA Museum is one of the clearest reasons to buy the Zürich Card. Entry is completely free while the card is valid rather than offered at a small percentage discount.

Standard admission currently costs:

• CHF 26 for adults
• CHF 15 for children aged seven to 15
• Nothing for children under seven
• CHF 69 for a family ticket covering two adults and two children aged seven to 15

These prices and the free Zürich Card admission are confirmed on the official FIFA Museum ticket page.

An adult 24-hour Zürich Card costs only CHF 3 more than an ordinary museum ticket. A child card costs CHF 4 more than admission for a child aged seven to 15. Public transport, boats and cable cars then become available for relatively little extra.

The calculation is slightly different for a family. Two adults and two children would pay CHF 69 for the museum family ticket or CHF 96 for four 24-hour Zürich Cards. The cards cost CHF 27 more, so the value depends on whether the family will use at least CHF 27 of transport and other included benefits.

What is the FIFA Museum like for families?

The museum sits beside Bahnhof Enge at Seestrasse 27 and is easy to reach by train, tram or bus. All eligible journeys within the card zones are covered. Its exhibitions explore World Cup history, national teams, women’s football, supporters and the cultural influence of the sport. Interactive sections help break up the more traditional displays.

Allow at least two hours. Football-focused children and teenagers may want considerably longer, while a sibling with little interest in the game may be ready to leave earlier. Free admission makes that difference easier to manage. The family can spend a reasonable amount of time inside without feeling obliged to remain for most of the day to justify an expensive ticket.

Opening days should be checked before visiting. Many Zürich museums close on Mondays, and special events can occasionally affect normal access.

Boat trips included with the Zürich Card

The card includes three useful ZSG boat services. They offer different experiences, so there is no need to take all of them simply because they are covered. This is a lovely way to see the city and gives tourists a totally different perspective. These can also be a welcome bit of restbite in a packed itinary.

Boat option	Approximate duration	Main departure point	Best for
Limmat river cruise	50 minutes return	Landesmuseum, beside Zürich Hauptbahnhof	Old Town views
Mini lake cruise	60 minutes	Bürkliplatz	A quick Lake Zürich experience
Short lake cruise	90 minutes	Bürkliplatz	More time on the lake

Long cruises to Rapperswil, first-class travel, food and special dining cruises are not automatically included.

Limmat River Cruise

The Limmat river cruise travels from the Swiss National Museum through central Zürich and out towards Zürichhorn. It passes the historic guild houses, Town Hall, Lindenhof and Grossmünster before reaching the lake. The journey between Landesmuseum and Zürichhorn takes around 25 minutes, while staying aboard for the complete return trip takes approximately 50 minutes.

The Landesmuseum landing stage is about two minutes from Zürich Hauptbahnhof. This makes the river cruise particularly convenient on an arrival day or when combined with the Swiss National Museum. The low electric boats have glass roofs, providing views even when passengers sit inside. Services generally operate between April and October rather than throughout the year.

Only a limited number of folded pushchairs can be carried. The boats are partially wheelchair accessible, although wheelchair boarding and disembarking are restricted to Landesmuseum.

Mini Lake Cruise

The mini lake cruise leaves from Bürkliplatz and returns approximately one hour later. It stays near the city, usually travelling around the northern lake area towards Wollishofen and calling at selected stops such as Zürichhorn, Tiefenbrunnen or Zollikon.

This is the easiest option to combine with the FIFA Museum or a morning in the Old Town. It provides proper time on Lake Zürich without taking over the day. Bürkliplatz is at the southern end of Bahnhofstrasse. It is around 15–20 minutes on foot from Zürich Hauptbahnhof or easily reached by tram. Several boats use the Bürkliplatz piers, so check the departure board and confirm that the service is the mini lake cruise.

Short Lake Cruise

The short lake cruise also departs from Bürkliplatz and lasts approximately 90 minutes. It travels farther down Lake Zürich, generally towards Thalwil on the western shore and Erlenbach on the eastern side. Choose this service when the boat is intended to be a main part of the day rather than a short break from walking. It gives a better sense of the lake and its surrounding communities.

Some routes may stop near Kilchberg, making it possible to combine a boat journey with Lindt Home of Chocolate. Check the specific timetable carefully because not every service calls at the same landing stages. Lindt Home of Chocolate is not free with the Zürich Card, but cardholders currently receive 20% off admission.

Which boat is best for a family?

Choose the Limmat cruise for views of the Old Town and the easiest departure point from the main station. Choose the mini lake cruise when one hour is all the itinerary can comfortably spare.

The 90-minute short cruise is better when the family wants the lake to be one of the day’s main experiences. Younger children may find an hour sufficient, especially after a museum visit.

Seasonal timetables change, so check the official ZSG timetable before deciding. Allow another 15–30 minutes for reaching the pier, identifying the boat and boarding.

Taking the Felsenegg cable car

Felsenegg provides the most substantial cable-car experience included with the Zürich Card. The Polybahn, Rigiblick and Dolderbahn are enjoyable city funiculars, but they remain on rails. Felsenegg is an aerial cable car. From central Zürich, take the S4 towards Adliswil. The lower cable-car station is approximately ten minutes on foot from Adliswil railway station, with some uphill walking.

The cable-car journey takes about five minutes and climbs to a viewpoint roughly 800 metres above sea level. Clear days bring views over Lake Zürich, the city and distant mountains. The S4 journey, cable car and return transport are included with the card. No separate cable-car ticket is required.

A simple family visit can take two to three hours from central Zürich. Ride up, enjoy the view, follow a short path and return the same way. Older children and confident walkers can turn it into a longer outing by travelling to Uetliberg and following the Planet Trail to Felsenegg. The walk takes approximately two hours before the descent by cable car.

Weather matters. Cloud can obscure the view, while wind or maintenance may affect the service. Check the official Felsenegg information before leaving.

Visitors travelling between 29 April and 18 October 2026 should note that construction is affecting the SZU platforms at Zürich Hauptbahnhof. During this period, the S4 only operates as far as Selnau or Saalsporthalle, requiring a connection by tram or bus.

The smaller funiculars are useful too

The Polybahn runs from Central to the university area in only 100 seconds. It is more of a short city experience than an excursion, but it saves an uphill walk and offers an easy activity near the Old Town. The Rigiblick funicular climbs towards a residential and woodland area. The Dolderbahn connects the city with the Dolder district, including seasonal recreation facilities.

These journeys are helpful additions when they fit the route. Crossing the city solely to use every included funicular would consume more time than the rides themselves.

Where can families use the food discount?

The Zürich Card offers 15% off at selected restaurants and cafés. It is not a general citywide dining discount. The current partner list includes several practical options:

VITO

VITO serves pizza by the slice or as a whole, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Its Europaallee branch is close to Zürich Hauptbahnhof and has an informal outdoor area with ping-pong and street chalk.

This is one of the easiest discounts to use with children because nobody needs to commit to a lengthy restaurant meal. Zürich Tourism confirms the current 15% offer on its VITO listing.

Bäckerei Jung

Bäckerei Jung sells bread, pastries, sandwiches, coffee and other drinks. The participating locations currently listed include Jung Central and Jung Schanzengraben.

The discount may produce a smaller cash saving than a full restaurant meal, but a bakery is often more useful during a family sightseeing day. It works for breakfast, picnic food or a quick snack without waiting for table service.

Jung Central is close to the Polybahn and main station. The Schanzengraben branch fits more naturally around Bahnhof Enge, the FIFA Museum and Selnau.

Walliser Kanne

Walliser Kanne is close to Zürich Hauptbahnhof and serves traditional Swiss and Valais dishes including rösti, raclette and fondue.

The 15% discount becomes more noticeable on a full family meal. Prices are still likely to be higher than at a bakery or pizza counter, so check the menu before assuming the discount makes it the cheapest option.

Kraftwerk Café & Restaurant

Kraftwerk sits near Stauffacher and offers lunch menus, sharing dishes and vegetarian choices. It may appeal more to families with older children and teenagers than those looking for a conventional children’s menu.

RIBELLI Zürich

RIBELLI is in Zürich West, close to the Museum für Gestaltung. Italian dishes and pizza make it a practical option when visiting that part of the city.

Pairing the restaurant with the nearby museum, which also offers free Zürich Card admission, makes more sense than travelling across Zürich solely for the food discount.

Use food discounts with a little caution

Show the card before ordering or when asking for the bill. Restaurants may be unable to apply the reduction after payment has been processed. Offers generally cannot be combined with another promotion, reduced menu or special event. Certain drinks and products may also be excluded.

The current restaurant partners should be checked through the Zürich City Guide app or official card page. Participating venues can change. A 15% saving does not automatically make an expensive restaurant good value. A modest family meal without a discount can still cost less than a premium meal reduced by 15%.

Other food-related offers include 20% off Lindt Home of Chocolate admission and 10% off at the Lindt Chocolate Shop in Kilchberg. Globus also offers 15% on eligible purchases at its Bahnhofstrasse and Bellevue stores, although its restaurants, bars and several product categories are excluded.

A good way to use a 24-hour Zürich Card

The strongest 24-hour plan combines one high-value attraction with several journeys rather than attempting every museum. A workable example is:

Arrival afternoon

Activate the card at Zürich Airport and use it for the train into the city. After leaving luggage, ride the Polybahn or explore the Old Town by tram and on foot.

Following morning

Visit the FIFA Museum. Allow two or three hours, particularly with football-focused children.

Lunch

Use the restaurant discount at Bäckerei Jung Schanzengraben, VITO or another partner that fits the route.

Afternoon

Choose either the one-hour mini lake cruise or the Felsenegg cable-car excursion before the card expires.

Attempting the FIFA Museum, a 90-minute cruise and Felsenegg in the same short period is possible on paper but leaves little room for delays, meals or tired children.

Making the most of the 72-hour card

The 72-hour card allows a more natural pace.

A balanced three-day plan could include:

Day one: Central Zürich

Use the airport transfer, explore the Old Town and ride the Polybahn. Take the Limmat river cruise if it is operating.

Day two: FIFA Museum and the lake

Visit the FIFA Museum, have lunch near Bahnhof Enge and take the mini or short lake cruise from Bürkliplatz.

Day three: Felsenegg or Uetliberg

Use the included trains and cable car for a half-day trip. Finish with a discounted meal before the card expires. A second museum can be added where there is genuine interest. The Swiss National Museum, Tram Museum, Museum Rietberg and Museum für Gestaltung are among the included choices. Most museums close on Mondays, so always check opening days before deciding when to activate the card.

Common Zürich Card mistakes

A few small mistakes can reduce the value considerably:

• Activating a 24-hour card too early
• Assuming it expires at midnight rather than at a precise time
• Buying a card for a child whose chosen attractions are already free
• Forgetting that each traveller needs an individual card
• Travelling beyond the included zones without an extension
• Assuming every Lake Zürich cruise is covered
• Boarding first class without an upgrade
• Expecting a discount at every restaurant
• Failing to show the card before paying
• Planning several museums on a Monday
• Keeping every digital card on a nearly empty phone
• Forgetting the CHF or EUR 1 coin needed for a FIFA Museum locker

A long list of benefits can also encourage over-planning. The card is most useful when it removes the cost and friction from an enjoyable itinerary, not when it dictates one.

Is the 24-hour or 72-hour Zürich Card better?

The 24-hour card suits a short visit built around the FIFA Museum, transport and one additional experience such as a boat trip or Felsenegg.

The 72-hour version is better for a weekend or three-night break. It gives the family enough time to respond to the weather, spread museums across different days and use public transport without continually checking fares.

The longer card is less useful when much of the trip will be spent outside Zürich. It does not provide free general travel around Switzerland, although separate discounts and zone extensions may be available.

Clear weather also changes its value. Lake cruises, Uetliberg and Felsenegg are more rewarding when visibility is good. A 72-hour window makes it easier to choose the best day for them.

Is the Zürich Card worth it for families?

The Zürich Card is often worth buying when a family plans to visit the FIFA Museum and use Zürich’s public transport. Museum admission accounts for most of the 24-hour card price before the first airport train, tram, boat or cable car is included.

It is less convincing for visitors who plan to walk around the Old Town, relax beside the lake and concentrate on free places. No pass is a saving when it encourages the family to pay for benefits they would not otherwise choose.

The greatest advantage may be the freedom to change the day. A tram can replace a long walk, a boat can provide a quiet hour when everyone needs a rest and the FIFA Museum can be enjoyed without another large admission bill.

That combination of savings and flexibility is what makes the Zürich Card useful. The aim is not to use everything it covers, but to make the things the family genuinely wants to do easier.