Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and has a well-developed taxi network. With over 1,000 licensed taxis and several major dispatch centers, you'll always find transportation.
Taxis in Zurich: Overview
Facts and Figures
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of taxis | approx. 1,000 |
| Taxi companies | 200+ |
| Largest dispatch center | Taxi 444 |
| Fleet | Mostly Mercedes, VW, Tesla |
| Availability | 24/7 |
Special Features
- High quality: Well-maintained vehicles, professional drivers
- Multilingual: Most drivers speak German and English
- Cashless: Almost all taxis accept cards
- E-Taxis: Increasing number of electric vehicles
Finding a Taxi in Zurich
Taxi Stands
The main taxi stands in Zurich:
City Center:
- Main Station (Bahnhofplatz)
- Paradeplatz
- Bellevue
- Central
- Burkliplatz
Outer Districts:
- Oerlikon (Station)
- Altstetten (Station)
- Wiedikon
- Seebach
Airport:
- In front of the arrivals hall
Tip
At the main station, there are several taxi stands: Bahnhofplatz (main exit), Europaallee, and Museumstrasse.
Order by Phone
| Dispatch Center | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi 444 | 044 444 44 44 | taxi444.ch |
| Alpha Taxi | 044 777 77 77 | alpha-taxi.ch |
| Taxi 7x7 | 044 777 77 77 | taxi7x7.ch |
Order by App
| App | Available | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Uber | Yes | Often cheaper |
| Bolt | Yes | Good prices |
| taxi.eu | Yes | Connects to local taxis |
| myTaxi | Yes | Integrated payment |
Prices in Zurich
Official Rates
| Rate Component | Day (6am-8pm) | Night/Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare | 8.00 CHF | 8.00 CHF |
| Per kilometer | 3.80 CHF | 4.60 CHF |
| Waiting time/min. | 1.13 CHF | 1.38 CHF |
Sample Trips
| Route | Distance | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Station - Airport | 10 km | 50-60 CHF |
| Main Station - ETH Honggerberg | 7 km | 35-45 CHF |
| Paradeplatz - Oerlikon | 6 km | 30-40 CHF |
| Bellevue - Altstetten | 5 km | 28-35 CHF |
| Seefeld - Wiedikon | 4 km | 23-30 CHF |
| Main Station - Zurich West | 3 km | 18-25 CHF |
Traffic
During rush hour (7-9am and 5-7pm), trips can cost significantly more due to traffic. Waiting time is charged.
Popular Routes
Airport Transfers
| Route | Price | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Airport - Main Station | 50-65 CHF | 15-25 min. |
| Airport - City Center | 55-70 CHF | 15-30 min. |
| Airport - Zurich West | 45-55 CHF | 15-20 min. |
Tip: The S-Bahn costs only 6.80 CHF and takes 10 minutes.
Going Out and Nightlife
Popular night trips:
- Langstrasse - Seefeld
- Niederdorf - Kreis 5
- Clubs in Zurich West - Residential areas
At Night
On Friday and Saturday nights, there may be waiting times at popular spots. Order in advance via app.
Find a Taxi in Zurich
All taxi companies in Zurich at a glance
Taxi vs. Alternatives
Price Comparison
| Route | Taxi | Uber | Public Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Station - Airport | 55 CHF | 38 CHF | 6.80 CHF |
| Paradeplatz - Oerlikon | 35 CHF | 25 CHF | 4.40 CHF |
| Bellevue - Altstetten | 30 CHF | 22 CHF | 4.40 CHF |
When to Take a Taxi?
A taxi is especially worthwhile:
- With luggage
- In rain/cold weather
- With two or more people (split costs)
- At night (public transit is infrequent/unavailable)
- When pressed for time
When to Use Public Transit?
Zurich public transport (ZVV) offers:
- Dense tram and bus network
- S-Bahn every 10 minutes
- Night S-Bahn on weekends (SN)
- Affordable day passes
Payment
Accepted Payment Methods
| Payment Method | Acceptance |
|---|---|
| Cash (CHF) | 100% |
| Credit card | 95%+ |
| Debit card | 95%+ |
| TWINT | 80%+ |
| Apple/Google Pay | 70%+ |
Card Payment
Inform the driver before the trip if you want to pay cashless. Almost all Zurich taxis have terminals.
Tipping
In Zurich, tipping is optional:
- Round up: From 28 CHF to 30 CHF
- Percentage: 5-10% for longer trips
- Luggage assistance: 1-2 CHF extra
Special Services
Large Capacity Taxi
For groups or lots of luggage:
- 6-seater van: surcharge approx. 20%
- 8-seater minibus: surcharge approx. 40%
- Specify when booking!
Airport Transfer
- Fixed prices possible
- Child seats on request
- Meet & Greet available
Business Service
- Limousines available
- Invoicing possible
- Corporate accounts
Accessible Taxis
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles by appointment:
- Request from dispatch center
- Order at least 1 hour in advance
Insider Tips for Zurich
Avoid Rush Hour
Morning (7-9am):
- Badenerstrasse toward the center
- Hardbrucke
- Talacker
Evening (5-7pm):
- Paradeplatz
- Bellevue
- Bahnhofstrasse
Best Times
- Cheapest time: Weekdays 10am-12pm and 2-4pm
- Fastest trip: Early morning (before 7am) or late evening (after 9pm)
Watch for Events
During major events (Street Parade, Zuri Fascht, football), taxis are scarce and expensive. Plan ahead or use public transit.
Safety
Recognizing Official Taxis
Zurich taxis must have:
- Yellow taxi sign on the roof
- Taxi number on the outside of the vehicle
- Calibrated taximeter
- License from the City of Zurich
Warning
Do not get into vehicles without official identification, even if they seem cheaper.
Request a Receipt
You are always entitled to:
- Receipt with the fare
- Taxi number
- Date and time
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a taxi for the whole day?
Yes, daily rates are possible. Expect 500-800 CHF for 8 hours. Inquire at dispatch centers.
Do taxis accept pets?
Generally yes, but:
- Small animals in a carrier
- Dogs only upon request
- Some drivers decline
Is there taxi sharing?
Official taxi sharing is not common in Zurich. Uber Pool has been discontinued. Best option: share a ride with friends.
Summary
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of taxis | approx. 1,000 |
| Base fare | 8.00 CHF |
| Price per kilometer | 3.80 CHF (day) / 4.60 CHF (night) |
| Main dispatch center | 044 444 44 44 |
| Alternatives | Uber, Bolt (cheaper) |
| Payment methods | Cash, card, TWINT |
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