Zurich lies on the north end of Lake Zurich and the Limmat river cuts directly through the old town. So doing a boat cruise is a great way to see some of the city and environs. It’s also a fun way to visit nearby attractions like the Lindt Chocolate Factory.
Below are suggested boat cruises and self-guided boating options for Lake Zurich.
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Overview of Lake Zurich Cruises
This map shows Lake Zurich cruise routes. You can see the current cruise offers and timetables on www.zsg.ch
Below are a few cruises we recommend. There are also many dining cruises, like the Brunch Cruise on Sundays and Cheese Fondue Cruise, which runs in fall and winter. You need to book ahead for these special cruises.
Boat Tickets
Boats on Lake Zurich are part of the public transport system. If you have a valid public transport ticket for the corresponding zone, the ticket is valid for the boat, as well as trains, buses and trams in that zone.
You can buy tickets:
- ticket office at the Bürkliplatz ferry dock
- SBB mobile app or SBB.ch
- on the boat if there is no ticket machine or office at the dock
Lake Zurich boats are free with the Swiss Travel Pass. Discount for Swiss Half Fare Card, Eurail Global Pass, and children age 6-15. Under 6 ride free.
If you buy the Zürich Card, it includes the Limmat river cruise and all short lake cruises as far south as the Thalwil and Erlenbach stops.
1. Limmat river cruise
This small boat cruises along the Limmat river, where you can see some of the most beautiful Zurich landmarks like the Grossmünster cathedral.
Starting at the Landesmuseum dock near the Zürich HB train station, it’s a 55 min loop down river and into the lake. But you can get off at any stop along the way for a shorter trip.
If you have time, we suggest get off the boat at Zürichhorn, where you can enjoy refreshments at the beer garden with lake views.
Then you can ride the boat back to the city. Or you can walk back to the city along the lovely lakeside promenade. The walk takes about 25 mins to reach Bellevue, where you’ll find restaurants and trams connecting to all parts of the city.
The boat has a glass roof, so you have unobstructed views. It is air conditioned. It has room for one wheelchair, but strollers must be folded.
Time: 55 mins round trip / 30 mins one way Landesmuseum to Zürihorn
Cost: CHF 4.40/adult round trip, CHF 14/child6-16, under 6 free. Free with Zürich Card and Zurich city day pass.
Open: daily April – late October / departs every 30 mins from 10:50 – 17:20 (until 19:50 in July & Aug)
Location: board boat on Limmat river near Zürich HB main station, stop: Zürich Landesmuseum
2. Short lake cruise
The “Kleine Seerundfahrt” is a 90 min loop around the north end of Lake Zurich. This is a good choice if you want to spend more time on the water or want a break from walking. You can hop on & off the boat at any of the stops.
We suggest combining this with a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate, which is at the Kilchberg ZH stop. Then get back on the boat and continue the cruise back to Zurich.
Time: 90 min loop
Cost: CHF 8.80/adult round trip, CHF 4.40/child 6-16, under 6 free. Free with Zürich Card.
Open: year round / departs every 30 mins from 10:30 – 18:30 (until 19:50 in July & Aug)
Location: Zürich Bürkliplatz ferry dock / tram stop: Bürkliplatz
3. Long Cruise to Rapperswil
The longest cruise on Lake Zurich goes to Rapperswil, a picturesque historic town on the south end of the lake. It has a nice castle, small car-free old town, a nice lakeside promenade with lots of cafes, and a big playground with grassy fields below the castle.
From Zürich Bürkliplatz, the “Grosse Seerundfahrt” takes a little over 2 hours to reach Rapperswill. On the way back, you can ride the train, which takes about 36 mins if you catch the fast train.
Time: 2h10 one way
Cost 2024: about CHF 35.60/adult round trip (optional train one way). Free with Swiss Travel Pass, discounted with Swiss Half Fare Card and Eurail Global Pass.
Timetable: In summer, 5 times per day, each direction. In winter, twice a day each direction. See current timetable.
Location: Zürich Bürkliplatz (See) ferry dock to Rapperswill SG (See)
Learn more in my Rapperswil Day Trip article.
