The Uetlibergbahn — line S10 of the Zurich S-Bahn, run by the SZU — is the easy way up. Trains leave Zürich main station (Zürich HB), call at Selnau, Binz, Friesenberg and Triemli, then wind up through the forest via Uitikon Waldegg and Ringlikon to the terminus “Uetliberg” at 813 metres. The ride takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
The line opened in 1875 and is known as one of the steepest standard-gauge adhesion railways in Europe: the trains climb gradients of up to about 79 per mille with no rack or cable. For visitors it is simply a very comfortable mountain railway that happens to start in the middle of a city.
Top things to do: The Uetlibergbahn (S10)
Find the right platform
At Zürich HB the S10 normally leaves from the SZU platforms 21 and 22, on a lower level at the Bahnhofstrasse end of the station. Follow the signs for “SZU” or “Uetliberg” and allow a few minutes to get there from the main hall.
Enjoy the climb
After Triemli the city falls away quickly and the train winds through beech forest, with glimpses of the suburbs and the fields around Uitikon between the trees. It is a proper little mountain journey for the price of a suburban ticket.
Break the journey
Getting off at Ringlikon or Uitikon Waldegg turns the trip into an easy walk: from Ringlikon a gentle forest path reaches the summit in about 40 minutes.
Getting there: The Uetlibergbahn (S10)
- Frequency: trains usually run every 30 minutes all day, and more often at busy times such as fine weekends. Some trains end at Triemli — check that yours goes to “Uetliberg”.
- Tickets: the journey starts in city zone 110 and ends in zone 155. Enter “Uetliberg” as your destination in the ZVV or SBB app or at a machine and the right zones are added automatically.
- Passes: the Zürich Card and the Swiss Travel Pass have covered the S10 in recent years — confirm the current conditions when you buy. A plain city ticket for zone 110 alone is not enough.
Insider tips
- A day pass for the required zones usually costs about the same as two single tickets and lets you add trams in the city.
- There is no ticket office at the top. Buy a return or a day pass before you go up, or use the app.
- On sunny Sundays and when the fog lies over the city, trains can be full. Travel before 10 am or after 3 pm if you can.
- Taking bicycles on the S10 is restricted — check the SZU’s current rules before you turn up with one.
Best tours & tickets for The Uetlibergbahn (S10)
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to The Uetlibergbahn (S10):
Self-guided tour + train from €45 Zurich: Audio-Guided City Tour and Train to the “Top of Zurich”
The most-reviewed Uetliberg product on GetYourGuide: an audio-guided introduction to the city combined with the train ride up Zurich’s local mountain. You set the pace yourself, which suits anyone who wants the transport sorted but no group to follow.
- Audio-guided walk through central Zurich at your own pace
- Ride the S10 Uetlibergbahn up to the mountain station
- Free time at Uto Kulm for the view over city, lake and Alps
City pass from €31 Zürich Card: Save on Attractions, Transport and Dining
Not a tour but the most useful booking for a Uetliberg day: the pass covers public transport in Zurich and the surrounding zones, including the train to the Uetliberg and the airport transfer, plus museum discounts. Check the current list of inclusions before you buy.
- Unlimited 2nd-class travel on trams, buses, trains and boats in the city region
- Includes the S10 ride up the Uetliberg
- Free or reduced entry to many Zurich museums
