The Uetliberg is unusually easy to reach. The S10 runs from Zürich main station (Zürich HB) to the mountain terminus “Uetliberg” in about 20 to 25 minutes, and from there the summit of Uto Kulm is a ten-minute walk. The alternatives are to walk up from the edge of the city or to arrive along the ridge from the Felsenegg cable car.
Timetables and fares change, so treat the figures below as a guide and check the ZVV or SBB app before you travel.
The main routes, compared
| From | How | Time (approx.) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zürich HB | S10 to “Uetliberg” + walk | 20–25 min + 10 min | The standard way; usually every 30 min |
| Triemli (tram 14) | On foot through the forest | 1–1¼ h | The classic hike up |
| Albisgütli (tram 13) | On foot: Laternenweg or Denzlerweg | 1–1½ h | Lit path, or steep direct route |
| Ringlikon (S10) | On foot, gentle forest track | About 40 min | Easiest walk; fine for sturdy buggies |
| Adliswil (S4) | Cable car to Felsenegg + ridge walk | 1½–2 h on foot | The Planet Trail in reverse |
| Zurich Airport | Train to Zürich HB, then S10 | About 50 min | Change at the main station |
1. The S10 from Zürich main station
The Uetlibergbahn is line S10 of the Zurich S-Bahn. At Zürich HB it 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”. Trains usually run every 30 minutes, and more often at busy times; make sure the destination shown is “Uetliberg”, as some trains end at Triemli.
From the terminus, a broad path climbs to Uto Kulm in about ten minutes. It is unpaved in places and the last part is steep.
2. Tickets and zones
Zurich’s public transport (ZVV) works by zones. The journey starts in city zone 110 and ends in zone 155; a ticket for the city alone is not enough. The simplest approach is to enter “Uetliberg” as your destination in the ZVV or SBB app or at a ticket machine — the correct zones are added automatically.
- Single or return? A day pass for the required zones usually costs about the same as two singles and also covers trams and buses in those zones all day.
- Half Fare Card: holders of the Swiss Half Fare Card pay half.
- Children: under-sixes travel free; older children pay a reduced fare or travel free with the relevant family cards.
- No ticket office on the mountain: buy before you board. Ticket inspections are frequent and fines are steep.
3. Zürich Card, Swiss Travel Pass and other passes
- Zürich Card (24 or 72 hours): has included unlimited travel in the city and surrounding zones, among them the S10 to the Uetliberg, the Felsenegg cable car and the airport train, plus museum entries and a short lake cruise.
- Swiss Travel Pass: has covered the S10 as part of the national network.
- ZVV day passes and 9 o’clock passes: good value if you also use trams and boats.
Inclusions are revised from time to time — confirm the current conditions for any pass before relying on it. You can compare passes and tours on our tours and tickets page.
4. On foot from the city
Walking up takes roughly an hour to an hour and a half and about 400 metres of climbing. The usual starting points are Triemli (tram 14) and Albisgütli (tram 13). The Laternenweg from Albisgütli is lit by lamps and popular after dark; the Denzlerweg is short, steep and stepped. Our hiking routes guide describes each one.
5. Along the ridge from Felsenegg
You can also come the other way: S4 from Zürich HB to Adliswil, the cable car up to Felsenegg, and then the Planet Trail north along the ridge to the Uetliberg in about an hour and a half to two hours, finishing with the S10 down.
6. By car or bike
You cannot drive to the summit. The road is closed to private traffic, Uto Kulm is car-free and there is no public car park at the top. Hotel guests should ask the hotel about luggage and transfers. Parking near the lower stations is very limited; leave the car in the city.
Cyclists may ride up on the permitted roads and tracks, and mountain bikers have official trails for the descent. Taking bikes on the S10 is restricted — check the SZU’s current rules.
7. From Zurich Airport
Trains run from the airport to Zürich HB every few minutes and take about 10 to 15 minutes. Change there to the S10. With luggage, use the lockers at the main station first — there is no left-luggage facility on the mountain.
Getting back down
- By train: the S10 runs until late in the evening, normally to around midnight. Check the last departure if you stay for dinner.
- On foot: all the ascent routes work in reverse; take a torch after dusk except on the Laternenweg.
- Via Felsenegg: the cable car stops earlier than the trains and closes for maintenance for a few weeks a year.
Accessibility
The S10 trains are low-floor. The path from the station to the summit is wide but has a steep final section and a loose surface in places; wheelchair users and people with buggies will want a strong helper. The lookout tower has stairs only.
