Why the Observation Decks at Zürich Airport Are perfect for a Cheap and Fun Family Outing
A Low-Budget & Fun Airport Activity
One night in 2025, we were looking for cheap and fun activities to do in Zürich and came across the incredible Observation Decks at Zürich Airport. The next morning, our family of four reached Zürich airport after a hearty breakfast to explore the area.
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Arriving in Zurich
- Via Train or Bus: Zurich is centrally located with excellent rail connections through Basel, Bern and Aargau. To check schedules and book your ticket, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Zurich Airport to experience the beautiful city of Zurich and on your way back, explore the Observation Decks at the airport. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Switzerland
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Making The Most Out Of Your Visit
It turns out there are two brilliant observation decks at Zürich Airport that you can visit for a small entry price of just 5 CHF.
Observation Deck B is easily accessible directly through the main airport terminal and features a huge playground. We spent a wonderful hour exploring Observation Deck B.
To arrive at Observation Deck E, we took a short ride on a shuttle bus from Observation Deck B. Deck E was much quieter and had fewer people, but the play area there consisted of only mini-planes.
At both decks, we witnessed the spectacular taking off and landing of planes from a remarkably close distance. Our kids had a lot of fun at both locations, but they definitely appreciated Deck B more due to the bigger playground. This is a great place to spend a few hours if you enjoy watching aeroplanes.
Final Remarks
The Observation Decks at Zürich Airport are a must-visit if you have a few hours to kill at the airport. We will definitely be returning to this location as both our kids love airplanes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit the Zürich Airport observation decks?
Entry to the observation decks costs 5 CHF per person, making it one of the most affordable and entertaining budget activities in the city.
What is the difference between Observation Deck B and Observation Deck E?
Observation Deck B is located by the main terminal, is highly accessible, and features a massive playground for children. Observation Deck E is accessible via a shuttle bus from Deck B, offering a quieter atmosphere with fewer crowds and a smaller play area featuring mini-planes.
Is the Zürich Airport viewing deck suitable for families?
Yes, it is a fantastic location for families. Children can enjoy dedicated play areas while watching airplanes land and take off from a very close distance.
