Airports In Switzerland: Your Gateway To The Alps

Airports in Switzerland are famous for their scenic landscapes, skiing, and charming cities

The country that is known as the heaven on earth, Switzerland, is renowned for its scenic beauty, and the airports in Switzerland act as gateways to this picturesque paradise of earth. Whether you are flying in for skiing, hiking, or exploring charming cities such as Zurich, Lausanne, and Geneva, Switzerland airports are well-equipped to handle both international and domestic flights. From major international airports to regional airports, each airport in Switzerland offers unique access to the country’s scenic landscapes and diverse cultures.

10 Best Airports In Switzerland

Here are the top airports in Switzerland, these airports serve both travelers arriving from across the globe and those flying within the country.

1. Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international airports in Switzerland offering flights and transport services

Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

Zurich International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Switzerland, handling millions of passengers each year. Located just 13 kilometers from the city center of Zurich, Zurich Airport serves as a major international gateway to Switzerland. The airport offers numerous flight options to Europe, Asia, and the Americas, making it one of the key transport hubs in the country. This Swiss airport has non-stop flights to 205 destinations in 69 countries all over the world.

Location: Zurich, 13 km from the city center
Airport Type: International

2. Geneva Airport (GVA)

International airports in Switzerland connecting Geneva to global destinations

Photo: Krokodyl / Wikimedia Commons

Geneva Airport, also known as Cointrin Airport, is another major international hub in Switzerland, located near the French border. It serves both domestic and international flights and acts as a key entry point for travelers visiting the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The airport offers convenient access to the famous city and surrounding areas, including the beautiful Lake Geneva region. Besides being an international airport, this is also a direct gateway into the second most populous city in Switzerland.

Location: Geneva, 4 km from city center
Airport Type: International

3. Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL/MLH)

Image of Basel-Mulhouse Airport - Tri-national airport serving Switzerland, France, and Germany

Photo: Fanny Schertzer / Wikimedia Commons

Situated near the border of Switzerland, France, and Germany, Basel-Mulhouse Airport serves as a tri-national airport, operated by France and Switzerland together. It is an international airport that caters to both Swiss and European travelers. The airport is located just 6 km from the city center of Basel, making it easy to access from both the city and its surrounding regions. It is a unique yet efficient operation run by European countries.

Location: Basel, 6 km from the city center
Airport Type: International

4. Bern Airport (BRN)

Image of picturesque Small regional and airport serving the Swiss capital, Bern

Photo: Lszb29 / Wikimedia Commons

Bern Airport, officially known as Bern-Belp Regional Aerodrome, is the main airport for Switzerland’s capital city, Bern, and one of the main airports in Switzerland. This smaller international airport mainly serves European destinations. The airport offers fewer direct flight options, mainly in Europe compared to other airports such as Zurich Airport and Geneva Airport.

Location: Bern, 10 km from the city center
Airport Type: International

5. Lugano Airport (LUG)

Image of an airport - Regional airport located in the Swiss city of Lugano

Photo: Chris j wood / Wikimedia Commons

Lugano Airport is located in the southern part of Switzerland, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. This smaller international airport connects Lugano to major European cities, but it still offers fewer international routes. While it may not offer as many international routes, it is a convenient option for tourists who are visiting southern Switzerland and the Italian-speaking region of Ticino. Visitors can also visit the beautiful Agno village, neighboring this airport.

Location: Lugano, 6 km from city center
Airport Type: International

6. Sion Airport (SIR)

Sion Airport located in the French-speaking Valais canton with picturesque views

Photo: Christopher Doyle / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sion Airport, located in the French-speaking Valais canton, is a small regional airport, primarily serving the ski resort areas in the Alps. Seasonal flights operate from Sion Airport, and many travelers use it to reach nearby ski resorts like Zermatt and Verbier. It is an excellent option for ski enthusiasts looking to avoid the crowded major airports in Switzerland. Sion is a direct door to the beautiful Alps that give Switzerland its title and glory.

Location: Sion, 2 km from city center
Airport Type: Domestic (with limited international flights)

7. St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH)

Image of St.Gallen-Altenrhein - Swiss regional airport near the Austrian border

Photo: Peoples170 / Wikimedia Commons

St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport is another small international airport located in the northeastern part of Switzerland. The airport offers domestic flights as well as limited international services. It is primarily used by travelers visiting the St. Gallen region and the nearby Austrian and German borders. While officially classified as international, there are very few international flights to this airport

Location: Altenrhein, 15 km from city center
Airport Type: International

8. Grenchen Airport (ZHI)

Stunning view of the regional airports in Switzerland offer private flights and charters

Photo: Mimano / Wikimedia Commons

Grenchen Airport is a small regional airport located near Solothurn, in the central part of Switzerland. Private flights and general aviation are the primary uses of the airport, although it offers some limited commercial services. It is ideal for those traveling to the Solothurn region and the nearby Jura Mountains.

Location: Grenchen, 5 km from city center
Airport Type: Domestic

9. Lausanne Airport (QFJ)

Image of regional airports in Switzerland serve the city of Lausanne

Photo: Tristan Liardon / Wikimedia Commons

Lausanne-Blécherette Airport is a small regional airport located on the shores of Lake Geneva in the city of Lausanne. Though it doesn’t handle large international flights, it provides easy access to the nearby city of Lausanne and the picturesque Swiss Riviera region. It mainly offers domestic flights within Europe. This is one of the most important airports in Switzerland, due to its direct access to one of the major tourism hotspots in the country

Location: Lausanne, 10 km from city center
Airport Type: Domestic

10. Engadin Airport

Scenic airport is located in the Swiss Alps, which is ideal for flights

Photo: PESP/ Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Engadin Airport, located near the famous St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps, is the highest airport in Europe, offering stunning alpine views and easy access to popular ski resorts. Primarily serving private and seasonal flights, it is ideal for visitors heading to the luxurious and scenic Engadin Valley. Engadin Airport operates as a domestic airport with limited international charter flights, making it a convenient choice for travelers wanting direct access to the Alps.

Location: Samedan, 5 km from St. Moritz
Airport Type: Domestic (with limited international charter flights)

Airports in Switzerland offer a gateway to the beautiful paradise nation for travelers, whether you are flying in for a luxurious vacation, to ski in the Alps, or to explore the charming Swiss cities such as Bern and Lausanne. With major international hubs such as Zurich and Geneva, as well as smaller regional airports in areas such as Sion and St. Gallen, Switzerland ensures easy access to its most popular destinations. Book your trip with TripXL and explore Switzerland’s beautiful cities and landscapes with ease.

Cover Photo: Joerg Mangelsen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest and busiest airport in Switzerland.
Yes, Geneva Airport (GVA) is only 4 km away from the city center.
Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, and Lugano airports all serve international flights.
While there are no airports directly in the Alps, airports such as Zurich and Bern offer convenient access to the mountains.
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the closest major international airport to Interlaken.

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