Zurich is Switzerland\'s main international gateway and one of the best-connected cities in Europe. With British Airways, easyJet, Swiss, and SWISS all competing on the route from the UK, there are good options for finding competitive fares. Switzerland is expensive once you arrive, so saving on flights makes a real difference. Here is everything you need to know for 2026.
Which Airlines Fly from the UK to Zurich?
SWISS (Swiss International Air Lines) — Switzerland\'s national carrier, operating from London Heathrow, London City, Manchester, and Birmingham to Zurich Airport (ZRH). Excellent service and competitive fares, with a generous baggage allowance included. Part of the Lufthansa Group.\n\nBritish Airways — Operates from London Heathrow and London City to Zurich. Higher fares but earns Avios points and includes luggage.\n\neasyJet — Operates from London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol to Zurich. Competitive base fares with a budget model — charges for hold luggage and seat selection.\n\nRyanair — Operates from London Stansted and several regional UK airports to Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL/MLH) — a cross-border airport serving both Basel (Switzerland) and Mulhouse (France). Basel is 90 minutes from Zurich by train but is a good base for northwest Switzerland, Lucerne, and Bern.\n\nEdelweiss Air — A Swiss leisure airline (part of the Lufthansa Group) operating seasonal flights from UK airports to Zurich, particularly in summer and winter ski season.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Zurich
January and February (excluding ski season peaks) are among the cheapest months — fares from £60–£130 return from London. Note that ski season (Christmas, New Year, February half-term) pushes prices up significantly.\n\nMarch and November offer good value — shoulder season with fares from £70–£140 return.\n\nApril and May are excellent — spring weather, lower crowds, and fares from £80–£160 return.\n\nJune is good value before the summer peak — fares from £90–£170 return.\n\nJuly and August are peak season — fares rise to £120–£250 return. Book 3–4 months in advance.\n\nSeptember and October offer great value — fares drop after August, the weather is still good, and the autumn colours in the Alps are spectacular. Fares from £80–£160 return.\n\nDecember (Christmas/New Year) is very expensive — book 4–6 months in advance.
Zurich Airport (ZRH) vs Basel (BSL)
Zurich Airport (ZRH) — Switzerland\'s main international airport, 10 minutes from Zurich city centre by train (CHF 6.80, runs every few minutes). The most convenient option for visiting Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and eastern Switzerland.\n\nBasel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL/MLH) — A cross-border airport on the French-Swiss border, used mainly by Ryanair and easyJet. Basel city centre is 20 minutes by bus (CHF 4.70). From Basel, Zurich is 55 minutes by train (CHF 34 each way). Good option if you are starting your trip in Basel, Bern, or Lucerne rather than Zurich.\n\nGeneva Airport (GVA) — easyJet, British Airways, and SWISS operate from UK airports to Geneva. Geneva is a good entry point for western Switzerland, the Matterhorn (Zermatt), and the French Alps. Zurich is 2 hours 45 minutes from Geneva by train.\n\nVerdict: Fly into Zurich for most Switzerland itineraries. Basel is worth considering if Ryanair fares are significantly cheaper and you are flexible on your starting point.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Fares to Zurich
Book early for ski season — Christmas, New Year, and February half-term flights to Switzerland sell out months in advance and prices are very high. Book 4–6 months ahead.\n\nBe flexible on days — Tuesday and Wednesday flights are typically cheaper than Friday and Sunday.\n\nCompare total costs — easyJet and Ryanair base fares look cheap but add up quickly with hold luggage (£25–£40 each way) and seat selection. SWISS often offers competitive all-in fares.\n\nConsider flying into Geneva or Basel — if you are flexible on your entry point, Geneva and Basel sometimes have cheaper fares than Zurich, especially with easyJet and Ryanair.\n\nUse Google Flights calendar view — the cheapest day to fly is often visible at a glance. Set up price alerts on Skyscanner for your preferred dates.
