Intro

An emblem of Zurich, the nostalgic Polybahn links the old town with one of the most beautiful viewing terraces high above the city.

Since opening in 1889, the Polybahn has carried over two million passengers each year to the Polyterrasse between the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University in just two and a half minutes. The route has not changed at all since it first came into service in 1889, and is a historic monument to late 19th century engineering.

Saved from closure at the last minute by a Swiss bank in 1976, the historic Polybahn was completely overhauled in 1996 and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and in 2001 the upper station was repainted in its original Sienna red colour. Thanks to this complete overhaul, the Student Express, also affectionately known as the “Polybähnli”, will continue to transport future generations from Central to Zurich’s seats of learning and back.

How to get there: Walk from Zurich main station, crossing the Limmat to Central, then take the funicular to the Polyterrasse.


Altitude: 452 metres
How to get there:
Walk from Zurich main station, crossing the Limmat to Central, then take the funicular to the Polyterrasse
Views: Across the city and Lake Zurich to the Glärnisch, Tödi, Clariden, the Albis chain and the Uetliberg
Attractions: The funicular itself, which carries over two million people every year
Food and drink: Speciality restaurants in nearby Niederdorf
Accommodation: Zurich city (the Hotel Limmathof is right next to the lower station of the Polybahn)
Winter: Runs all year round
Special comments: No service on Sundays

General information

Show Technical information content
Season
All year
Time required
Less than 1 hour
Suitable for
Children, Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
Weather
Outdoor

Discover the surroundings

Contact

UBS-Polybahn AG (PBZ)
Luggwegstrasse 65
Postfach
8048  Zürich
Switzerland


Show Route

Overview

Hint

Overview
Zurich
Zurich Region
Show on map

Contact

UBS-Polybahn AG (PBZ)
Luggwegstrasse 65
Postfach
8048 Zürich
Show Route

Travel information: Zurich

  • Zurich From Zurich: Bus tour to Interlaken with Harder Kulm

    You travel comfortably from Zurich to Interlaken by bus. On the way, you can enjoy the lake... from CHF 134
    Offer details


    valid: 20.05.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about From Zurich: Bus tour to Interlaken with Harder Kulm
  • Zurich "Beat the Bride" in Zurich: action-packed hen party

    Take the wedding party on an action-packed city rally through Zurich to say goodbye to the bride in... from CHF 299
    Offer details


    valid: 09.06.2025 - 18.05.2026

    Learn more about "Beat the Bride" in Zurich: action-packed hen party
  • Zurich "Curse of Davy Jones" virtual reality game in Zurich

    You finally know where Davy Jones' treasure is. You must find it before Davy Jones' curse devours... from CHF 50
    Offer details


    valid: 20.05.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about "Curse of Davy Jones" virtual reality game in Zurich
  • Zurich Friends Day Pass for Youth SBB

    The Friends Day Pass for Youth is an incredibly attractive offer for young people under 25. With up... from CHF 80
    Offer details


    valid: 20.05.2025 - 14.11.2025

    Learn more about Friends Day Pass for Youth SBB
  • Zurich Traditional Korean tea ceremony

    You will immerse yourself in the art of the tea ceremony and learn more about three seasonal teas.... from CHF 150
    Offer details


    valid: 24.05.2025 - 28.12.2025

    Learn more about Traditional Korean tea ceremony
  • Zurich "Jungle Quest" virtual reality game in Zurich

    With the virtual reality game "Jungle Quest" you play an adventure game in Zurich. You accidentally... from CHF 109
    Offer details


    valid: 20.05.2025 - 17.05.2026

    Learn more about "Jungle Quest" virtual reality game in Zurich
  • Zurich Fondue tuk round trip in Zurich

    An elegant E-TukTuk drives you during 90 minutes past the sights of Zurich. You will enjoy a... from CHF 354
    Offer details


    valid: 20.05.2025 - 18.11.2025

    Learn more about Fondue tuk round trip in Zurich
  • Zurich Indoor Golf Team Event at the Simulator

    With this Indoor Golf, you can have a fun event as a team. Indoor Golf is ideal for teams of... from CHF 800
    Offer details


    valid: 10.06.2025 - 30.12.2025

    Learn more about Indoor Golf Team Event at the Simulator