News
Ride
Schedule
Every 2 to 4 minutes
Monday to Friday |
6:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
Saturdays |
7:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
Sundays |
9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
Schedule
Every 5 minutes
Monday to Friday |
6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Saturdays |
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Sundays & on
|
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Regular brake tests and maintenance are necessary for the safety of our passengers. On the following dates, the Polybahn is not in operation from 6.30 a.m. to approx. 5.00 p.m.:
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Thursday, August 10, 2023
No operation: September 4 – September 8, 2023, annual maintenance
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Thursday, November 16, 2022
Thursday, 14 December 2022
Prices
Price for a single journey per person
Polybahn special price
CHF 1.20
Polybahn multi-trip card (6x)
CHF 7.20
The Polybahn special ticket is available at the ticket machine in front of the Polybahn (Central and ETH Polyterrasse). The Polybahn is a member of the ZVV. The ticket price is included in the ZVV tariff zone 110 (City of Zurich). No additional ticket is required.
Please note

The Polybahn is not wheelchair-accessible.

All passengers aged 12 and above must wear a mask (as of 19 October 2020)
DISCOVER
Sightseeing in Zurich? Discover all the city has to offer on board the famous Polybahn.


Polyterrasse viewing deck: The Polybahn takes you to the Polyterrasse in less than 2 minutes. Enjoy a unique view of Zurich, including the renowned Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) and the University of Zurich (UZH) – a great trip for the whole family!
Altstadt (Niederdorf): Why not combine your ride on the UBS Polybahn with a stroll through the lively Niederdorf district? Discover this historic heart of Zurich and let the magic of the old town enchant you!
Lindenhof: Take a trip to an oasis in the middle of the city – located on the other side of the river, just opposite the Polybahn. Enjoy the peace and quiet of Lindenhof as you take in the beautiful views of the Altstadt, as well as landmarks like the Zurich City Hall and the Grossmünster church.
Grossmünster: A must-see if you’re in Zurich – legend has it that this church was built on the former tomb of the city saints Felix and Regula.
Fraumünster: Crossing over the Limmat river will take you to another attraction in Zurich: the Fraumünster. Built on the site of a former convent, this church is famous for its glass windows designed by Augusto Giacometti and Marc Chagall.
Bahnhofstrasse: Discover some of the many boutiques, department stores and watch shops on Bahnhofstrasse, located in the city center. This famous shopping district used to be part of the moat that fortified the city 150 years ago. Today, it connects the main railway station with Lake Zurich.
Zurich National Museum: Experience Swiss culture and history in the country’s most popular historical museum. Relax in Platzspitz park, a historic jewel nestled in the heart of the city next to the main railway station.
LEARN
The sky’s the limit: the popular UBS Polybahn has been running from Zurich Central Square to the ETH Polyterrasse since 1886. Along with the Dolderbahn rack railway, the Rigiblick funicular and the Adliswil Felsenegg overhead cable car, the Polybahn is a Zurich transportation icon.


The two-car funicular can transport up to 50 people per car. The institute at the top of it – the former Eidgenössisches Polytechnikum, now the ETH – gave the Polybahn its name. Operated directly from the control center, the iconic red funicular has been driverless since 1996. Those interested in technology can learn more about the UBS Polybahn here:
Download factsheet (PDF)
HISTORY
From its inauguration in 1886 and first successful journey, through to its timely financial rescue in 1976 by the then SBG and a new lease of life following a total rebuild in 1996, the Polybahn has had an up-and-down history! Today the popular funicular, also known as the “student express,” transports around two million passengers a year. It is more than a piece of nostalgia – it is a Zurich landmark.
1886 – Concession is granted
On 1 July 1886, engineers H. A. Ruge and E. Stauder were granted a concession to construct and operate the Zürichbergbahn (“Zurich Mountain Railway”), running from Limmatquai...
1889 – The first section of the track is opened
The first section of the line, known as Bahnhofbrücke-Polytechnikum, was built in just under a year. The Zürichbergbahn from the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works based in...
1950 – In the red
Despite operating for years without a problem, the railway was badly affected by a fare hike in 1948, as well as the general economic situation at the...
1976 – Rescue by Union Bank of Switzerland
After several years of high operating deficits, Zürichbergbahn decided not to renew the concession. The association “Pro Polybahn” was founded in 1972 with the aim of keeping...
1996 – Full rebuild
After being incorporated into the ZVV, the “student express” saw a significant upturn in passenger volume, to more than 1.6 million riders per year. However, the rolling...
Next departure
Don’t worry, the next Polybahn will be here in less than 4 minutes.
Supported by UBS
The Zurich Polybahn is more than a symbol of nostalgia. Every year, the UBS Polybahn transports more than two million people from Zurich Central Square to the ETH Polyterrasse and back again. The funicular railway is part of Zurich’s history. Back when it was in the red and about to be closed down, the former Union Bank of Switzerland – now UBS – acquired and refurbished it.
Together with the VBZ and ZVV, UBS has kept the Polybahn going ever since. UBS is committed to preserving culture and traditions like this beloved red Zurich landmark, which has been creating unique experiences for young and old since 1886.
You can find more information here.
Next departure
In 2 to 4 minutes
Supported by UBS
The Zurich Polybahn is more than a symbol of nostalgia. Every year, the UBS Polybahn transports more than two million people from Zurich Central Square to the ETH Polyterrasse and back again. The funicular railway is part of Zurich’s history. Back when it was in the red and about to be closed down, the former Union Bank of Switzerland – now UBS – acquired and refurbished it.
Together with the VBZ and ZVV, UBS has kept the Polybahn going ever since. UBS is committed to preserving culture and traditions like this beloved red Zurich landmark, which has been creating unique experiences for young and old since 1886.
You can find more information here.