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.
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)
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.
Next stop: Renovation
The Polybahn runs again in mid-September.
If you don’t want to wait until then: Enjoy our digital point-of-view ride from Central to the top station.
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.
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.