Zurich Airport's Skymetro Cut to One Tunnel for Six Months
Passengers flying through Zurich Airport will face a reduced-capacity Skymetro service from 3 November, when one of its two tunnels closes for refurbishment. The airport train links the main airside area with Dock E, used for many non-Schengen flights. It will not shut completely, but replacement buses are planned for busy periods, making transfers to and from E gates worth watching.
The six-month closure marks the final stage of an upgrade that began earlier this year. The first tunnel was finished in June; Skymetro trains will now use that refurbished route while work continues next door. The airport is replacing control and drive equipment and lengthening trains from three to four carriages. Its aim is to increase hourly capacity once both tunnels reopen.
How the Skymetro Changes in November
- Airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland.
- Route: Airside Centre to Dock E, both directions.
- Restriction starts: 3 November 2026.
- Expected end: May 2027.
- Service: Skymetro remains running, using one tunnel.
- Alternative: Replacement buses during daily peak periods.
- Usual ride: About three minutes, excluding any waiting.
- After the upgrade: Capacity rises from 8,000 to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
- Bus timetable: Not included in the announcement.
Dock E remains open for international departures, and its observation deck offers runway views for ticketed passengers on weekdays, generally 08:00–21:30, weather permitting. The deck is reached through the E gate area. At the other end of the Skymetro, the Airside Centre has shops and restaurants. Those moving between E and gates A, B or D should leave time for the train and passport control, where required.
The airport has not provided bus departure times or a forecast for additional waiting. Skymetro's usual three-minute ride excludes time spent in a queue, which may matter on a close connection. Departure gates appear on Zurich Airport's flight information screens at least 60 minutes before take-off. Once your E gate is confirmed, head towards the Skymetro rather than relying on the normal journey time.