Zürich Selnau Railway Station

Zürich Selnau Railway Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Zürich Selnau Railway Station is a vital underground transport hub at the heart of Zürich, Switzerland. Merging Swiss engineering excellence with seamless urban connectivity, the station connects the city center to scenic destinations such as the Uetliberg mountain and the Sihl Valley. Whether you are a commuter, a tourist, or a rail enthusiast, this guide provides a detailed overview of Zürich Selnau’s history, facilities, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions—ensuring you make the most of your visit (Newly Swissed; Eurogunzel).

Historical Overview

Origins and Evolution

Opened in 1875 as the terminus for the Uetlibergbahn, Zürich Selnau was instrumental in enabling city dwellers and visitors to access Zürich’s local mountain, Uetliberg. The late 19th-century railway boom saw Selnau quickly become a nexus for leisure and commuter travel (Newly Swissed).

In 1892, the integration of the Sihltalbahn (S4) expanded Selnau’s reach to the Sihl Valley. These lines, today managed by the Sihltal Zürich Uetlibergbahn (SZU), established Selnau as a crucial interchange in Zürich’s growing rail network (MySwissAlps).

Subterranean Transformation

A major redevelopment in 1990 saw the original above-ground station replaced by a state-of-the-art underground facility beneath the River Sihl. This engineering feat enabled direct connections to Zürich Hauptbahnhof and reduced surface congestion, reflecting Zurich’s commitment to efficient, integrated urban transport (Eurogunzel).

Station Layout and Facilities

Zürich Selnau features a compact, modern underground design with a central island platform serving the S4 (Sihltalbahn) and S10 (Uetlibergbahn) lines (European Rail Guide). Entrances at the northern and southern ends—one uniquely emerging mid-river—provide convenient access from both sides of the Sihl.

Ticketing: Multilingual machines accept cards and mobile payments.
Information: Digital departure boards and real-time updates.
Accessibility: Elevators, escalators, and tactile guidance strips for step-free navigation.
Security: Well-lit areas, CCTV, and emergency phones.
Amenities: While there are no on-site restrooms or shops, numerous cafés and stores are within a short walk.

Visiting Hours

Train Services: Operate daily from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight. Night trains extend service on weekends.
Station Access: Open during train operating hours; emergency exits are available at all times.
Ticket Machines: Available 24/7.

For the latest schedules, check the SBB official timetable or ZVV.

Ticket Information

Fare Network: Zürich Selnau is in Zone 110 of the Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV).
Ticket Types:
- Single Ticket (Zone 110): Approx. CHF 2.60, valid for 1 hour.
- Day Passes: Unlimited travel within selected zones.
- Zürich Card: Unlimited travel and museum discounts—recommended for tourists.
Where to Buy: At station machines, via the SBB Mobile app, or at staffed counters at Zürich Hauptbahnhof.
Bikes: Allowed; bike tickets required during peak times.

Visit MySwissAlps for further ticketing details.

Connections and Transport Links

S4 Line: Runs to Langnau-Gattikon and Sihlwald.
S10 Line: Direct to Uetliberg summit—trains depart every 20–30 minutes.
Trams: Stauffacher (Lines 2, 3, 8, 9, 14) and Sihlstrasse stops are a short walk away.
Buses: Multiple lines nearby provide additional city connections.

For city transfer guidance, visit the European Rail Guide.

Accessibility and Wayfinding

Zürich Selnau is fully accessible to all travelers:

Step-Free Access: Elevators and ramps from street to platform.
Tactile Guidance: Strips for the visually impaired.
Signage: Information in German, English, French, and Italian.
Support: Emergency intercoms and periodic staff presence during peak hours.

Nearby Attractions

Zürich Selnau’s central location offers immediate access to many of Zürich’s highlights:

Bahnhofstrasse: Prestigious shopping avenue, 10-minute walk.
Old Town (Niederdorf): Medieval streets, cafés, and nightlife.
Swiss National Museum: Swiss history and culture exhibits.
Uhrenmuseum Beyer: World-class watch museum.
Uetliberg Mountain: Accessible via the S10 for panoramic views and hiking (PlanetWare).

For more attractions, see Touring Switzerland.

Safety and Security

The station is monitored by CCTV, is well-lit, and emergency intercoms are accessible on platforms and near ticket machines. Zürich is considered one of Europe’s safest cities; nonetheless, remain vigilant with your belongings during busy periods.

Dining and Amenities

There are no eateries within the station, but the Stauffacher and Sihlstrasse neighborhoods offer a range of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants within a 5–10-minute walk. Restrooms are available at nearby establishments and Zürich Hauptbahnhof.

Practical Visitor Information

Address: Selnauquai, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Luggage Storage: Not available at Selnau; use lockers at Hauptbahnhof.
Wi-Fi: Available in many local cafés.
Best Times to Visit: Avoid rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM, 4:30–6:30 PM) for quieter travel.
Weather: The underground station provides shelter; some exits are exposed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours of Zürich Selnau Railway Station?
A: Open daily, with train services from 05:00 to midnight. Check SBB for up-to-date times.

Q: Where can I purchase tickets?
A: At station machines, via the SBB Mobile app, or at staffed counters at Zürich Hauptbahnhof.

Q: Is the station accessible for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, and tactile guidance.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Bahnhofstrasse, Old Town, Swiss National Museum, Uetliberg Mountain, and Uhrenmuseum Beyer.

Q: Is luggage storage available?
A: No, but lockers are at Zürich Hauptbahnhof.

Visuals

Alt text: Entrance of Zürich Selnau Railway Station showcasing ticket machines and signage.

Alt text: Map highlighting Zürich Selnau Railway Station and local points of interest including the Uetliberg mountain and historic districts.

Conclusion

Zürich Selnau Railway Station exemplifies the blend of historical significance, modern engineering, and efficient connectivity that defines Zürich’s transport system. Its strategic location, accessibility, and integration with city trams and buses make it a perfect starting point for exploring both urban Zürich and the natural beauty of Uetliberg. For current schedules, ticketing, and travel tips, consult official resources or download the SBB Mobile app to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.