Information & FAQ

The following page provides information and answers to some basic questions about staying in Zurich. We are constantly expanding the sections; however, if you have any questions or problems, you can always contact the organising committee:

Arriving via Zurich Airport

external pageZurich Int. Airport (ZRH) is located 10 km from downtown Zurich and ETH Zurich.

Train service connects Zurich Airport and main station "Zürich HB" approximately every 6-10 minutes (10-15 minutes ride). For the route from the main station to the ETH main building, please refer to the following section "Arrival by Train".

Tram line 10 (Direction "Bahnhofstrasse/HB") directly connects the airport and the conference venue (Tram stop "ETH Zentrum/Universitätsspital", approx. 30 minutes ride).

A single trip from/to the airport is CHF 6.80 (ZVV 2 zones ticket)
Taxi from/to the airport to ETH is about CHF 50.-

We highly recommend not to rent a car at the airport since there is literally no parking space available near ETH Zurich.

Arriving by train

National and international trains are arriving in Zurich's main station "Zürich HB". The external pageSwiss train company SBB-CFF-FFS provides rail service covering the entire country.

From the main station please either take Tram 10 (Direction "Oerlikon" or "Zürich Flughafen, Fracht") or 6 (Direction "Zoo") to "ETH Zentrum/Universitätsspital" (3 stops). You can also walk to the venue (ca. 1 km) or take the famous external pagePolybahn from "Central".

Arriving by car

In Zurich there are only very few and expensive parking spaces available. Please check with your hotel if there is a possibility to park. If you are arriving by car, please leave the car at the hotel and take the tram or walk to ETH Zurich. A public transport ticket costs CHF 8.40 per day.

We are trying to reserve a contingent of hotel rooms for the congress and offer them at more favourable conditions. If you want to book ahead of time, there are several hotels in the vicinity.

We will soon publish a link with a contingent of reserved hotels. Nevertheless, we recommend to book early via the common platforms.

For a comprehensive list of other places (apartments, airbnb, etc.) to stay in Zurich, please visit the external pageWebsite of the Tourism Office

Climate

Zurich lies in the temperate climate zone and has four distinct seasons. In winter, temperatures occasionally drop below zero, while hot summer days can record temperatures of over 30° C (86° F). The average temperatures in June is summer-like (around 20-25°C).

The general rule of thumb is: Consult the short-term weather forecast and be prepared for all eventualities:

Currency

The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss franc. The Euro is also accepted in many of Zurich’s stores and restaurants. However, the exchange rate is generally very unfavorable, so it is worth changing your currency into Swiss francs. The easiest place to do this is at a cash point, a branch of most banks, or the exchange bureau at Zurich Main Train Station.

Most major credit cards are accepted everywhere. However, transaction fees may apply.

Safety

Zurich is considered a very safe city and the hotspots are constantly monitored by the police. If you nevertheless require assistance, you can dial the following emergency numbers:

International emergency number: 112
City of Zurich police: 117
Fire service: 118
Ambulance/Rescue services: 144
REGA Swiss Air-Rescue: 1414
Toxinfo: 145
Emergency dentist: +41 800 336 655
Emergency doctor & emergency psychiatrist: +41 44 421 21 21
FDFA helpline consular services: +41 800 247 365
City of Zurich lost property office: +41 44 412 25 50

During the congress there will be the possibility to eat at the various refectories of ETH Zurich at a reasonable price. Meals can be booked directly during registration or paid for on site at the dining halls.

The Gala Dinner can also be booked additionally at the registration. Further information on the Gala Dinner will follow as soon as possible.

For catering during or after the congress, Zurich has a wide selection of modern and traditional restaurants. A guide to culinary Zurich is provided external pageon the tourism website.

Visitors from all countries must carry a valid passport (or ID card for EU citizen) and, in certain cases, a visa to enter Switzerland (member of Schengen agreement). For visa information, please contact your local Swiss Embassy or Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. 8ICCH waives any responsibility to check, provide, and inform on current visa regulations and immigration affairs.

Registered participants can request a "Letter of Invitation" at

external pageFind the latest information on travel restrictions and conditions on this website

Zurich and the surrounding area are connected by a dense network of public transport. Trams and buses are operated by the external pageZVV and operate at short intervals. Tickets for public transport must be purchased before boarding the buses or trams at the ticket machines at the stops or online via the ZVV website or app.

Tram / bus timetable can be consulted on the external pageZVV website

Zurich and the surrounding area are external pagedivided into zones, with the city of Zurich corresponding to zone 110. With a Zone 110 ticket, you can move freely around Zurich and use all public transport (bus, tram, train, boat) that operates within this zone - for trips to neighbouring areas, additional zones must be purchased.

One day ticket (valid 24 hours from the time of purchase) for the Zone 110 costs CHF 8.40, one single trip (valid 1 hour) costs CHF 3.10

If you are planning an extended stay or also want to explore the neighbouring regions, we recommend buying a external pageZüri Card for 24 oder 72 hours, which offers a number of advantages.

If you prefer to explore Zurich by bike, there are various bike rental stations, but also bike sharing systems that work without stationary infrastructure. For more information on the various offers and important safety tips for cycling through Zürich, please consult the external pageZürich Tourism website

Zurich is not a big city and can be easily explored on foot. The well-known sightseeing attractions, the trendiest shops or the most popular restaurants can be easily reached while walking, without having to cover great distances. For short walks or exploratory tours, we again recommend the external pagewebsite of Zürich Tourism

From the historic old town to the modern and pulsating Zurich West, from the refreshing blue waters of Lake Zurich to the surrounding mountains - there is plenty to experience in and around Zurich. Here are a few useful links if you still have some energy left after the conference or if you want to spend a few additional days in Zurich: