Bet my bumper? These 5 best parking spaces in Zurich earned it
Driving in Zurich is smooth until you reach your actual destination. Then it becomes a “circling for parking” saga that tests your patience and gas budget.
Between tight spots, confusing signs, and fellow drivers eyeing the same space, finding parking feels like winning a mini-lottery. Not the fun kind.
And for easier trips and far less frustration, we’ve rounded up a list of reliable parking spaces in Zurich so you can spend less time circling and more time actually enjoying the city.
| How much do parking spaces cost in Zurich? Parking spaces in Zurich typically cost between CHF 3.50 and CHF 6.00 per hour, depending on the location and type of facility. However, daily rates range from CHF 15 to CHF 55, with central or tourist-heavy areas charging more. |
1. City Parking Zurich (Gessnerallee)
Address: Gessnerallee 14, 8001
Contact Details: +41434972654
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 Hours
City Parking is one of the most impressively located garages we’ve used, right on Gessnerallee. After decades of planning, City Parkhaus opened in June 2004, the first public underground parking facility in central Zürich in over 25 years.
The bright light struck us immediately. Its glass lift shafts and daylight-flooded stairwells make it less gloomy than most car parks. The four underground decks felt modern, and we could tell its European Gold Standard Parking Award wasn’t just for show.
However, the bays here are narrow, which made squeezing in our mid-sized SUV a careful manoeuvre. And since there’s no reservation system, you’ll have to take a chance on busy days unless you arrange directly with management.
One of our favourite features was the high-tech guidance system. Every time a car leaves, that spot instantly shows as free on-site and city-wide displays.
In addition, they have 24/7 staffing, security night escort service, EV charging, and even loan umbrellas for rainy days. We honestly walked away impressed enough to make this our go-to in Zurich.
There is a lift that takes you to the street
“Careful while parking. Good place to park close to the main city. It is expensive but that’s OK for Swiss Prices. The place in the parking for cars is pretty compact, so be careful. I saw someone hit their mirror on the pole while taking their car out. So park carefully here. There is a lift that takes you to the street directly that was good because I had elderly people with me. Apart from that water source and supermarket is close by from this parking spot!”
- Priyanka Mane, Google Review
Clean and even warm
“Very good! Clean and even warm! Of course it is not cheap, but what is cheap in downtown Zurich?! And a good thing is, thatthe carparc has a toillet, so with a code on your ticket you can use it for free. Great!”
- Raquel B.77, Google Review
2. Parkhaus Urania
Address: Uraniastrasse 3, 8001
Contact Details: +41442295050
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 Hours
Parkhaus Urania has one of the most unbeatable spots. It is located on the historic Lindenhof hill and just steps from the Bahnhofstrasse, Lake Zurich, and museums.
The evening rate was a surprise CHF 10 from 5 PM to midnight, which gave us great value for a relaxed dinner and a night walk. Not many central garages make late-night parking this budget-friendly, so it instantly became one of our top choices after dark.
The facility felt fresh and well-maintained, with disability-friendly toilets, reliable elevators, and clear signage at every turn. We also liked the little touches, like umbrella loans, which came in handy when a sudden rain shower caught us off guard.
Another win was its EV charging stations, which made it easy to top up while we explored. On top of that, payment was stress-free with options ranging from cash and cards to TWINT, Maestro, JPMS, and the ParkingPay app.
One quirk worth noting is the compact size of some spaces. Our mid-sized SUV fit, but with barely an inch to spare. If you’re driving something larger, you’ll need extra care to avoid scuffing the sides.
Complete with security measures
“Despite the higher cost, I had a positive experience with this parking facility in the heart of Zurich. Offering secure spaces for any vehicle size, complete with security measures, it’s a safe choice. The rate was 45 Euros for roughly 8 hours – pricey, yet expected for Zurich. I’d recommend this facility for its convenience and security.”
- Arjan Virdi, Google Review
Very central location with a reasonable price
“It’s the best parking garage in Zurich. It’s wide and tall for big cars (height until 2,10m). Very central location with reasonable price. Very clean and there are toilets, too.. There’s also a good Asian restaurant (Chinese & sushi) on the site, if you’re looking for one. The only complaint was the paying machine. Last time I was there, I pressed for invoice, but it didn’t print me one. I hadn’t have this problem whenever I park there before.”
- Fakhrur Rozi (NaikDelman), Google Review
3. Parkhaus Hauptbahnhof
Address: Sihlquai 41, 8005
Contact Details: +41442295050
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 Hours
Parkhaus Hauptbahnhof’s location couldn’t be more spot-on. It is just two minutes from Zurich HB’s platforms and the ShopVille underground mall. Parking here made that morning rush feel far less stressful, especially with luggage in tow.
Being able to pre-book a spot via the SBB system was a game-changer, as we skipped the queues during peak hours. The garage has approximately 175 spaces in a multi-storey setup, with a 2.00 m height limit that was suitable for our compact SUV.
We liked that it’s open 24/7 and offers short-stay rates and monthly subscriptions, perfect for frequent drivers. There’s even a gas station, a convenience shop, and an automatic car wash right inside, so you can leave with a clean car and a full tank.
The only real drawback for us was the lack of public restrooms inside the facility. After a long drive, freshening up without walking into the station first would be great.
Regardless, it’s secure with video surveillance, EV charging, disabled parking, and an elevator for easy access. We enjoyed how everything felt integrated.
A lot of reserved spaces for electric vehicles
“Very good parking space with a lot of reserved spaces for electric vehicles.
The bus station is very close as well as the main train station which makes is super convenient for parking.”
- Matea Pejčinović, Google Review
Everything is within walking distance here
“I would say it is expensive, but this is Zurich after all. But it is very convenient and worth the high price. Everything is within walking distance here. Great place to park your vehicle to explore the fantastic cosmopolitan city of Zurich.”
- Jose Lozano, Google Review
4. Parkhaus Opéra
Address: Parkhaus Opéra AG, Schillerstrasse 5, 8001
Contact Details: +41442668520
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 Hours
We stumbled upon Parkhaus Opéra during a lakefront afternoon and were wowed from the moment we drove in. The place doesn’t just store cars. It blends design, culture, and history in a way I’ve never seen in a garage before.
Of course, this premium experience comes at a price, with daily rates hitting CHF 45. While we found it worth it for the location and ambience, we can see budget-conscious visitors thinking twice.
It opened in May 2012 and is situated directly under Sechseläutenplatz and adjacent to the Opera House. It is just mere steps from buses and Stadelhofen station. We loved the spacious, clear signage and cinematic touch of short opera films projected onto the walls.
The unexpected highlight? The archaeological display, showcasing over 20,000 Neolithic artefacts found during construction, felt like parking in a museum. We charged at one of their 17 new EV stations and then went upstairs to explore.
With 24/7 access, lifts, restrooms, license plate recognition, and mobile payment, it’s as seamless as stylish. We left feeling oddly delighted, and honestly, we’d go out of our way to park here again.
Spotless facilities and top-notch infrastructure
“Definitely on the pricey side, but hey, you’re paying for perfection! Spotless facilities, top-notch infrastructure, and you couldn’t ask for a better location, it’s basically parking at kilometer zero of Zurich. If you’re aiming for convenience and don’t mind splurging a little, this is as good as it gets.”
- Anca DEL RÍO, Google Review
Spacious and has the best toilets you have ever seen
“Spacious and the best toilets you have ever seen in any parking lot… ever! This convenient and sparkling clean parkhaus is a perfect advocate for the pleasure and comfort of Zurich.”
- Colin Wheeler, Google Review
5. Parkhaus Zürichhorn
Address: Dufourstrasse 142, 8008
Contact Details: +41442295050
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 Hours
We first found Parkhaus Zürichhorn while heading to the Chinese Garden, and it instantly felt like a hidden find. Located on Dufourstrasse 142, it’s right by the lake and just a short tram ride to Bellevue, yet it’s so much calmer than the city centre.
The setting here stands out with its greenery, and you’re steps from open-air concerts, walking trails, and family-friendly spots. It’s the kind of place we’d choose for a slow afternoon picnic or an easy lakeside stroll.
With only around 65 underground spaces and a simple, open layout, it’s refreshingly straightforward to navigate.
Pricing wins us over. CHF 3 for the first hour and a flat CHF 25 for 24 hours are rare in central Zurich. Add extras like the soft car wash service station and flexible payment options, and it feels like they’ve thought about everyday convenience.
On the flip side, the lack of EV charging can be tricky if you’re driving electric. And while it’s open 24/7, we’ve noticed it fills quickly on sunny weekends.
Easy access to the park along the lake
“Nice parking, cheapest we found near Zurich. Easy access to the park along the lake. 20-25 min to the Zurich center. Walk less than 5 min to get to the park, there are free restrooms.”
- Aliya Mauch, Google Review
Good price and can pay with a card
“Good price, possible to pay with card. Quite small parking places, but that’s everywhere in Zürich. There is also a car wash inside. Great location.”
- Ivona Flakus, Google Review