Appenzell Switzerland Travel Guide
Zurich Airport (ZRH), approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Appenzell, is Switzerland's largest international airport. It operates as the main entry point for visitors outside Europe.
Zurich Airport sees service from a wide array of major global airlines. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) operates as the national carrier.
Flight prices to Zurich Airport see higher levels during peak travel seasons. Booking flights several months in advance, especially for high season, secures better prices.
These include the summer months (June to August) when hiking is popular, and the winter holiday season (mid-December to January) for winter sports.
Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) often present better value, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
ZRH provides extensive facilities and services. You find a wide selection of shops, restaurants, duty-free stores, currency exchange, and car rental agencies. Numerous lounges exist. Direct train connections appear with its own railway station.
ACH offers more limited facilities, suitable for its regional scale. It mainly serves regional airlines.
Factor in the train journey from Appenzell to Zurich Airport (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours) when calculating your departure timing.
Switzerland boasts an efficient and extensive railway network, operated mainly by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways). For Appenzell, St. Gallen functions as the main gateway.
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, facilitating easy land border crossings with its neighboring countries: Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein.
To drive in Switzerland, a valid national driving license is necessary. For non-EU/EFTA citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) with your home country license is necessary.
Swiss roads are well-maintained and signposted. Mountain roads can be narrow, winding, and steep. Speed limits are strictly enforced, and fines are high.
Appenzell is an inland region; direct sea or river arrivals do not apply for reaching the destination itself. Therefore, no direct sea or river arrivals are applicable.
No significant river transportation options directly serve Appenzell. The local rivers are mainly for scenic enjoyment or small-scale recreational use, not for transport.
Local rivers are mainly for scenic enjoyment or small-scale recreational use, not for transport.
Ferry services exist on Lake Constance, connecting nearby towns, a short distance from Appenzell.
Appenzell is an inland region, so direct sea or river arrivals do not apply.
Switzerland levies no specific exit fees or taxes on departing travelers. Your flight or train ticket price includes all relevant charges.
For train departures within Switzerland or to neighboring countries, no formal check-in procedure appears necessary.
Offers a wide array of duty-free shops, international brand stores, numerous restaurants, cafes, and lounges.
Provides shops, eateries, and basic services for travelers.
Smaller but has a tourist information office and a few local shops nearby.
For Zurich Airport (ZRH) departures: arrive at least 2 hours before Schengen flight, 3 hours for international. Allow time for check-in, baggage drop, security, and passport control. Lines can be long.
