http://www.zvv.ch/de/tickets/tickets...elbillett.html

It's 12.80 CHF

It its valid 24 hours (so theoretically, someone else could use it afterwards)

You'll need a Tageskarte (day pass) , to Zurich (Zone 10 and 21, but the maschine will automatically select this, just say a ticket to Zurich, 1 adult, full fare, 2nd class. There are plenty of maschines on the level just above the railways. They accept all kind of major cards. (Needs PIN, I heard that some American cards still don't have PIN, I think those aren't accepted but you could buy at the booth in that case)

Now for the timing of the boats, check on zvv.ch - they do drive frequently, but with a quite tight schedule as yours, you'll better know beforehand.

Example of time table and a bit more detailed as you seem interested in it:

You'll be arriving at ZRH at 8.05am (I think that's the only direct IAD-ZRH connection?) - with baggage checked through and in C, you should be in the landside at 25min after that. Head to the trainstation which is right under the airport (easy signage) - buy a ticket - take the 8.40 Intercity to Zurich Mainstation. Arriving 8.51 there. (Don't worry if you miss it, in the next 10 minutes there would be 3 more trains to Zurich)

Walk from Main station to Paradeplatz, 10 minutes walking distance



as it's just around 9am, the shops will be open/opening up. Good timing

Maybe get some sweet breakfast at Sprüngli (you can see it on the map, just next to the "destination")

At Paradeplatz after stocking up on sweets, "shortcut" to the lake (station Bürkliplatz) by taking any of the following tram lines for 2 stations (end destinations included, so you won't take them in the wrong direction): 2 Tiefenbrunnen, 8 Klusplatz, 9 Hirzenbach, 11 Rehalp

There is a tram literally every minute with so many lines driving to Bürkliplatz, so no need to check times. You should reach around 9.30-9.45 here.

Now there is a problem.. it really depends if you're on a Saturday/Sunday or on a weekday, as the river cruise during weekdays will only start at noon. Plus, swimming/relaxing at the river so early in the morning might be a bit fresh unless you really catch a hot day.. so, better to stroll around the old town.

Here is a small map: Get off the tram at Bürkliplatz just as suggested, but then cross the bridge over the river (very nice view to the Alps if weather allows)



Afterwards, turn left, into the small roads of old Zurich. It will go up and down a bit, and you should reach the Grossmünster, the most famous church of Zurich. Pass by it, and you'll walk through the "Niederdörfli", the old Zurich town. Lots of shops nowadays, but nice houses. There is a Migros (supermarket) on the way, it's on the map (Migros M Zürich) - if you want to get a non-overpriced chocolate souvenir, get it here. Also, they do sell some ready-to-eat food/drinks if you get hungry without the ridiculous costs that most other shops do charge.

Walking distance is approx. 20 minutes, but you might take a bit longer when watching buildings/people/scenery. But it shouldn't take more than double of that. With a quick check on the supermarket, at max. 45 minutes. You should reaching Central before 10.30am for sure.

If you're ok with time, make sure to check out the Polybahn. Right next when exiting "Niederdörfli" at Central station, there will be a building called Polybahn. Enter it, and you'll find a small funicular. Take it up and immediately down again (it's included in your ticket too) - 5 minutes.



For the way back to the Airport, two ways. If you're tight on time, head back over the bridge and take the next train to the airport. However close the distances are, this will take you approx 10 minutes of walking, and another 10 minutes of trainride (plus the waiting, even if there are many connections) - so it will take around 30 minutes from the time you're at Central.

The second way, and that will really show you around, will be taking the newly finished tram line to the Airport. It's taking 33 minutes (so not much more than above) and it will show you around much more.

Take tram number 10 towards Flughafen/Airport. Attention, only every second Tram is driving the far, but there will be one every 15 minutes. From Central, they're driving .01/.16/.31/.46 every hour, but make sure to check the exact timetable on the day you're here. (Example is MON-FRI only)

As we assumed you hit Central by 10.30, you can either take the 10.31 Tram then, or take the Polybahn funicular up the hill and then connect at ETH/Universitätsspital which is 2 stations more into the direction of the airport (it's actually a shortcut, the funicular is faster up the hill than the tramline) or take the funicular both ways and connect to the 10.46 tram (or if you arrive earlier, still the 10.31)

Anyway, you should reach the airport at 11.04 with the earlier, and 11.19 with the later tram. Don't know when your flight to London will be leaving exactly, but if it's exactly 4 hours, then both should be fine. (If it's a bit more than 4 hours, the later one wouldn't be a stretch, otherwise I would take the first one just to not risk anything, as England is outside of Schengen it might take a few more minutes, but ZRH is very fast and efficent airport)

Well hope that helped, and enjoy your (very short) time in Zürich.