Zurich Airport (ZRH) is known for its efficiency, but for smokers, finding a designated area can be a challenge. This guide provides a complete, practical overview of the smoking areas at Zurich Airport, including their locations, facilities, and tips for making your layover more comfortable. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor, this information will help you navigate the airport’s smoking policies with ease.
Ingredients
- 1 valid boarding pass for Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- 1 valid passport or ID (for international flights)
- 1 cigarette, cigar, or vaping device (for personal use)
- 1 lighter or matches (if needed)
- 1 empty pocket or bag for personal items (to keep hands free)
- 1 sense of direction (to find the smoking areas quickly)
Instructions
- Check the airport map: Before you arrive, or as soon as you land, check the official Zurich Airport website or app for the latest map showing smoking areas. These are marked with a cigarette symbol or the word “Raucherzone” (German for smoking zone).
- Know the main locations: Zurich Airport has designated smoking areas in both the airside (after security) and landside (before security) zones. The two main airside locations are in the Airside Center (Dock B) and in the transit area near Gates D and E. There is also a small outdoor terrace in the Airside Center that is officially a smoking area.
- Use the smoking lounge in Dock B: If you are in the main airside center (Dock B), head to the second floor. The smoking lounge is a glass-enclosed room with ventilation, seating, and a few vending machines. It is open 24/7 and is the most comfortable option.
- For Gates D and E: If your gate is in the D or E satellite (which are accessed by an underground train), there is a smaller smoking room near the D/E entrance. It is less spacious but adequate for a quick smoke.
- Outdoor terrace (seasonal): In the Airside Center, near the observation deck, there is an outdoor terrace that is open during warmer months (roughly April to October). This area is not fully enclosed and offers fresh air, but it can be crowded during peak times.
- Landside (before security): If you are arriving or just picking someone up, there is a designated smoking area outside the main entrance on Level 1 (Arrivals). Look for the marked area near the taxi stands. It is uncovered, so be prepared for weather.
- Follow the rules: Smoking is strictly prohibited outside of these designated areas, including in restaurants, shops, and corridors. Violations can result in fines, so always use the marked zones.
- Dispose of waste properly: Use the provided ashtrays and bins. Do not throw cigarette butts on the ground or in regular trash bins, as this is both unsafe and disrespectful.
Tips
- Check the airport app: The Zurich Airport app has an interactive map that shows real-time locations of smoking areas. Download it before your trip to save time.
- Be mindful of flight times: If you have a short connection (under 1 hour), it may be risky to leave your gate area to find a smoking room. Always factor in walking time and security checks.
- Consider nicotine substitutes: If you have a very tight connection or are flying on an airline with strict no-smoking policies, consider carrying nicotine gum or lozenges in your carry-on. These are allowed through security and can help manage cravings.
- Respect other passengers: Smoking areas can be small and crowded. Be courteous, keep your smoke directed away from others, and do not linger longer than necessary if people are waiting.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your smoking break with a coffee or a quick snack from the nearby kiosks. In the Dock B smoking lounge, there are vending machines with drinks and snacks. For a more substantial meal, the Airside Center has several restaurants within a 2-minute walk, such as the “Marché Mövenpick” or “b.rex”. If you have time, enjoy a Swiss chocolate bar from a duty-free shop to complement your break.
Variations
- Vaping: Vaping is allowed in the same designated smoking areas. There are no separate zones for e-cigarettes.
- Cigars: For cigar smokers, the smoking lounge in Dock B is the best option, as it has better ventilation and seating. The outdoor terrace is also suitable.
- Non-smoker companion: If you are traveling with a non-smoker, they can wait nearby in the main concourse. Most smoking areas are visible from the main walkways, so you can keep an eye on each other.
- Short stay: If you are just transiting and have less than 30 minutes, consider using the smoking area near the D/E gates, as it is closest to the train that takes you back to the main terminal.
Storage and Reheating
This is not a food recipe, so storage and reheating do not apply. However, for your personal items: keep your cigarettes in a hard case to prevent crushing in your bag. If you have a lighter, ensure it is stored in a checked bag if you are not carrying it on the plane (most lighters are prohibited in cabin baggage unless they are in a DOT-approved container). For e-liquids, store them in a clear plastic bag with your other liquids, and note that they must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less for carry-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke anywhere in Zurich Airport? No, smoking is only allowed in the designated areas listed above. Smoking in restrooms, restaurants, or corridors is prohibited and can result in fines.
Are there smoking areas after security in the D/E gates? Yes, there is a small smoking room near the D/E entrance, but it is less comfortable than the one in Dock B. It is still a designated area and is clearly marked.
Is the outdoor terrace open all year? No, the outdoor terrace in the Airside Center is seasonal, typically open from April to October, depending on weather conditions. During winter, only the indoor smoking lounges are available.
Can I use a vaping device in the smoking areas? Yes, vaping is allowed in the same designated smoking areas. There is no separate zone for e-cigarettes.
What if I have a connecting flight with a short layover? If your connection is under 1 hour, it is safer to skip the smoking area and use nicotine gum or lozenges, as the walking time to the lounges can be 10-15 minutes each way, plus time for security re-checks if you leave the transit area.
Are there smoking areas in the landside (public) area? Yes, there is a designated smoking area outside the main entrance on Level 1 (Arrivals), near the taxi stands. It is uncovered, so be prepared for weather.
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