Book flights from Colombo to Zürich with Qatar Airways
Taking flights from Colombo to Zurich with Qatar Airways has never been easier, and while you travel to the Swiss financial hub, you’ll enjoy a range of our award-winning services presented by our warm and welcoming cabin crew. Relax in spacious, ergonomically-designed seating, and savour exceptional cuisine from our choice in-flight menu.
As an important world centre for finance and banking, Zurich has a cosmopolitan population and welcomes thousands of tourists and business travellers every year. As well as the historic attractions of the Old Town, such as the 17th century town hall, you’ll find a colourful café society and numerous upscale dining and shopping opportunities.
Kunsthaus Zurich, the city’s museum of fine arts, is world-famous, and the Swiss National Museum charts the country’s history since prehistoric times. In addition, you can enjoy boutique shopping along the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s main street.
Flying from Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport is the largest airport in Sri Lanka and serves Colombo, the country’s capital. This modern, efficient airport is named after former Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike, and is one of the busiest air travel hubs in South Asia.
Passengers flying from Colombo with Qatar Airways will experience a fast, friendly and efficient service, with the emphasis placed firmly on the passenger experience. As is traditional in Sri Lankan culture, courtesy and respect are paramount, and the friendly staff go out of their way to make your departure a smooth and pleasant one.
Transportation and parking
Airport shuttles run from most hotels in the city centre to the main bus terminal 500m from the Terminal building itself, but it is advisable to check in advance on availability. If you have a large amount of luggage then it is probably wiser to take a taxi. Air conditioned cabs are often more expensive than non-air conditioned vehicles, which can be an issue in the summer heat.
There are two parking areas available for short and long-term stays. The terminal car park has space for 400 vehicles on short-term stays, while the remote car park, about 300m from the terminal is for long-term parking.
Arriving in Colombo
Passengers flying from Colombo with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal 1. Currently, this terminal is used for all international flights until the opening of Terminal 2 in 2017. The terminal can get very busy, especially at peak travel times, so it is advisable to arrive at least two hours in advance.
Facilities and amenities
Facilities are good if a little limited, although business users are surprisingly well catered for. A business centre is located in the transit hall on the ground floor, providing international direct dialling, fax and photocopying services.
There are also four business and first-class lounges, although Wi-Fi access is limited. Vendors serving local and international cuisine are located in the Departures area and the transit lounge, and a selection of snack bars offer light refreshments and drinks. Retail outlets provide a choice of good quality goods and accessories.
Arriving in Zurich
A glorious mountain backdrop and the shores of Lake Zurich right on the doorstep – the capital of Switzerland is one of the prettiest destinations in Europe, filled with charm and natural beauty that is complemented by the well-preserved medieval city.
But alongside this is a centre focused on commerce, finance and innovation, making this one of the most modern and forward-looking cities in the world.
Book a flight to Zurich with Qatar Airways and you’ll discover a city where old and new sit comfortably side by side, and there are surprises down every beautifully cobbled, medieval alleyway.
And if you tire of city life then you are just a few miles from some of the finest hiking, skiing and trekking country in Europe, making it an all-year destination that’s perfect for city breaks and adventure holidays.
Tourist attractions
Most of the popular tourist attractions are clustered around the Old Town and the riverfront and lakeshore. The lake itself is one of the biggest attractions in the city, and the Lakeside Promenade is incredibly popular, especially in the summer.
Starting from Bellevue, the boardwalk goes for about 3km along the lake towards Tiefenbrunnen, making it a relaxing and tranquil walk for all ages.
Switzerland is famous for its premium quality watches, and you can find out all about this unique industry at the Bayer Museum.
This museum has exhibitions of watches dating back hundreds of years, with some of the rarest and most beautiful examples of the watchmaker’s craft on display.
Zurich is filled with fine art galleries and museums, and one of the best is the Kunsthaus, which has dedicated exhibitions to Swiss artists including the modern sculptor Giacometti, and surrealist 18th Century painter Fuseli.
At the Rietberg Museum you’ll be able to see one of Europe’s best collections of Asian art, and if you need a good cup of coffee after all that exploring then head to the Jacob Coffee Museum, which charts the evolution of coffee and the European passion for the drink.
Travel Considerations
Flights to Zurich with Qatar Airways land at Zurich Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure.
Before you fly to Zurich please check the visa and passport requirements.