Freewheeling through Zurich: A Wheelchair Travel Experience

Zurich was where I spent my winter exchange years ago. Returning now, on wheels, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But what I found was comfort, ease, and a quiet kind of joy.

There were many things about traveling to Europe that felt daunting — holding my bladder through a long-haul flight (gulp), the crowded summer tourist spots, and of course, cobblestones. Sand and cobblestones are simply not my friends.

I wanted to return to the country where I once studied abroad. A short four-day holiday in Zurich was more of an emotional decision than a logical one. The sound of German speakers, the smell of fresh bread, the familiar warmth of walking around — I remembered it all.

I also felt a quiet comfort knowing I could navigate easily here. Switzerland’s public transport is one of the best in the world, and I wanted my parents to experience that, too.

The Journey There

My first challenge: a nervous nine-hour flight, hoping I wouldn’t need to visit the toilet midair. Thankfully, the bladder behaved! Once we landed, I was last to deboard (as usual). The crew helped transfer me to a cabin wheelchair, and my electric wheelchair was brought separately onto a bus that took us straight to immigration.

I absolutely love that the train from Zurich Flughafen (airport) to the city takes less than ten minutes! But what I love even more about Zurich are the trams — convenient, omnipresent and my dream mode of commute on wheels.

As the announcements came on in Deutsch, I smiled. I was in a foreign land that somehow still felt familiar.

Where I Stayed

The most important factor for me while choosing a hotel is a walk-in shower (because bathtubs are a no-go). I always request the hotel to provide a plastic chair for the shower. My second criterion — proximity to public transport.

I stayed at Ibis Zurich City West, right by tram line 4. They have wheelchair-accessible rooms, including interconnecting ones (perfect for families). My stay was comfortable and smooth, and I’d highly recommend it.

Why I recommend Zurich for wheelchair travel

Flat roads: Most roads are flat and smooth — I’d rate accessibility 8/10, with most roadside curbs needing a small lift assist from my dad.

Trams everywhere: The tram network connects the entire city seamlessly. Buy a 3-day Zurich transit pass and you won’t need any other mode of transport.

Boat ride on Lake Zurich: One of my favorite experiences! The 1-hour boat ride across Lake Zurich (free with the transit pass) is absolutely wheelchair accessible — something I hadn’t found even in Singapore or Dubai. The views are breathtaking.

Food: Yes, Zurich is expensive. But the Bahnhof (railway station) has great quick bites and sandwiches. I personally love grabbing one and just people-watching.

Bahnhofstrasse: Lively, bustling, and perfect for lazy holidays. Just find a bench and watch locals and trams go by.

Altstadt (Old Town): I usually dread old towns because of uneven cobblestones, but Zurich’s is surprisingly doable on wheels.

Day trips: While Interlaken is popular, I wasn't sure about navigating the terrain. So, I instead took the train to Lucerne which is all flat and easy. I loved being in their beautiful church which luckily had a ramp.

In the End

Traveling through Zurich wasn’t just about revisiting an old memory — it was about proving to myself that ease and adventure can still exist together. I learned that traveling with a disability isn’t about ticking off sights; it’s about reclaiming freedom in new forms. Zurich reminded me that ease, beauty, and independence can coexist — if I dare to roll forward :)

If you’re reading this and feeling nervous about long-distance travel, do it. Everyone deserves a change of scene — and you might surprise yourself.