Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Zurich Airport is one of the most smoker-friendly airports in Europe, with a total of 22 dedicated smoking lounges spread across both public and passenger-only areas. Unlike most major European hubs that have pushed smokers outside entirely, Zurich lets you smoke airside after security without having to exit and re-enter the terminal.

Before Security

There are 4 smoking lounges in the public (landside) areas of the airport, accessible to anyone regardless of whether you have a boarding pass. These are located in the check-in and arrivals zones. Look for the standard blue smoking lounge signage, or ask at any information desk for the nearest one.

After Security

This is where Zurich really stands out. 18 smoking lounges are located in the passenger-only (airside) areas, meaning you can smoke after clearing security and right up until your gate. Specific confirmed locations include:

• Gate A50: one level above the gate, next to the Hudson store

• Gate B08: across from the gate, close to the Bellevue bar

• Gate B35: next to the gate, near Pret A Manger

• Gate D35: next to the gate, close to the Startbar and Pret A Manger

• Between Gates E23 and E25: one lounge serving both gates

• Near Gates E34 and E35: arrivals passengers only

• Near Gates E46 and E47: arrivals passengers only

The B/D concourse also has a lounge near the Transit Hotel area, which is useful for connecting passengers. The E gates serve non-Schengen flights, and smoking lounges are confirmed in that zone too.

Terminal Layout

Zurich has two connected terminals with gate clusters A, B, D, and E. Most A, B, and C gates are Schengen; E gates (and some D gates) are non-Schengen. The airport's own interactive smoking lounge map at flughafen-zuerich.ch/en/passengers/practical/guidance/smoking-lounges-map shows all current locations and is worth checking before your trip, since the exact count can shift slightly with construction or gate reconfigurations.

Vaping Rules

The vaping policy is not explicitly stated in official airport communications. The smoking lounges are designed for tobacco smoke, and it is safest to assume vaping is only permitted inside the designated lounges rather than in general terminal areas. Check local signage on arrival.

Transit and Layovers

If you are transiting through Zurich without leaving the airside area, you still have access to the 18 airside lounges. You do not need to exit and re-enter security. The lounge near the Transit Hotel in the B/D area is particularly convenient for long layovers.

Bottom Line

Zurich is genuinely exceptional for smokers: 18 free, publicly accessible smoking lounges airside mean you can smoke after security at no extra cost, with no need to leave the terminal.