UBS Polybahn: Connecting Zurich's Past and Present

The UBS Polybahn is a historic funicular railway that has been connecting Zurich's past and present for over a century. It was built in 1889.

This iconic transportation system has been a staple of Zurich's infrastructure for over 130 years, making it an essential part of the city's history.

The Polybahn funicular railway has a rich history in Zurich, dating back to 1889 when it was first opened by the Zürichbergbahn company. It was initially water-driven, a system that was later replaced by electric drive in 1897.

The Polybahn has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years. In the 1950s, the Zürichbergbahn company began losing money, and it eventually decided not to renew the concession in the 1970s. Fortunately, a foundation was created in 1972 to help preserve the Polybahn.

The Polybahn has been refurbished several times, with a major overhaul in 1996, which included replacing the haulage mechanism and tracks. This renovation allowed the railway to run for another 20 years. In 2021, the Polybahn was closed for another round of refurbishments, which included removing the cars by crane.

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The Polybahn has been a vital transportation link between central Zurich and the ETH Zurich campus, a STEM-focused university. The school was originally called Eidgenössisches Polytechnikum, which is where the Polybahn got its name.

Here are some key dates in the history of the Polybahn:

The Polybahn is a convenient way to get around, and you can easily plan your trip with the next departure in mind. The trains run frequently, departing every 2.5 minutes.

You can expect to wait a short time before the next train arrives, making it a great option if you're short on time. The Polybahn's automated mode of operation ensures that the trains run smoothly and on schedule.

Here are the details of the next departure:

The Polybahn's small size allows it to navigate the 176 metre track with ease, making it a great option for a quick trip. With a capacity of 1200 persons per hour, you can expect a steady stream of trains throughout the day.

The UBS Polybahn in Zurich is a unique and convenient way to travel. It opened in 1889 and has been a staple of the city's transportation system ever since.

You can find the UBS Polybahn at Limmatquai 144, 8001 Zürich. It's a distinctive red funicular that will get you from Central to the Polyterrasse in no time.

The Polybahn operates all year round, with departures every 2-5 minutes. On Mondays to Fridays, it runs from 6:30am to 9pm, while on Saturdays it starts at 7:30am. On Sundays and public holidays, it begins at 9am.

The journey is short, taking just 2.5 minutes to cover the 176m track. You'll be transported up to an altitude of 452 metres, offering great views of the city.

Tickets are affordable, with a one-way ticket costing CHF 1.20 per person. If you plan to use the Polybahn multiple times, consider purchasing a 6 x Multiticket for CHF 7.20.

The UBS Polybahn Funicular is an iconic part of Zurich's history.

It was threatened with closure in 1976 due to financial issues.

In a surprising turn of events, UBS bank stepped in and purchased the funicular, completely refurbishing it with state-of-the-art technology.

The top station of the funicular was repainted in its original Sienna red colour in 2001.

This restoration effort has allowed the funicular to thrive and earn a new nickname, the "Student Express".