Best Places for Covid Testing In Zurich

Please note we try to keep all Information regarding Test Centres is as up to date as possible – but the situation is continually changing. Always call the centre ahead to be sure of the latest information.

From 10th October 2021 You Need To Pay For Covid Tests

From 10th October 2021 the Swiss Government will no longer pay the cost for Covid Tests.

Apparently there are a lot more companies offering the tests, which is driving down the cost of testing.  However, there has been criticism in the press that some places offering tests do not have sufficiently trained staff.

More Requirement for Covid Testing in Switzerland

Covid testing is being requested for more and more situations in Switzerland. It’s not just if you want to catch a plane now, but entertainment venues and even restaurants are requesting a negative test before you arrive.

Check Which Test You Require

There are a few different types of testing – so do be sure of the one that you need for your requirements before you book. Some places are happy to accept a Schnelltest (which is also the cheapest) but others require a PCR test which is not only more expensive, but it takes longer to get the results too.

Check How Long Results Take

So do make sure that you have allowed enough time to get the result in time for when you need it. Depending on the test you take, and how busy things are. Times seem to vary from within 15 minutes to up to 72 hours.

So where are the best places to go in Zurich? Take a look here at our suggestions and if we’ve left any out let us know in the Comments Section below.

Prices for Covid Testing Vary A Lot in Zurich

Prices for Covid Testing vary quite a lot depending on the test. The cheapest we have found is around CHF 25 for a Schnelltest (fast test) but but PCR test are always more expensive. See below for the cheapest PCR we have found at the Radisson Blu at Zurich Airport.

Sometimes Premium Prices for Weekend Covid Testing

If you need to have your test on a Saturday or Sunday do note than some places are closed at the weekend and others (but not all) charge a premium for weekend testing.

Testing With and Without Symptoms

In addition, some centres only accept testing of people without symptoms and some are designed for people with symptoms – so do check the information on each website before you book.

Charges For Testing

Please note that the charges for testing are continually changing – so do check the link to each of the websites listed below to be sure of the latest pricing. Also, with the advent of new companies offering the tests, the prices are starting to drop.

Cheapest Place For PCR Testing – Radisson Blue ZH Airport

Saliva PCR Test

I have have had a few PCR tests (for Travel reasons) and found that if I booked (and paid) online in advance I could get a PCR test at the Radisson Blu at Zurich Airport for just CHF 119. It was slightly more expensive (CHF 135) if you just turn up at the Radisson Blu. However, since then the lowest price for a PCR test (saliva method) is just CHF 99 (It’s called the Budget PCR Test Eu Lab). If you don’t book online in advance and pay onsite it is CHF 115. See details here. 

How It Works

You book a date and time slot online and you get the results within hours. There are a number of options –  the cheapest is where the results are analysed in an EU Lab rather than a Swiss Lab).  In addition to the PCR Saliva test you can also have the Antigen Rapid Test at the Radisson Blu. Find out all the details here.

To get there take the train or park your car on the 8th floor in Car Park 1 at Zurich Airport and follow the signs to the Radisson Blu. Personally I find the saliva test much more pleasant than the nasal test!

Pharmacies Doing Covid Testing in Zurich

Here is a list of all pharmacies performing Covid Tests in the Canton of Zurich (PCR and Schnell test): – https://www.avkz.ch/coronatestapotheken

University Hospital Zurich

Unispital – https://coronazentrum.uzh.ch/en/

Swiss Medical Center

Swiss Medical Center  – https://www.swissmedicalcenter.com/

Kaserneareal Has Now Moved to Triemli Hospital

It costs approximately CHF 137 (but you pay according to the test you take) and they say you will get the results within 48 hours and we got ours within 24 hours. https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/triemli/de/index/service/medien/auszeichnungen-news/covid-testcenter/corona-testcenter.html

Also see booking link here for Triemli (you choose the reason for your test (Behandlung) and then book here

Permanence Zurich HB

Permanence Zurich Main Station- https://www.permanence.ch/en/angebot/allgemein

TopPharm See-Apotheke in Mannedorf

TopPharm See-Apotheke in Mannedorf – https://www.apotheke.ch/see-maennedorf/terminbuchung

Balgrist Drive Through Corona Testing

Balgrist Drive Through Corona Testing – https://www.balgrist.ch/en/corona-testcenter/

Apotheke Stadelhofen

Apotheke Stadelhofen – https://www.apothekestadelhofen.ch

Covid Test Centre Klinik Hirslanden

Covid Test Centre Klinik Hirslanden – https://www.hirslanden.ch/en/klinik-permanence/centers/corona-testcenter.html

Dübendorf  Drive in Test in Dübendorf

Dübendorf  Drive in Test in Dübendorf  – https://www.balgrist.ch/en/corona-testcenter/

Unilabs in Dubendorf

Unilabs in Dubendorf – https://unilabs.ch/de/patienten/online-terminvereinbarung

Morgental Pharmacy

Morgental pharmacy – https://www.apotheke.ch/morgental

Zurich Airport Medical Center

Zurich Airport Medical Center -. https://www.airportmedicalcenter.ch/corona1.html

Spital Männedorf

Spital Männedorf – https://www.onedoc.ch/en/covid-testing-center/mannedorf/pb6kx/spital-mannedorf-covid-testzentrum

In conclusion Make Sure You Know:

1. Which type to test you require – Schnelltest, PCR – or maybe you want a Saliva test- and for what purpose as this dictates the cost
2. What the lead time is for results
3. Check how much it costs  / or if it’s free before booking (as prices vary quite a lot and sometimes are not transparent on the website!)
4. Choose a test centre which is suitable for you and check whether they accept symptomatic, non-symptomatic or both
5. Always wear a mask when you arrive at the test centre

More Covid Resources

Good luck and stay healthy and safe!

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