Best Places for Covid Testing In Zurich

Please note we try to keep all Information regarding Test Centres as up to date as possible. However, always call the centre ahead to be sure of the latest information.

You Need To Pay For Covid Tests

From 10th October 2021 the Swiss Government has no longer been paying for the cost for Covid Tests (except in certain circumstances eg refugees etc)

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 mainly for travel purposes but also to verify tests taken using the home test kits.

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. Most tests these days are for a PCR test (although you can still get fast tests too) but always bear in mind the mount of time it takes to get the results from a PCR test.

Check How Long Results Take

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. One of the most reliable that we have found and also one of the cheapest PCR  tests is the one 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 continually changing.

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  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 119. See details of the PCR Tests at Radisson Blu 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

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Good luck and stay healthy and safe!

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