Zürich Street Circuit
Location
Zürich, Switzerland
Current Local Time
Track Info
Zürich Street Circuit - Zürich, Switzerland
Fast Formula E street circuit beside Lake Zürich - combining tight city corners with a long lakeside straight and a historic return for Swiss motor racing
When was the track built?
The Zürich Street Circuit was created specifically for Formula E in 2018. Public roads around the Enge harbour and Lake Zürich waterfront were temporarily fitted with barriers, fencing, grandstands and pit facilities.
The route passed the Zürich Arboretum before turning inland through city streets and looping back towards the lake. Once the race weekend ended, the temporary infrastructure was removed and the roads returned to normal use.
When was its first race?
The circuit hosted its first and only race on 10 June 2018. It was a historic day because circuit racing had not been held in Switzerland since the 1954 Swiss Grand Prix.
Mitch Evans took his and Jaguar's first Formula E pole position, but Lucas di Grassi charged from fifth on the grid to take the lead and win for Audi. Sam Bird finished second and Jérôme d'Ambrosio third.
What's the circuit like?
- Very long straight: Zürich featured the longest straight Formula E had used at the time, giving drivers unusually high speeds before heavy braking.
- Strong overtaking zones: Turn 1 and the tight Turn 10 hairpin provided opportunities for drivers to attack rivals under braking.
- Bumpy city roads: The racing surface included normal public streets, so bumps and changes in grip made braking more difficult than on a permanent circuit.
- Energy management: The long flat-out sections used plenty of electricity, forcing drivers to balance outright speed with saving enough energy to reach the finish.
Formula E benchmarks
- Race winner: Lucas di Grassi won the only Zürich E-Prix for Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler.
- Pole position: Mitch Evans recorded a 1:12.811 to claim his and Jaguar's first Formula E pole.
- Race lap record: André Lotterer set a 1:14.730 for TECHEETAH.
- Winning margin: Di Grassi finished 7.542 seconds ahead of Sam Bird.
- Historic attendance: Around 150,000 spectators were reported to have attended the return of circuit racing to Switzerland.
Why go?
Zürich offered a combination that Formula E rarely repeated: high-speed racing directly beside one of Europe's most famous city lakes, with the circuit only minutes from the historic centre.
The 2018 race also carried much more importance than a normal championship round. For Swiss spectators, it represented the return of circuit racing after more than six decades, helping attract a huge crowd to the waterfront.
Formula E has not returned to the Zürich Street Circuit. The city did not approve another lakeside race for 2019, and attempts to find a different Zürich venue for 2020 were unsuccessful.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1: One of the main overtaking areas, with cars arriving quickly before braking hard for the opening corner.
- Turn 10 hairpin: A strong choice for close racing and late-braking moves after the circuit's fastest section.
- Lakefront and Enge harbour: Best for combining the racing with the setting that made Zürich unique, with Lake Zürich immediately beside the circuit.
These viewing suggestions refer to the former 2018 Formula E configuration; the temporary circuit is not currently used for racing.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Zürich Street Circuit (Switzerland)
The Zürich Street Circuit was a temporary Formula E course beside Lake Zürich in the Enge district. Formula E no longer races here, but the former circuit area around Enge Harbour and the Arboretum is very easy to reach by train, tram or on foot.
Is the Zürich Street Circuit still active?
The Zürich Street Circuit is no longer an active Formula E venue. The championship raced here once in June 2018 before Switzerland's next Formula E event moved to Bern in 2019.
Because Zürich was a temporary street circuit, the barriers, grandstands, pit buildings and other race infrastructure were removed after the event. The roads returned to normal city use.
You can still explore the location, but there is no permanent circuit entrance or Formula E visitor centre.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, public transport + walking is the easiest way to explore the former circuit. Zürich Enge station is only a short walk from the lakeside and provides a convenient starting point.
From the station, walk towards Enge Harbour, Mythenquai and the Arboretum. These areas formed the most recognisable parts of the 2018 Formula E setting.
Tip: Search for “Hafen Enge” or “Arboretum Zürich” rather than looking for a current Zürich Street Circuit entrance.
Train & tram
- Zürich Enge: served by S-Bahn lines including S2, S8 and S24.
- From Zürich HB: take an S-Bahn towards Enge and continue to the lake on foot.
- Trams: routes 7 and 8 currently serve Bahnhof Enge, with additional tram connections at Bahnhof Enge/Bederstrasse.
- Final walk: Enge Harbour and the Arboretum are within easy walking distance of the station area.
Check the ZVV timetable before travelling because construction work and temporary diversions can alter individual stops.
Driving & parking
Driving is possible, but public transport is normally easier for visitors staying in Zürich. The former circuit is close to the city centre and parking can be more complicated than simply arriving by train or tram.
- Navigation: use Hafen Enge, Mythenquai or Arboretum Zürich as useful reference points.
- Parking: use current legal street parking or public parking garages in Zürich.
- No race parking: Formula E spectator parking and road closures from 2018 are no longer relevant.
- City traffic: allow extra time if driving during weekday commuting periods or major events around the lake.
Zürich airport
- Zürich Airport (ZRH): the city's main international airport.
- Direct option: the S2 currently runs from Zürich Flughafen through Zürich HB to Zürich Enge.
- Via Zürich HB: airport trains reach Zürich's main station frequently, where additional connections continue towards Enge.
- Airport → Zürich HB: trains run approximately every 10 minutes and take about 15 minutes.
- Taxi: convenient with heavy luggage, but normally unnecessary for visiting the former circuit.
About the former circuit
Zürich's Formula E layout combined city streets with a scenic section beside Lake Zürich.
- Length: approximately 2.46 km.
- Corners: 11.
- Type: temporary street circuit.
- Key landmarks: Enge Harbour and the Arboretum.
- Formula E race: 10 June 2018.
Visiting the area today
A good starting point is Enge Harbour, where the Formula E start and finish area was located. From here, the old course followed the lakeside past the Arboretum before turning into city streets and looping back towards the harbour.
Much of the area remains recognisable, but these are now normal public roads, tram routes and pedestrian areas. Explore from pavements and lakeside paths rather than attempting to follow the racing line through traffic.
An old circuit map is useful for identifying individual corners, while the Arboretum provides an easy and pleasant place to view the lakeside setting.
Accessibility
Zürich's public transport network provides extensive step-free travel options. Modern low-floor trams operate across the network and most stations are accessible, although individual stops can differ. Use the ZVV timetable's barrier-free journey option if you have specific mobility requirements.
Zürich Street Circuit is no longer an active Formula E venue. Train and tram services, parking, road layouts and pedestrian access can change, so check current ZVV and Zürich city information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Zürich Street Circuit (Zürich, Switzerland)
Zürich’s former Formula E circuit brought electric racing to the shores of Lake Zürich, just minutes from the historic city centre. Formula E no longer races here, but the old circuit area remains ideal for lakeside walks, museums, Swiss food and easy trips into the hills surrounding the city.
Family-friendly highlights near the old circuit
- FIFA Museum: Located in Enge close to the former circuit, this interactive museum explores international football through trophies, historic objects, videos and hands-on exhibits.
- Lake Zürich boat trip: See the city from the water on a short cruise or travel farther along the lake for an easy sightseeing break that works well with children.
- Arboretum & lake promenade: The old race passed this waterfront park, which now provides lawns, trees and easy paths beside the lake.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Zürich Old Town: Explore narrow streets on both sides of the River Limmat, with historic buildings, shops and famous churches all packed into a walkable area.
- Grossmünster: Zürich’s twin-towered landmark dominates the Old Town. Visitors who do not mind stairs can climb the Karlsturm for views across the city and lake.
- Kunsthaus Zürich: Head into the centre for a major collection of Swiss and international art - a useful option when the weather turns wet.
Eat & drink around Zürich
- Enge: Cafés and restaurants around the former circuit area make this the simplest place for a meal before continuing towards the Old Town.
- Try Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: This local speciality combines sliced veal in a creamy sauce and is commonly served with rösti potatoes.
- Old Town: Niederdorf and the surrounding streets offer everything from quick bakeries to traditional Swiss restaurants and relaxed evening dining.
Explore Zürich outdoors
- Lake promenade: Follow the waterfront from Enge towards Bürkliplatz and the Opera House for an easy walk with boats, parks and mountain views on clear days.
- Limmat River: Continue through the Old Town beside the river or take a seasonal river cruise for a different view of central Zürich.
- Uetliberg: Take the train towards Zürich’s local mountain, then walk to viewpoints overlooking the city, Lake Zürich and the Alps.
Swimming in the lake is popular during summer, but use designated bathing areas and check local conditions before entering the water.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Lindt Home of Chocolate: Travel along the lake to Kilchberg for an interactive exhibition about chocolate production, tastings and its spectacular chocolate fountain.
- Rapperswil: Explore a compact historic town and castle at the upper end of Lake Zürich. Travel by train for speed or make the journey part of the day with a lake boat.
- Rhine Falls: Visit the huge waterfall near Schaffhausen, where viewing platforms and seasonal boat trips bring you close to the water.
- Lucerne: Allow a full day for the historic centre, Chapel Bridge and lakeside scenery in central Switzerland.
Good to know when visiting the old circuit
- There is no permanent race track: Formula E used normal Zürich streets with temporary barriers, fencing, pits and grandstands that were removed after the event.
- Start around Enge: Enge harbour and the Arboretum are the easiest places to understand the lakeside setting of the former circuit.
- Use public transport: Trams, trains, buses and boats make getting around Zürich straightforward, so a car is unnecessary for most city sightseeing.
- Formula E has moved on: Zürich has not hosted another E-Prix since 2018, so check the current championship calendar if attending a live race is your main reason for travelling.
Formula E no longer races at Zürich Street Circuit. Boat schedules, museum hours, attraction access and transport arrangements can change - check current information before travelling.