Running in a mostly southernly direction, it passes the Pestalozziwiese (named after Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi), Rennweg, Augustinergasse and Paradeplatz, before it ends after 1.4 km (0.87 mi) at Bürkliplatz (47°22′02″N 8°32′27″E / 47.3671°N 8.5409°E / 47.3671; 8.5409 (Bürkliplatz)) on the northern shore of Lake Zurich.

Paradeplatz, one of the most famous squares in Switzerland, is situated on the southern portion of Bahnhofstrasse.

The two biggest Swiss banks, UBS and the Credit Suisse Group, have their headquarters there.

Some of the many shops along Bahnhofstrasse include: The street is largely pedestrianised, but is also an important link in the Zurich tram network of VBZ.

There are several tram stops along Bahnhofstrasse, named Bahnhofstrasse/HB (near main station), Rennweg, Paradeplatz, Kantonalbank and Bürkliplatz.