It includes a set of underground platforms at Zürich Hauptbahnhof, and carries twin standard gauge (1,435 mm or 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) tracks electrified at 15 kV AC 16,7 Hz using overhead catenary.

The original routing of the right bank line, which departed from Zürich Hauptbahnhof station in a westerly direction before performing a clockwise 270 degrees turn via a viaduct over the Limmat and passing through Letten station and the Letten Tunnel to Stadelhofen, was closed after the opening of the Hirschengraben Tunnel.

The following year, the Zürichberg Tunnel opened from a junction to the south of Stadelhofen to Stettbach station, thus allowing trains to run to and from points to the east and north of Zurich without reversal.

[2] On April 16, 1991, an arsonist set fire in the rear car of a train travelling the tunnel to the Stadelhofen station.

[3] The passengers, who had remained calm despite the fire, were given instructions to evacuate the train and proceed on foot to the Stadelhofen station.