How To Get To Zermatt

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How To Get To Zermatt

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Where is Zermatt, Switzerland?

The Zermatt ski resort is in the canton of Valais in Switzerland, deep in the Alps below the iconic Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and a multitude of glaciers.

The village of Zermatt is 235km east of Geneva & 230km south of Zurich. The nearest major town is Visp, 31km north.

Zermatt is only accessible by train on the Matterhorn Gotthard railway via the towns of Visp or Brig. Cars are required to be parked down the valley at the town of Tasch, where skiers continue the journey on the train. Helicopter is another transport option for the fiscally flush.

Flights to Zermatt

Gateway airports for Zermatt are Geneva & Zurich. Both are a similar distance from Zermatt, and both have easy train connections from the airport.

Search for a great deal on a flight to Geneva or Zurich airport.

Flying into Geneva & Zurich Airports

The Geneva (Geneve) international airport in Switzerland services worldwide flight origins from Europe, UK, Scandinavia, USA, Canada, the Middle East (and by default Oceania and Asia), China & Moscow. The airport is somewhat unique in that it has a Swiss and French sector within the one airport complex. Geneva airport is convenient to many Italian, French, and of course Swiss ski resorts.

Trains leave from the Geneva airport terminal direct to the Geneva city centre (Cornavin) & Visp (destination marked as Brig). Trains to Zermatt take around 3½hr.

The Zurich international airport services a range of worldwide origins including within Europe and from the UK, Scandinavia, USA, Canada, Asia, Africa plus the Middle East (incl. Australia & New Zealand via Singapore or the Middle East). Zurich airport is convenient to many other Austrian & Swiss ski resorts.

The airport is a short 10min train ride from central Zurich, where train connections to Zermatt take around 3½hr.

Airport & Hotel Transfers

The Powderhounds usually recommend taking the train from the airports to Zermatt, but for those that just cannot abide public transport or are travelling in larger groups, a private transfer from Geneva or Lyon may be the most efficient mode of travel if one doesn’t have a car. Note, as Zermatt is car free, a private transfer will only be able to drive as far as Täsch railway station & a short train ride (or taxi) to Zermatt will be required.

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Train transport to Zermatt

Zermatt is accessible from anywhere in Europe by train. All trains to Zermatt will require a stop and change in Visp. Whilst Visp is only 31km from Zermatt, the train ride up the valley to Zermatt takes around 1hr10min. It is an interesting journey, so enjoy the ride. Note that there may be a requirement these days to change at Tasch for a final train to Zermatt. See the Geneva to Zermatt rail map.

Search rail timetables & purchase train tickets to Zermatt from anywhere in Europe.

A great train journey to take is the Glacier Express between Zermatt & St Moritz. The full day journey leaves once a day from either end in the morning to complete the journey in full daylight via Andermatt.

Driving to Zermatt

It is possible to drive to Zermatt, but all private vehicles are to be parked (for a fee) in one of the many down valley car parks in the town of Täsch, 5km from Zermatt. From Tasch, the train can be caught for the final part of the journey to car-free Zermatt, or one can arrange for a private taxi service. Parking spaces are limited at Taesch so Powderhounds recommends leaving the car behind & taking the train all the way to Zermatt.

Getting around Zermatt

The most usual form of transport utilised to get around the sprawling town of Zermatt is ones two legs, undertaking a form of motion called walking (or for the medically trained – ambulation). Nothing is usually much more than 1 to 1.5km away from anywhere in the town, however several free buses make the rounds as well, linking the Zermatt/Gornergrat train stations with the Sunnegga Express funicular & the Furi gondola. See the Zermatt village map.

Even though it is car free, electric taxis and hotel shuttles are always buzzing around town and can transport those not comfortable on their own two legs. Be aware of these vehicles when wandering the village. They have a habit of sneaking up on you!

Nearby Ski Resorts

Zermatt is lift, piste and ticket interconnected with the fantastic Italian ski resort of Cervinia.

Down the train line a little way near St Niklaus is the family-oriented ski resort of Grächen with its fairytale gondolas. Other great Powderhound ski resorts nearby are the amazing glacier clad Saas Fee, Crans Montana & the three Val d’Anniviers ski resorts of Grimentz Zinal, St Luc Chandolin & Vercorin.

The train system allows for easy transfers to a host of other ski resorts in Switzerland. Ski resorts with direct train (& bus) links to Zermatt include Aletsch Arena near Brig, Andermatt Sedrun & Verbier (4 Vallees). The Glacier Express runs all the way to St Moritz via Chur once a day in winter. From Chur, the ski resorts of Arosa, BrigelsDavos Klosters, Laax & Lenzerheide are only a train or bus ride away.

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