Getting Around Zermatt. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation Network

Zermatt offers an efficient public transportation system designed for a car-free environment, mainly using electric vehicles and an extensive network of mountain lifts.

This system connects the village to ski slopes, hiking trails, and panoramic viewpoints.

Village & Mountain Connections

Electric Bus: Two main electric bus lines (Green and Red) operate. These lines crisscross the village, connecting the train station to various hotels and the main mountain lift stations.
Mountain Lifts: Mountain lift stations are strategically located. Bus stop maps are available at the tourist office and bus stops.
Zermatt Train Station: This is the starting point for the Gornergrat Bahn, the cogwheel railway leading to Gornergrat.
Village Center (northern end): The Sunnegga funicular starts near the river. It provides access to Sunnegga, Blauherd, and Rothorn.

Ticketing Options

Individual Tickets for single excursions. Zermatt Peak Pass offers unlimited rides on most Zermatt mountain lifts. Swiss Travel Pass typically provides a 50% discount on most lifts.

Operating Hours

Electric buses run regularly during daylight hours, typically every 10-20 minutes. Mountain lifts have seasonal operating hours, usually from early morning to late afternoon.

Accessibility

Most modern cable cars and mountain trains in Zermatt are designed for accessible travel. The village center is relatively flat.

Efficient Navigation

Passes & Apps

Purchase a Zermatt Peak Pass if you plan multiple mountain excursions over several days; it offers convenience and savings.
Check lift operating hours daily, especially during shoulder seasons or periods of variable weather.
Use the official Zermatt app for real-time information on lift status, weather, and trail conditions.

Travel Smart

Allow ample time for your mountain excursions, especially if you plan to connect multiple lifts or do long hikes.
Travel early in the morning to avoid crowds on popular lifts during high season.
Many hotels offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off service from the Zermatt train station using their own electric carts. Arrange this with your hotel in advance.

Daily Cost Estimates

Accommodation

60-800+ CHF

Meals

30-300+ CHF

Transportation

10-100+ CHF

Activities

20-300+ CHF

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Zermatt's car-free status means local taxis operate using electric vehicles, providing quiet and environmentally friendly transport within the village.

Electric Taxis

Zermatt electric taxis are distinctive: small, silent, battery-powered vehicles. They are clearly marked as taxis.
You can find them at the Zermatt train station, at designated taxi stands, or by calling a taxi company directly.
Fares for electric taxis are regulated and can be expensive for short rides within the village, typically ranging from CHF 20-30. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.
Many hotels also have their own electric carts and offer complimentary pick-up services from the train station for their guests.

Safety & Ride-Sharing

Zermatt taxis are safe and reliable. The drivers are licensed and familiar with the village's unique layout. Safety standards in Switzerland are high.
Traditional ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft do not operate in Zermatt for private cars due to the car-free policy. The local electric taxis serve this purpose.
For short distances within the village, consider walking. Zermatt is compact, and walking often provides better views and a more immersive experience.
Use taxis for longer distances or when carrying heavy luggage.

Rental Opportunities

Car rental is not available within Zermatt itself. If you rent a car for your wider Swiss travels, you must park it in Täsch.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are not available or practical within Zermatt due to its car-free status and pedestrian focus.
For driving to Täsch: Swiss driving laws are strict, including speed limits and rules regarding drinking and driving. In winter, snow tires are needed.

Bicycle rentals are readily available at various sport shops in Zermatt, especially during the summer months. You can rent mountain bikes, e-bikes (electric bikes), and road bikes. A Portable bike pump can be useful.
Horse-drawn carriages offer an unique, traditional form of transport for short rides around the village.
If you plan on mountain biking, rent an e-bike. The electric assist makes ascending Zermatt's steep trails much easier.

Walking & Cycling in Zermatt

Pedestrian Paths

Zermatt is highly pedestrian-friendly. The main street, Bahnhofstrasse, serves as a bustling promenade. Many walking paths crisscross the village, including the historic Old Village (Hinterdorf).

Cycling Routes

Zermatt has dedicated bike trails and shared mountain trails suitable for cycling. Helmets are recommended for all cyclists. Follow marked routes and respect hikers on shared trails.

Safety & Restrictions

Respect private property and areas marked as closed due to natural hazards like avalanche risk, rockfall, or landslides. Always follow local signage for your safety.

Mountain Transport Systems

Zermatt relies on unique mountain transport systems to access its higher elevations, ski areas, and hiking trails. These are as much attractions as they are modes of transport.

Mountain Lifts - Part 1

Gornergrat Bahn: This historic cogwheel railway features panoramic views of the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier. It operates year-round and is a major sightseeing attraction. The journey climbs from Zermatt to Gornergrat station at 3,089 meters (10,132 feet).
Sunnegga-Rothorn: An underground funicular quickly transports you from the northern end of Zermatt village to Sunnegga (2,288m). From Sunnegga, you can connect to cable cars that continue to Blauherd (2,571m) and then to Rothorn (3,103m). This area is popular for hiking in summer and skiing in winter, offering excellent Matterhorn views.
Matterhorn Express: This gondola lift accesses the southern side of the valley, connecting Zermatt to Furi, Schwarzsee, and Trockener Steg. It serves as a gateway to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the Italian side of the ski area (Cervinia).
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car: From Trockener Steg (2,939m), this cable car ascends to Klein Matterhorn (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) at 3,883 meters (12,740 feet). It holds the record as Europe's highest cable car station. It offers year-round skiing, a glacier palace carved into the ice, and a panoramic viewing platform.

Mountain Lifts - Part 2

Other Lifts: Numerous chairlifts and smaller cable cars operate throughout the ski and hiking areas, connecting different sections of the mountain.
Ticketing Systems: Purchase individual tickets, or consider Zermatt Peak Pass for unlimited rides or Swiss Travel Pass for discounts.
Operating Hours: Lifts have seasonal operating hours, typically early morning to late afternoon. Check current schedules on the Zermatt tourism website.
Accessibility Services: Major mountain transport systems are generally accessible. They accommodate wheelchairs, and stations have ramps or elevators. Contact Zermatt Tourism for specific details.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Zermatt is highly pedestrian-friendly. The main street, Bahnhofstrasse, serves as a bustling promenade for visitors, featuring shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Numerous walking paths crisscross the village.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Zermatt has dedicated bike trails and shared mountain trails suitable for cycling. Bicycle rentals are readily available at various sport shops in Zermatt, especially during summer.

Helmets are recommended for all cyclists.

Safety & Routes

Respect private property and areas marked as closed. This includes private hotel drives, construction zones, or areas closed due to natural hazards like avalanche risk, rockfall, or landslides.

Always follow local signage for your safety.

Specialized Transportation

Mountain Access

Gornergrat Bahn offers panoramic views and operates year-round.
Sunnegga-Rothorn funicular and cable cars are popular for hiking and skiing.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car ascends to Europe's highest station.

Efficiency & Views

Purchase a Zermatt Peak Pass if you plan to use multiple mountain lifts over several days. This streamlines your access.
Check current schedules on the official Zermatt tourism website (zermatt.ch) or at individual lift stations.
Travel early in the morning to avoid crowds on popular lifts during high season.

No-Go Areas & Safety

Respect private property and areas marked as closed for safety.
Some trails are for hikers only or have restrictions for cyclists.
Wear comfortable, Supportive walking shoes.
Always follow local signage for your safety, especially on mountain trails.

Electric taxis in the village also provide flexible transport for those with mobility challenges.
Inquire with Zermatt Tourism or individual lift operators for specific accessibility details.
The main street, Bahnhofstrasse, serves as a bustling promenade for visitors, featuring shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Paved paths lead to the edge of the village and connect to the wider network of hiking trails.

Accessible Travel Tips

Major mountain transport systems in Zermatt are generally accessible. The Gornergrat Bahn and Matterhorn Express accommodate wheelchairs.

Contact Zermatt Tourism or lift operators for specific accessibility details and assistance.

Getting Around Zermatt