How to Get to Zermatt. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Options

Airports and Transfers

Flying into Switzerland has several airport options, each offering convenient connections to Zermatt.

Major Swiss Gateways

Zurich Airport (ZRH): Switzerland's largest international airport. It holds the widest range of direct flights from global hubs. Zurich has an integrated train station directly below the terminal, making onward travel seamless.
Geneva Airport (GVA): Another major international gateway in Switzerland, serving the western part of the country. Like Zurich, Geneva Airport has a train station connected to the terminal.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Italy: Closer geographically for some international routes. Choosing Milan necessitates an international border crossing into Switzerland, adding travel time and potentially different visa considerations.

Airport to Zermatt Transfers

Zermatt is a car-free village. You cannot drive directly into Zermatt.

Train Travel Recommended

The most common and efficient way to reach Zermatt. Take a Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) train directly from Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport to Visp.
In Visp, transfer to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) train, which goes directly to Zermatt. The train journey from Zurich Airport takes approximately 3.5-4 hours. From Geneva Airport, it takes about 3.5 hours.
Trains are frequent, comfortable, and reliable. Purchase tickets via the SBB website or at any train station.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight prices are generally higher during Zermatt's peak winter (mid-December to March) and summer (July-August) seasons.

Airlines & Typical Routes

Swiss International Air Lines and Edelweiss Air are national carriers. EasyJet provides numerous connections to Geneva. Other major European airlines offer direct flights to Zurich and Geneva.

Airport Facilities

Zurich and Geneva airports offer comprehensive facilities, including shops, restaurants, currency exchange, and integrated train stations with free Wi-Fi.

Other Transfer Options

Private Transfer

Pre-booked taxi or limousine services can take you to Täsch, the last car-accessible village before Zermatt (5 km away).
From Täsch, you take the MGB shuttle train to Zermatt.
This option is more expensive but offers convenience for groups or travelers with heavy luggage. It saves you from managing train changes.
Helicopter Transfer: Available from Sion or Geneva airports. This offers a scenic and fast, though very expensive, transfer option. It provides unique aerial views.

Smart Travel Choices

Purchase a Swiss Half Fare Card or a Swiss Travel Pass if you plan extensive train travel in Switzerland. These can yield significant savings on the journey to Zermatt.
Booking your flights 3-6 months in advance often secures better rates.
Flexibility with your travel dates, even by a few days, can also result in savings. Consider flying mid-week instead of weekends.
Both Zurich and Geneva airports provide free Wi-Fi for your convenience.

Booking Flights

Advance Booking

Booking flights 3-6 months in advance often secures better rates.

Date Flexibility

Flexibility with your travel dates, even by a few days, can result in savings.

Mid-Week Travel

Consider flying mid-week instead of weekends for potential savings.

Land Journey to Zermatt

Train Connections & Services

Switzerland has an extensive and efficient train network.

Swiss Train Network

The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network connects Zermatt to the rest of the country. From major cities like Zurich, Geneva, Bern, or Lucerne, take a SBB train to Visp.
In Visp, transfer to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB), which travels the final scenic stretch directly into Zermatt. The MGB is a narrow-gauge railway designed for mountain terrain.
The famous Glacier Express panoramic train also serves Zermatt, featuring a slow, scenic journey across the Alps. Train travel in Switzerland is punctual and has comfortable seating and views.

Self-Driving & Bus Options

While Zermatt is car-free, understanding land transportation in Switzerland aids your journey and potential day trips.

Driving to Täsch

Zermatt is a car-free village. You cannot drive your private car into the village. If you choose to drive, you must park your car in Täsch, a village 5 kilometers (3 miles) down the valley from Zermatt.
Parking in Täsch: The Matterhorn Terminal Täsch is a large, multi-story car park. It includes secure, paid parking.
From Täsch, you take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn shuttle train to Zermatt. These shuttle trains run every 20 minutes and the journey takes about 12 minutes. Electric taxis are also available in Täsch for transfers.

Other Transport & Licenses

Border Crossing: Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Area. If you arrive from another Schengen country, border checks are minimal.

Licenses & Buses

Driving License: A valid driving license from your home country is generally sufficient for short stays in Switzerland. An International Driving Permit (IDP) provides an official translation and is recommended.
Long-distance bus options: Direct connections to Zermatt are limited. Most long-distance buses (PostBus Switzerland) connect to larger Swiss cities like Visp or Brig. From these points, you must transfer to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train.
Vignette: If driving on Swiss motorways, your vehicle needs a motorway vignette (sticker), CHF 40 for a calendar year. Car rentals in Switzerland usually include this.

Road Conditions & Safety

Swiss roads are generally excellent. Speed limits are enforced.

Mountain Road Hazards

Blind curves: Drive slowly and carefully on winding roads.
Wildlife: Watch for animals, especially at dawn and dusk.
In winter, snow tires are needed by law, and Snow chains may be needed for the drive to Täsch depending on conditions. Check road conditions before driving in winter.

No Sea or River Access

Zermatt is a landlocked mountain village in the heart of the Alps.
Therefore, sea or river arrivals are not applicable for direct access to Zermatt.
Switzerland has lakes and rivers with boat services (e.g., Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, Aare River), but these do not connect directly to Zermatt.

Weather: Sudden changes in weather (fog, heavy rain, snow) can impact visibility and road grip.
Road safety standards are high in Switzerland.
Remember to check the latest road conditions before any driving.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures & Timing

Plan your departure from Zermatt efficiently to ensure a relaxed end to your trip.

Airport Departure

For international flights from Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA), allow at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight departure time at the airport.
For flights within the Schengen Area, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient.
From Zermatt to Zurich Airport, the total journey is about 3.5-4 hours. From Zermatt to Geneva Airport, it is about 3.5 hours.

Station Facilities & Luggage

Airport and station facilities cater to departing travelers.

Services

Luggage: If you have heavy luggage, consider using the SBB luggage service which allows you to send your bags directly from Zermatt to your departure airport (or vice versa) a day or two in advance. This can greatly simplify your travel day.
Exit fees or taxes: Switzerland does not levy specific exit fees or taxes directly on departing travelers. Any such fees are typically included in the price of your air ticket.
Many hotels offer complimentary electric taxi transfers from their property to the Zermatt train station. Arrange this with your hotel concierge the day before.

Airport Services

Airports (ZRH, GVA) offer comprehensive facilities: check-in, self-service baggage drop, security, shops, restaurants, lounges.

Train Station Services

SBB Train Stations (Visp, Täsch) provide basic facilities like ticket counters, small shops, cafes, and waiting areas.

VAT Refund

If purchases are eligible for a VAT refund (for non-EU residents), ensure you have your "Global Blue Tax Free Forms" and receipts.

Departure Day Reminders

VAT Refund Tip

You must present these at customs at the airport Before checking in your luggage. Arrive early to complete this process.

How to Get to Zermatt