There are many ways to get to Zermatt; the best way for you will depend on your starting point.

In our guide, you’ll find tips for arriving in Zermatt depending on location and transport.

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It’s important to know that Zermatt is a car-free village, so once you arrive in Zermatt, you’ll be relying on public transport or your own two feet to get around.

Zermatt train

How To Get To Zermatt By Car

If you’re driving to Zermatt, you’ll have to park your car in Tash, the nearest town.

From Matterhorn Terminal Täsch, you can take a train to Zermatt. It costs around EUR 8 for a one-way ticket, and the train leaves every 20 minutes or so. The train ride takes around 15 minutes to reach Zermatt.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi.

There are two main options for parking in Tash:

  • The Matterhorn Terminal (a bit more expensive, but next to the train station)
  • Private parking in the area (a bit cheaper, but further)

How To Get To Zermatt By Train

If you’re coming from Europe, taking the train to Zermatt is easy.

The final destination is called Bahnhofplatz Zermatt. To go there, you have a few options:

  • Take a train from a major city, and change to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn for Zermatt in Visp
  • Take the Glacier Express from St. Moritz, Davos, or Chur

You can browse your options easily on Omio.

Zermatt train

How To Get To Zermatt By Plane

The closest airport to Zermatt is in Sion, but there are no direct flights from outside of Switzerland.

The best way to get to Zermatt from the airport is to take a train or bus to Visp and then take a local train from there.

If you’re flying into Geneva, you can take a train to Zermatt, but the journey takes about 4 hours. If you’re flying into Zurich, the train can take 3-4 hours.

You can browse train tickets on Omio.

Nearest Airports To Zermatt

Below, you’ll find the nearest airports to Zermatt.

You can either rent a car and drive it to Zermatt or take the train.

  • Sion Airport (around 2 hours away by train)
  • Geneva Airport (around 4-5 hours away by train)
  • Zurich Airport (around 3-4 hours away by train)
  • Bern Airport (around 2-3 hours away by train)

Zermatt

Best Way To Get To Zermatt

If you’re searching for the most convenient way to reach Zermatt, we recommend you drive to Tash, park the car, and take the train.

Alternatively, take the train to Tash or Visp and eventually get to Zermatt with the shuttle train.

Staying In Zermatt?

Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Zermatt.
Best hostel: Zermatt Youth Hostel
Best mid-range hotel: Studio Omis
Best luxury hotel: Swiss Alpine Hotel Allalin

Tips For Getting Around Zermatt

Once you arrive in Zermatt, you’ll rely on public transport or your two feet to get around.

The best way to get around Zermatt is by taking electric taxis or buses. They cover most of the village.

Alternatively, you could rent a bicycle to get around. If you don’t mind walking, you can reach most places easily on foot.

If you’re staying in one of the hotels near the Matterhorn, you can take the cable car.

Why Is Zermatt Car-Free

Zermatt is car-free because the authorities want to preserve the area and prevent pollution. This is a great way to promote sustainability too.

In fact, Zermatt has been car-free for as long as anyone can remember.

The road from Täsch to Zermatt is closed to regular traffic, making Zermatt an even more unique place.


 

 


Final Thoughts On Reaching Zermatt, Switzerland

There are many ways to get to Zermatt, but the best way will depend on your starting point.

You can either drive to Tash and take the train or fly into one of the nearby airports and take the train from there.

Visiting Switzerland soon? Make sure to read one of the following guides:

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015 and has been living abroad since 2014. Originally from Canada, she has embraced a digital nomad lifestyle, working online from various destinations worldwide. Melissa is passionate about travel, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit. Her extensive travels have taken her across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Currently, she resides in Thailand.


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