Zermatt Guide

Zermatt Travel Guide: How to Get to Zermatt and Everything Else You Need to Know for Your Holiday (2024)

Planning a trip to Zermatt can be as exhilarating as it is daunting. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to streamline your journey and help you experience Zermatt at its best, this article is perfect for you.

This guide provides detailed information on the best transport options, getting around the village, the ideal season for your visit, insider tips, and much more.

What sets this guide apart? It’s designed to help you immerse yourself in the local culture and make the most of your time in this car-free, tranquil paradise. Whether you’re skiing or dining across the border in Italy, this guide equips you with everything you need to know.

Where is Zermatt?

Zermatt village is located at the end of the Mattertal valley in the south of the canton of Wallis, Switzerland. Zermatt’s ski area is connected to Cervinia in Italy, and to get there, you ski across the glacier at Klein Matterhorn. You can literally have lunch in a different country while skiing. Quite James Bond-like, right?

How to get to Zermatt, Switzerland

You can reach Zermatt either by train via Visp or by car to Täsch, where you then take the train to car-free Zermatt. Either way, it’s a magical journey through the Swiss mountains, with plenty of breathtaking sights along the way.

How to Get to Zermatt by Train

There are three main Swiss airports: Geneva Airport, Zurich Airport, and Basel Airport. The closest airport to Zermatt is Zurich Airport. All of these airports have good train connections to Zermatt via Visp. To reach Zermatt by train, take a train from your arrival airport to Visp, then transfer to the panoramic Matterhorn Gotthard Railway shuttle to Zermatt.

Train Journey Duration

• Zurich to Zermatt: 3h 10min
• Basel to Zermatt: 3h 15min
• Geneva to Zermatt: 3h 30min
• St. Gallen to Zermatt: 4h 30min

Travel Tip: Book an SBB day card in advance, especially if you’re travelling in a group or if you are visiting Zermatt with kids. You can save a lot of money! If there is no day card available, download the SBB app; here you can check the departure times and book train tickets on your phone. If you book your train ticket in advance, prices are significantly cheaper. To get the best deal, book your ticket 30 days ahead.

Train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt

From Zurich Airport or Zurich city, there are direct trains to Visp, taking approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Visp, a shuttle train will take you directly to Zermatt in 1 hour. It’s best to book your tickets directly at the offical Swiss ticket office.

Train from Geneva Airport to Zermatt

From Geneva Airport, there is also a direct train to Visp. The journey takes 2 hours and 13 minutes from Geneva to Visp, and then from Visp, the shuttle train takes you directly to Zermatt in 1 hour. From Zermatt train station, there are electric taxis that can take you to your holiday home.

Note: If you have booked your accommodation with us, we will pick you up at the train station, as advised in our welcome email.

Travel by Car to Zermatt

Travelling by car may increase the travel time slightly (around 15%), especially when there’s traffic, which is common. However, it’s a beautiful drive through the Swiss Alps and an amazing experience.

Car-free Zermatt

Zermatt is a car-free village! Private vehicles are not allowed to enter, so don’t attempt to drive into Zermatt—fines are expensive. Only residents with special permission can drive to Zermatt by car. Everyone else must park in one of the 2,400 spots at the car park in Täsch and take the 12-minute train ride from Täsch to Zermatt. Trains run regularly and operate late into the night, so no need to worry. Switzerland’s train infrastructure is among the most reliable and efficient in the world.

Getting Around in the Village

• Electric Taxi: The unique but also pricey way of getting around. These small taxis run entirely on electricity and are exclusive to Zermatt. Charged and produced locally, they’re worth trying at least once!
• Public Buses: The electric buses are free of charge if you have a ski pass but can get very crowded at times. There are two routes, red and green, which are indicated by the colour of the bus bumper.
• Bicycle: Especially during the warmer months, riding through Zermatt with a refreshing breeze is a great experience. Many places offer modern e-bike rentals.
• On Foot: There’s no better way to explore Zermatt than on foot. The town is compact, and you’ll often stumble upon unique spots by taking less-travelled paths.

Switzerland’s Most Famous Landmark: The Matterhorn

A significant part of Zermatt’s international prominence originally stems from its mountaineering scene. In the 19th century, English mountaineers flocked to Zermatt to climb the Swiss mountains, most notably the Matterhorn. The Matterhorn was long considered unclimbable. However, on 14 July 1865, in a historic event, British climber Edward Whymper, along with three mountain guides and three Englishmen, successfully reached the summit.

Winter Season in Zermatt

Zermatt in winter is the best-known Swiss ski-resort. A fun-filled place in the Alps, Zermatt continues to attract visitors from all over the globe. There’s something for every age and interest.

Pro Tip: You can book Zermatt ski vacation packages to get a pre-organized package full of fun activities.

November in Zermatt

The winter season in Zermatt traditionally opens in mid-November. Until mid-December, skiers practically have the slopes to themselves. At this time, prices for Zermatt apartment rentals are usually at their lowest for the winter season. The few visitors during this period appreciate the atmosphere of the village as it was before winter tourism took off after the Second World War.

December in Zermatt

From mid-December onwards, visitors from all five continents arrive, creating the atmosphere of an international hotspot. There are many options in Zermatt for non-skiers and ski enthusiasts. They come to breathe in the uplifting mountain air, wander the narrow cobbled streets and hill paths. To admire the breathtaking Matterhorn, and enjoy the cosmopolitan ambiance on the main street (Bahnhofstrasse), with its many shops and some of the best restaurants in Switzerland.

Maybe one day, they decide to take Europe’s highest cable way up to the Klein Matterhorn, look over into Italy, or walk up to one of the hamlets above the village. Here, cosy mountain restaurants serve local dishes accompanied by a carafe of Valais wine. The horse-drawn carriages on the narrow streets enhance the fairytale atmosphere, and the Christmas tree at the train station, and Advent music in the background truly add to this magical experience.

January in Zermatt

After the exciting hustle and bustle of Christmas in Zermatt and New Year has passed, some calm returns to the valley, and January is quieter. One can easily imagine what kind of village the first climbers discovered when they came out here in the middle of the last century. January is also the curler’s month, with many visitors coming to watch the daily events on the ice rink in the middle of the village.

February in Zermatt

The longer days of February and March bring thousands of skiers to the slopes. These are also the months for sun worshippers and those escaping the damp climates of Northern Europe. This region is well known as the sunniest area in Switzerland. The mists that block out the sun until midday in the plains are unheard of here. Zermatt remains in full swing until a couple of weeks after Easter.

February typically offers the best snow conditions for skiing. By this time, it has already snowed several times during the season, with a few fresh snow days in February. We’ve experienced some of the best powder days in February and highly recommend this time for both off-piste and on-piste skiers.

March in Zermatt
If you visit Zermatt in March, you will most likely still find great conditions on the slopes and snow covering the tops of the picturesque chalets. The days are getting longer and warmer, and from time to time, we experience massive snowfall in March, which can be a great opportunity to search for powder (though it’s not guaranteed). This is also a perfect time to sit in a café, enjoy the sun, and take some time off. Let the breathtaking mountain views sink in and relax.

April in Zermatt
The winter season is coming to an end, and Zermatt celebrates with a big bang: the Zermatt Unplugged festival. Since 2007, people from all over the world have come to Zermatt to see major and emerging musical artists perform. Concerts take place both on the slopes and in the village, making the festival a unique and fun experience. Imagine skiing from concert to concert while enjoying the incredible views!

Pro Tip: Ride the Glacier Express. A popular activity all year round is to ride the Glacier Express, a spectacular train ride that takes you across the Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz.

There is an abundance of activities to enjoy in Zermatt during the ski season. Not only will you experience one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, but you’ll also discover the rejuvenating effects of pure alpine air on your well-being.

Zermatt in Summer

Zermatt is not just a world-famous winter ski resort. Summer in Zermatt offers endless hiking trails, mountain biking routes, climbing, sightseeing activities, and even summer skiing! For super-fit thrill seekers, a glacier traverse above 3,000 metres or a climb to one of the highest peaks in Europe are all within reach.

Zermatt in June

June is the month for wildflowers. The alpine roses create a lush red carpet, decorating the wooded hillsides above the village. Serious hikers return, taking advantage of the fact that this is still pre-season. Prices are lower, and even Bahnhofstrasse (the main shopping street) is not crowded.

Zermatt in July

By July, summer is in full swing. In the early mornings, groups of young people can be seen hurrying to the cable car stations to make the most of the morning skiing. Hikers with their rucksacks set out for a day in the mountains, while more leisurely visitors enjoy breakfast on sunny restaurant terraces before planning their day. Day trippers pour off the trains and head up the main street, eager for their first glimpse of the fabled Matterhorn. In the evenings, the return of the goats to the village is a popular tourist attraction.

Zermatt in September and October

Many of September’s visitors return to Zermatt year after year. The valley almost invariably enjoys long, sunny autumns, which often stretch into November. On the occasional rainy day in late autumn, it’s fascinating to watch the snow gradually creeping down the mountains. One morning, a light dusting of snow covers the meadows surrounding the village, and Zermatt knows that once again, it will have a white Christmas.

Your Stay in Zermatt

As you can see, Zermatt is always worth a visit, no matter the weather or season. We guarantee it will never be boring. We will continuously update this guide to be your go-to resource when visiting Zermatt. You can find more information in our other guides, which we also regularly update.

Book your Zermatt Trip with the Number 1

If you’re looking to elevate your Zermatt experience, there’s no better choice than booking your stay with Zermatt Holidays. We proudly stand as the No. 1 choice, with an impressive track record of 500+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ratings from satisfied guests. When you choose Zermatt Holidays, you’re not just booking accommodations—you’re unlocking a world of exceptional service.

Our commitment goes beyond the ordinary. We offer more than just a place to stay; we provide an unforgettable experience. From complimentary pickup and drop-off services at the train station to seamless assistance with organising your ski passes and train tickets, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. With Zermatt Holidays, your Zermatt adventure will be nothing short of extraordinary.

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