You’d be forgiven for thinking Zürich is the capital of Switzerland. It’s not—that would be Bern.
But it is one of the country's most important financial hubs, as well as a culturally diverse city in its own right. With over 50 museums, you can delve deep into Swiss history and art, as well as explore the hip Zürich West neighborhood.
Zürich is also home to Switzerland’s busiest airport with travelers arriving here from all over the world. And if you’re one of them, you might be keen to explore more of Switzerland—perhaps, for example, skiing in world-famous Zermatt. But how do you get from Zürich to Zermatt?
Read on to discover the best route from Zürich to this internationally famous European ski resort.
Image Credit: Getty Images mbbirdy. Image Location: Zermatt, Switzerland.
What is the easiest way to get to Zermatt?
Switzerland is incredibly well connected by a slick train network that snakes through the Alps. The quickest way to get from Zürich to Zermatt is by train. The journey takes an average of 4h 3m, but there’s also a faster route that takes just 3h 12m. You don’t have to worry about timings either. Approximately 25 trains leave Zürich for Zermatt each day, which means there are plenty of departure options.
Are there direct trains from Zürich to Zermatt?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct train that will take you straight from Zürich to Zermatt. You have to change at Visp, a small city in the heart of Valais. En route, you’ll pass through the cities of Bern and Thun, which are well worth a visit for their castles, museums, and shopping promenades. From Visp, it’s a scenic ride—past rugged mountainsides and waterfalls—up the Matter Valley to Zermatt.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Sculpies. Image Location: Ospizio Bernina, Switzerland.
How much is the train from Zürich to Zermatt?
Travel in Switzerland ain’t cheap. One way train tickets from Zürich to Zermatt start at $66. However, once on board, you can expect air-conditioned cabins, comfortable seats, WiFi, and postcard-worthy views. Most trains have their own restaurant car, so no need to worry about going hungry. Plus, you can anticipate a smooth, quiet ride—Switzerland is the only country in Europe that regulates the noise-producing bumps on railway tracks.
What is there to do in Zermatt?
Once you arrive in Zermatt, you’ll no doubt want to head straight for the ski slopes. After all, Zermatt is famed worldwide for its high-altitude network of pistes, flanked by the famous Matterhorn Mountain. Yes, the same one that features on the Toblerone chocolate packaging.
The best time to ski in Zermatt is between December and April. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced skier, there are plenty of areas to suit everyone. Newbies should head to the Wolli Park at Sunnegga for gentle slopes, while advanced skiers could try a yellow off-piste itinerary run like Stockhorn or book a guided tour on the glacier.
Another factor that makes Zermatt doubly appealing: it sits on the border with Italy, so you can ski across to the Italian ski resort of Breuil-Cervinia for lunch. Pizza and an Aperol spritz anyone?
Image Credit: Getty Images, Suphanat Wongsanuphat. Image Location: Gornergrat railway, Zermatt, Switzerland
Is Zermatt worth visiting for non-skiers?
Absolutely. The Matterhorn Museum is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in mountaineering. It charts the extraordinary first ascent of the Matterhorn, as well as the town’s colorful history.
Alternatively, climb aboard the Matterhorn Glacier gondola, which will whisk you to the highest cable car station in Europe at around 13,123 feet. Admire the astonishing views from the mountain restaurant or venture inside the Glacier Palace, carved entirely from ice.
Back in town, there are dozens of designer shops to peruse, as well as a smattering of high-end restaurants (including four with Michelin Stars).
During the summer, a network of hiking trails emerges from beneath the snow, accessible for all abilities. Follow the easy Matterhorn Glacier Trail for close-up views of the peak or ascend the Breithorn to tick off your first 13,661-ft summit.
Alpine train-ing
Allow us to make the journey from Zürich to Zermatt as smooth as possible. Download the Trainline app and find the best fares and times to make your way up to your mountain getaway. Also check out our Zermatt guide, and guides to Zürich's best city-center hotels, Zürich on a budget and the best water activities around Zürich.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, EduLeite. Image Location: Matterhorn Mountain, Switzerland
