Florence to Zurich in May, suggest base for day trips to Zermatt
A traveler named Judy is seeking advice on her train journey from Florence, Italy to Switzerland. She plans to stay in Zurich and visit the Matterhorn and Bernese Oberland, and needs detailed travel tips for her upcoming trip in May.
- Base yourself in Zurich for easy access to Switzerland's public transport system, allowing you to explore the country efficiently.
- Invest in a four-day Swiss Travel Pass for discounts on transportation to major attractions like the Matterhorn and in the Bernese Oberland.
- Use the Swiss timetable to plan your day trips and check train schedules for better planning.
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Hello,
I need advice/suggestions on traveling from Florence, Italy to Switzerland by train. I’d like to stay in a central location from which I could take train trips to visit the Matterhorn and Bernese Oberland. I’ll be departing from Zurich. Thank you.
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Hello Lucy
Welcome to MySwissAlps
You give us only very sparse details of your Swiss travel plans. What I am about to say can only be regarded as suggestions.
Base yourself in Zurich.
Two reasons. The train ride from Florence to Zurich is easy and quite quick. For example, if you were travelling today you could leave Florence at 08 55 and reach Zurich at 14 27. There would be one very easy change of train, at Milan Centrale, arrive 10 50, depart 11 10.
Secondly and more importantly, Zurich (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/zurich/) is at the centre of Switzerland’s outstanding public transport system. You can get to anywhere in Switzerland and back in one day.Invest in a four-day Swiss Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/)
On Day 1 get an Italian ticket for the journey Florence to CHIASSO. Chiasso is the frontier station 51 kms, (31 miles) north of Milan. Your STP will take you the rest of the way.
On Day 2 get an Intercity train to VISP via Bern, and then a local train to Zermatt. Walk across the road to the station for Gornergrat (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/gornergrat/). Your STP will give you a 50% discount on this spectacular mountain line. Sit on the right for splendid views of the Matterhorn.
On Day 3 get an InterRegio train to Luzern, and then the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Interlaken Ost. Interlaken (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/interlaken/) is the centre of the Berner Oberland region. Your STP will take you FREE to Murren, Wengen and Grindelwald. To go up higher above these villages you will have to pay a (discounted) fare.
Returning from Interlaken to Zurich, take the quicker route using intercity trains via Bern.
Day 4 Go to St Moritz (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/st-moritz/) Go outwards via Chur and Filisur. Sit on the left when going from Zurich to Chur. Sit on the right when travelling on the Chur to St Moritz train. Return to Zurich via Klosters and Landquart.
Are you doing a lot of travelling in Italy or other European Countries?
If yes and you live in Europe, you should seriously consider getting a global Interrail Pass rather than an STP. If yes and you live outside Europe, you should seriously consider getting a global Eurail Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/eurail-global-pass/) rather than an STP.
Best wishes for your detailed planning.
Roger
Hi Roger,
Thank you so much for your helpful reply.
I apologize at this initial stage of planning my details were non existent. Your reply was just what I needed since I had no
idea where to start.I am eagerly anticipating seeing this beautiful country in May. I am traveling from the US to Tuscany for a week and then to Switzerland, if possible.
i appreciate your time and advice.
Judy
Hi Judy,
Thank you for sharing your travel details.
I second Roger’s suggestion to use Zurich as base. You can find links to accommodation in Zurich here: https://www.myswissalps.com/accommodation/hotels/zurich/
Please use the Swiss timetable to check train schedules and plan your day trips: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/public-transport/timetable/
Regards,
Anna
Anna,
Thank you so much for responding.
Is there a tour company/guide you would recommend for my day trips to Zermatt and Interlaken?
Judy
Hi Judy,
Try researching in the link below:
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Yolanda,
Thank you for the informative links.
Judy
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