Advice on train from Zermatt to Andermatt

Hello and Good day

I need expert's opinion on train trip from Zermatt to Andermatt for regular train, departs early morning before noon on weekday.
(Since I had taken the Glacier Express/GE to Zermatt it doesn't make sense to pay for the reservation again).

On SBB, Zermatt to Andermatt Query, the earliest regular train is 1039-1420hr : Zermatt(R234) -> Brig (R542)-> Andermatt. Duration: 3:41
Other trains that depart early are all GE trains tagged with a icon - a "R" in a box meaning "Reservation is mandatory". Does the GE has regular coaches ?

Other than the above, is there a train route that allow me to depart earlier then 10:39hr at Zermatt, arrive earlier at Andermatt ?

In my best effort: With query in separate stages, I found this, is it the best ?

Zermatt -> Visp (0839-0947hr), Visp ->Andermatt (1008-1220hr)

Any better cue ?

Hi MeltyMel,

The R you're referring to indicates a Regional train. You have to look at the trip details to see whether reservations are necessary (which is indeed an R in a box). Most connections do not require seat reservations. The first connection tomorrow morning (Friday) departs at 5:39. Arrival in Andermatt is 9:20.

Arno said: Hi MeltyMel,

The R you're referring to indicates a Regional train. You have to look at the trip details to see whether reservations are necessary (which is indeed an R in a box). Most connections do not require seat reservations. The first connection tomorrow morning (Friday) departs at 5:39. Arrival in Andermatt is 9:20.

Thanks for responding to my query, I appreciate it. Yes, I am aware the R stands for Regional Train, the other "R in a box" signified "reservation is complusory".

Let me elaborate more my question. The idea is to head for Andermatt after breakfast, 5am or 6am is too early for me (not sure is the breakfast ready at tmy hotel too!), afterall I am on vacation. So the targeted time is around 830 ~ 930hr.

When I look up at SBB for my schedule, the trains returned are as below:

Station/Stop------------- Time---------Duration----Travel With
Zermatt - Andermatt----0900-1136---2:36hr------D (GE 902) Reservation compulsory
Zermatt - Andermatt----0913-1200---2:47hr------D (GE 904) Reservation compulsory
Zermatt - Andermatt----1000-1236---2:36hr------D (GE 906) Reservation compulsory
Zermatt - Andermatt----1013-1300---2:47hr------D (GE 908) Reservation compulsory
*Zermatt - Andermatt---1039-1420---3:41hr------R234 transfer-to R542 at Brig (regional train)
Zermatt - Andermatt----1139-1520---3:41hr------R238 transfer-to R546 at Brig (regional train)
Zermatt - Andermatt----1239-1620---3:41hr------R242 transfer-to R550 at Brig (regional train)
That is why I deduce the earliest train possible for me (without needing a reservation) is the 1039-1420hr run. While I wish there is a train I depart for Andermatt bet 830-930hr. The idea is to start early hopefully reach Andermatt early. Therefore seeking help.

If the Glacier Express has regular coaches, then I can also travel on it to Andermatt (with a swiss pass). Note: I would have done the GE (paying the reservation) from St Moritz to Zermatt, this trip is the return trip from Zermatt (to Andermatt).

Hi MeltyMel, thanks for clearing that up. I see what you're after and departing from Zermatt about 08h30/09h30 by regional trains, which don't require seat reservations, is possible. The timetable comes up with other options, besides the Glacier Express, if you split the trip into two parts, searching for Zermatt-Brig first and for Brig-Andermatt next (instead of searching for Zermatt-Andermatt). This connection, which doesn't include a Glacier Express, might be what you're looking for:

• 08h39 Zermatt
• 10h03 Brig
• 10h23 Brig
• 12h20 Andermatt

The same connection is possible one hour later, departing from Zermatt at 09h39. Is this what you mean?

Yes! great to get the criteria across. My question is seeking advice is that solution the best or are there better solutions ?

Thanks

That would be the best connection if you want to spare the costs of a reservation. Compared to the Glacier Express, the journey takes an extra hour and switching trains in Brig. But if time is not important, this would be the best solution. The view is the same in both trains :-)

Since this is the next best, an extra hr later sounds alright. Will take this, thanks.