Your travel guide for Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn 

How to reach Zermatt and how to travel in town: summary

Zermatt can be reached by train only. Cars are not allowed into the village. The town is small and you can do everything on foot, but there are free electric buses too.

You can plan each trip to, from and in Zermatt with the aid of the Swiss timetable.

Which train station in Zermatt do you need?

There are two rail stations in Zermatt. The regular train station, called "Zermatt" in the timetable, is where all trains arrive and depart. This includes the Glacier Express.

Just across the street there's the station for the cogwheel trains to the Gornergrat. This one's called "Zermatt GGB" in the timetable. "GGB" stands for "Gornergratbahn" (German for "Gornergrat Railway").

Reaching Zermatt by Glacier Express and normal trains

Zermatt can be reached via Visp or Brig in the Rhone Valley. You can travel either by Glacier Express, or by any of the regional trains run by the company MGB (the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn). These connect to trains coming from the Rhone Valley, Lake Geneva, and the Bernese Oberland.

If you're traveling to Zermatt from the north, you can reach Visp either through the Lötschberg Base Tunnel or by the scenic Lötschberg Mountain Railway.

The train ride from Visp in the Rhone Valley to Zermatt is beautiful. The Matter Valley is defined by the blue Mattervispa river and steep rocky slopes.

Examples of train travel times to and from Zermatt

Zermatt is at the very southern end of the Matter Valley in the Valais, and it's close to the Italian border. It takes some time to get there from the Swiss airports and other towns. Examples of train travel durations:

• 3h35 from Zurich Airport, 3h15 from Zurich
• 3h55 from Basel EuroAirport, 3h35 from Basel
• 4h05 from Geneva Airport, 4h00 from Geneva
• 1h25 from Brig
• 2h10 to 2h20 (via the Lötschberg Base Tunnel) or 3h20 (by the Lötschberg Mountain Railway) from Interlaken

If you want to visit other parts of the Valais from Zermatt, you'll first have to travel to Visp (1h10 by train) or Brig (1h25 by train) in the Rhone Valley.

How to reach Zermatt by car and where to park

You can't drive all the way to the village. Drivers need to use the large parking facility in the nearby village Täsch. From there, frequent trains depart to Zermatt. The ride takes 10 minutes. There are trolleys to help you carry your luggage.

You can avoid the mountain road to Täsch by parking in Visp in the Rhone Valley instead, and taking the train from there.

Free electric buses in Zermatt

Free electric buses are the public transport within Zermatt. There are two bus lines:

• The red line "Winkelmatten": connecting the train station, the center of town and the Winkelmatten district.
• The green line "Bergbahnen": connecting the train station, the center of town and cableway/funicular stations, such as the valley stations of Sunnegga and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

On request, many hotels offer a free transfer to and from the rail station with their own electric vehicle.

Mountain transport from Zermatt

You can hike right into the mountains and use the cable cars, funiculars or trains. Most rail passes grant a discount on the tickets for mountain transport in Zermatt.

Rail passes suitable for Zermatt

• If you plan to visit other areas too, a nation-wide pass such as the Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card can come in handy. Both provide a 50% discount on mountain rides from Zermatt.
• The Matterhorn Gotthard Pass can be a good choice if you want to travel in eastern Valais and western Graubünden for a limited number of days.
• Zermatt also offers the Peak2Peak Ticket and the Peak Pass. I'll discuss both below.

Find all rail pass options here. 

All about the Peak2Peak ticket

What is the Peak2Peak ticket?

The Peak2Peak ticket is valid for a visit to both Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in one day. It's not valid for Sunnegga-Rothorn. The tickets are available during the operation dates of the so-called "Riffelberg Express": from July to mid-August and from December to mid- or late April.

You need to follow a fixed route:

• First, you're traveling up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
• Then you get back down, but not all the way to Zermatt. You'll change to a cable car at mid-station Furi: the "Riffelberg Express".
• This brings you to Riffelberg, where you board the cogwheel train to Gornergrat.
• After that, you take the train back to Zermatt.

You're also allowed to make this trip in reverse order, as long as you use the Riffelberg Express and not travel all the way down to Zermatt between both mountain visits.

Is the Peak2Peak ticket worth it?

If you plan to visit both mountains in one day, the Peak2Peak ticket is a great choice in most cases. It's cheaper than getting separate return tickets for Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. And the Riffelberg Express gondola transfer between both routes is a beautiful ride!

Sometimes, it can be a disadvantage that you have to stick to this one particular route, for example if you plan to make hikes from mid-stations on the mountain routes. Plus: the ticket is not available all year long.

Is the Peak2Peak ticket discounted with a Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card?

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, and Swiss Half Fare Card provide a 50% discount. Show your pass when buying your ticket at a desk. Or choose the 'Reduced' option when ordering online.

All about the Peak Pass

What is the Peak Pass?

The Peak Pass allows free traveling to Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Sunnegga-Rothorn as often as you like. The trains between Zermatt, Täsch and Randa are included too. You can choose a number of days that fits your plans.

Is the Peak Pass worth it?

If you're staying in Zermatt for several days and plan to visit all three mountains (maybe even more than just once), the Peak Pass is worth it. For a short visit to Zermatt with excursions to just one or two of the mountains, I don't recommend the Peak Pass.

You may have a rail pass that already provides discounts on the mountains near Zermatt. Getting a Peak Pass might not be economical in that case.

Is the Peak Pass discounted with a Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card?

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex and Swiss Half Fare Card provide a 25% discount. Show your pass when buying your ticket at a desk, or choose the reduced fare when getting your Peak Pass online.

I prefer visiting Zermatt in early January to late April and early June to late October.

Zermatt in spring: April, May and June

April is still considered winter in the higher ski areas near Zermatt. The morning rides into the mountains can be crowded with skiers. Other than that, it's not too busy yet on the mountain tops and in the village. Ski runs may be open until mid- or even late April, depending on the snow conditions.

The valley itself may look a bit dull in early April. There's little chance the villages are still snow-covered, and it can be bit too early to see spring setting in. Nature usually becomes greener from mid-April.

May is great for a Zermatt visit, with spring on its way in the valley and snow on the peaks. It is low season though. Gornergrat is accessible year-round, but transport to Sunnegga-Rothorn and some of the routes to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise won't operate due to maintenance breaks.

June is when the summer season for mountains near Zermatt starts. You'll get to do most outdoor activities, but the higher hiking trails may not be accessible yet due to snow.

Zermatt in summer: July, August and mid-September

July and August are the warmest months in Zermatt, usually with the least amount of snow on the peaks. It's a popular season, so the village can be busy and even crowded.

Under normal circumstances, summer skiing should still be possible. But in warm summers, the options may be very limited. Instead, these are the perfect months for mountain biking and hiking.

Fall can start by mid-September. Temperatures will gradually drop and new snow can fall in the mountains. This process can start later too though, until well into October.

Zermatt in fall: October and November

I definitely recommend October to visit Zermatt. Most mountain transport operates until mid- or late October, and it's much less busy than in summer. You can make beautiful valley hikes, enjoying the autumn colors and the snowy peaks.

November is low season. Not all mountaintops are accessible. The valley can look somewhat grey and brown.

Christmas in Zermatt: December

Zermatt is a nice Christmas destination. You can enjoy dining and shopping in the illuminated main street. From mid-December, there’s a large Christmas tree that’s lit during a ceremony. Don’t expect a large Christmas market or holiday festivals.

The winter and ski season starts in December, so most cable cars and mountain trains will be running. Weather-dependent, the start of the ski season may be postponed.

Zermatt during winter: January to March

Zermatt is perfect for winter activities in late December, January, February, and March. Snowfall is likely in town, and almost guaranteed on the surrounding mountains.

How warm does it get in Zermatt?

Zermatt is one of the higher mountain villages of Switzerland. Temperatures are relatively low here: average daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 16°C in summer.

It can feel warmer if it's sunny and windless though, and heat waves with much higher temperatures aren't exceptional either.

How cold does it get in Zermatt?

During the day, you should count on temperatures between 0°C to 5°C in winter. Frost during winter nights, with temperatures between 0°C and -5°C, is very common.

Does it rain in Zermatt?

Rainfall can occur year-round in Zermatt. The wettest months are April to August, and November.

The amount and type of rainfall are unpredictable: weather in the Swiss Alps is changeable. Showers and sunny spells may alternate in Zermatt over the day, but longer rainy or sunny spells are no exception either.

Does it snow in Zermatt?

Due to Zermatt's high elevation, snow in town is very likely in the coldest months: December, January and February. It's no absolute guarantee though.

The high ski and snow areas around Zermatt are pretty snow-sure.

5-day weather forecast for Zermatt

Choosing between Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Sunnegga-Rothorn

There are 3 wonderful mountain excursions to be made from Zermatt: to Gornergrat, Sunnegga-Rothorn, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Not sure which one to choose? I'll help you out in my detailed comparison!

Summer activities in Zermatt

One of the mountain excursions should be on your list, to enjoy views of the Matterhorn and the other peaks.

Summer is also the perfect time for hiking. Some of my favorites are:

• the easy and scenic walk from Furi to Zermatt;
• the hike from Riffelalp to Sunnegga;
• the route from Rotenboden to Riffelalp.

There's an extensive network of mountain bike trails near Zermatt as well.

Winter activities in Zermatt

There are lots of pistes for experienced skiers and snowboarders. But you’ll also find easy slopes and special classes for children and beginners.

In addition, you can go winter hiking and snowshoe hiking, or have snow fun by sledding, curling, and tobogganing. Winter paragliding is available too.

The nearby towns of Täsch, Randa, St. Niklaus, and Grächen also have lots of pistes and winter activities. The ski area of Saas-Fee in the neighboring Saas Valley can be reached too, but a single trip takes about 2 hours.

Bad-weather activities

Zermatt is all about outdoor activities. In case of bad weather, here's what else you can consider:

• The Matterhorn Museum "Zermatlantis" in Zermatt.
• A city trip to Brig.
• A city trip to Sion.
• City trips to Bern, Thun, Montreux or Lausanne. These are all pretty far away for a day trip though.