Trains from Zurich Airport to Zermatt
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Taking the train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt
If you want to travel from Zurich Airport to Zermatt by train, you've come to the right place!
You can expect the journey from Zurich Airport to Zermatt by train to take around 3 hours and 59 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 3 hours and 26 minutes on the fastest services.
You'll usually find around 45 trains per day running on this route, which spans 106 miles. You'll have to make 1 change along the way on your journey to Zermatt. SBB trains are the main train operators on this route, so you're likely to travel with them for all or at least part of your journey to Zermatt.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Zurich Airport to Zermatt if you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for more information on:
- Classes on SBB Intercity and Eurocity trains
- Services on board SBB Intercity and Eurocity trains
- Taking the train from Zurich Airport
- Changing your train in Visp
- Arriving at Zermatt station
- Using public transport in Zermatt
- Things to do in Zermatt and Switzerland
- Exploring Europe with a Eurail Pass
- Where to travel next after visiting Zermatt.
Zurich Airport to Zermatt by train
| First train | 05:38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:45 | |
| Departure station | Zurich Airport | |
| Arrival station | Zermatt | |
| Journey time | From 3h 26m | |
| Distance | 106 miles (170 km) | |
| Frequency | 45 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
SBB trains from Zurich Airport to Zermatt
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
More information
Intercity and Eurocity classes from Zurich Airport to Zermatt
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Eurocity when traveling from Zurich Airport to Zermatt.
Intercity
Eurocity
Economy Class
Take advantage of the dining car which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Traveling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
First Class
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual power outlets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Economy Class
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power outlets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, in-seat dining and plenty of space for your baggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
Onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zurich Airport to Zermatt.
Intercity
Eurocity
You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are power outlets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family car.
You can take your bicycle on board SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.
You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are power outlets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet on board.
You can take your bike on board SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when traveling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on board, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.
There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.
Cheap train tickets from Zurich Airport to Zermatt
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Zurich Airport to Zermatt by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Taking the train from Zurich Airport
Landing at Zurich Airport and not sure how to get to Zermatt by train? Keep reading for more information.
Zurich Airport, also known as Flughafen Zürich in German, is the largest airport in Switzerland. Thanks to the Swiss extensive public transport network, the airport has great connections with the city center, as well as other Swiss cities.
To reach the train station at Zurich Airport, turn left after leaving Customs, then follow the ‘Bahn’ (train) sign and take the escalators down to the station level. Then, make your way down another set of escalators to get to the platform where your SBB Intercity train is departing from.
Departure boards are available throughout the station so you can check when your train is arriving.
Changing your train in Visp
As there’s no direct train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt, you’ll need to make at least 1 change, usually in Visp.
After traveling from Zurich Airport to Visp for about 2 hours, you’ll need to get off your SBB Intercity train at Visp train station and change onto an SBB regional train. Get ready for a scenic ride, with rugged mountainsides and waterfalls before reaching Zermatt.
The train journey from Visp to Zermatt takes around 1 hour.
Arriving at Zermatt station
Once you arrive at Zermatt station, you’ll find yourself near the Bahnofplatz, the neighboring square that offers plenty of facilities, including:
- Zermatt Tourism’s guest information center
- Restaurants
- Baggage deposit
- Lockers
- Toilets
- Baby-changing facilities
- Electric taxis
- Guest transfer services offered by different hotels
Hotel information panel with free telephone.
Using public transport in Zermatt
Zermatt is a popular ski resort in Switzerland, known for its stunning views of the Matterhorn – yes, it’s the mountain featured on the Toblerone chocolate packaging ! If you need to get from Zermatt train station to your ski resort, you can follow one of these steps, depending on where your ski resort is:
- Walk or take a taxi: Zermatt is a car-free village, so once you arrive at the train station, you can either walk or take an electric taxi to your accommodation or ski resort.
- Use the Gornergrat Railway: If you plan to ski in the Gornergrat area, you can take the Gornergrat Railway, which departs from Zermatt station. This train ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Matterhorn.
- Cable cars and funiculars: Zermatt has various cable cars and funiculars that connect the village with different ski areas. Depending on your destination, you might need to take one or more of these transport options.
- Ski bus: Zermatt operates a ski bus system that connects the village with various ski areas. Check the local schedule to find the bus that best suits your needs.
Things to do in Zermatt and Switzerland
Looking for inspiration for things to do in Zermatt? Or thinking of exploring more of Switzerland by train? Check out some of our top guides and start planning your next Swiss trip today.
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Zermatt, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead. For more information, read our dedicated Eurail Pass article.
Where should you travel next after Zermatt?
Sure, you might have had a good time in Zermatt, but your Swiss adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not check out some of these trips below?
Head from Zermatt to Interlaken
It can take a little over 2 hours to get from Zermatt to Interlaken on the fastest SBB train services. Get ready for some breathtaking views of the surrounding Swiss Alps and outdoor activities in this popular tourist destination.
Plan a trip to Zurich
If you want to explore another Swiss city, take the train from Zermatt to Zurich – you’ll reach your destination in a little over 3 hours. Stroll down the Old Town and take in the beauty of its medieval buildings, or indulge in some delicious Swiss chocolate.
Take the train to Lucerne
Lucerne is another great Swiss city we recommend visiting. It takes 3 hours and 24 minutes to get from Zermatt to Lucerne by train. Once there, you’ll be ready to enjoy the city’s picturesque setting and medieval architecture right away.
FAQs for Zurich Airport to Zermatt
Want to know more about your journey from Zurich Airport to Zermatt? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt take?
The average journey time by train between Zurich Airport and Zermatt is 3 hours and 59 minutes, with around 45 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Zurich Airport and Zermatt by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt is 3 hours and 26 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt?
No, there are no direct train services from Zurich Airport to Zermatt. Travelling from Zurich Airport to Zermatt by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt leave?
The first train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt leaves at 05:38. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt leave?
The last train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt leaves at 23:45. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Zurich Airport and Zermatt by train?
Trains travelling from Zurich Airport to Zermatt cover a distance of around 106 miles (170 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Zermatt to Zurich Airport.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.