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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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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 | 5:38 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:45 pm | |
| Departure station | Zurich Airport | |
| Arrival station | Zermatt | |
| Journey time | From 3h 29m | |
| Distance | 106 miles (170 km) | |
| Frequency | 45 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from 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.
What's the distance between Zurich Airport and Zermatt by train?
Who runs the trains from Zurich Airport to Zermatt?
Can you travel from Zurich Airport to Zermatt without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Zermatt from Zurich Airport?
What time is the first train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt?
What time is the last train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt?
How often do trains go from Zurich Airport to Zermatt?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Zurich Airport to Zermatt?
Is there a return trip from Zurich Airport to Zermatt?
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
What Intercity classes are there from Zurich Airport to Zermatt?
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity when traveling from Zurich Airport to Zermatt.
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
What are the onboard services on Intercity?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zurich Airport to Zermatt.
What baggage limits are there? | You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | 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. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are power outlets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | 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. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | 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. |
Can I bring pets on board? | 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. |
What special assistance is available? | SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet. |
What else do I need to know? | There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Zurich Airport to Zermatt?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals
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.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.