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Travelling by train from Geneva to Zermatt with SBB
Want to travel from Geneva to Zermatt by train? Start your journey with us!
The average journey time by train between Geneva and Zermatt is 4 hours and 5 minutes, with around 32 trains per day. However, you can get there in as little as 3 hours and 31 minutes on the fastest services operated by SBB.
As direct trains are not available on this route, you’ll need to change at least once along the way. Fancy travelling in style? Upgrade to SBB First Class and enjoy plenty of amenities on board, including at-seat catering service, business and quiet zones, and free WiFi.
The train journey from Geneva to Zermatt journey scales the coast of Lake Geneva, shuttling through Lausanne past the mountain peaks and down to Zermatt. It’s the perfect way to take in all the scenery, plus you’ll get from one city centre to another without having to worry about traffic nor parking.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for train tickets from Geneva to Zermatt and we’ll show you how much you can save if you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
SBB trains from Geneva 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 Geneva to Zermatt
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Eurocity when travelling from Geneva to Zermatt.
Intercity
Eurocity
Economy
Take advantage of the restaurant carriage which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Travelling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- 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 plug sockets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Economy
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power sockets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, at-seat dining and plenty of space for your luggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
Onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Geneva to Zermatt.
Intercity
Eurocity
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage 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 plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family carriage.
You can take your bicycle onboard 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 luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage 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 plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard.
You can take your bike onboard 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 travelling 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 onboard, 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 Geneva 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 Geneva 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.
Travel around Switzerland by train with SBB
From lakes and mountains to some delicious fondue and chocolate (yes, even in the warmer months!), Switzerland has it all! Take a look at some of our inspirational guides below and travel around Switzerland with SBB trains.
Go skiing from Geneva to Zermatt by train
Forget about traffic and the hassle of snow tires, jump on a train instead and make the most of your ski holiday.
In the shadow of the Matterhorn in the Saas Valley, Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s most popular ski resorts. Open all year, this car-free village offers up to 360km of ski runs at the height of the season, including 36km of black runs.
As only electric vehicles are allowed in the village, the best way to get to Zermatt is definitely by train. From Geneva, you can take one of SBB’s InterRegio (IR) trains and then change at least once – usually in Visp.
Take the 3S cable car from Zermatt
Once you get off your train in Zermatt, make sure you take the 3S cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at the top of the Matterhorn for some breath-taking views.
The 3S cable car is one of the most spectacular cable cars in the world. One factor is its height alone: the top station is at 12,536 feet and is the highest in Europe! Visit the Ice Palace, a series of caves that are 15 metres below the surface.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Geneva 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 Geneva to Zermatt take?
The average journey time by train between Geneva and Zermatt is 19 hours and 11 minutes, with around 5 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 Geneva and Zermatt by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Geneva to Zermatt is 17 hours and 6 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Geneva to Zermatt?
No, there are no direct train services from Geneva to Zermatt. Travelling from Geneva to Zermatt by train will require a minimum of 5 changes.
What time does the first train from Geneva to Zermatt leave?
The first train from Geneva to Zermatt leaves at 17:08. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Geneva to Zermatt leave?
The last train from Geneva to Zermatt leaves at 22:38. 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 Geneva and Zermatt by train?
Trains travelling from Geneva to Zermatt cover a distance of around 78 miles (125 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Zermatt to Geneva.