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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!
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Geneva to Zermatt?
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.
What's the distance between Geneva and Zermatt by train?
Who runs the trains from Geneva to Zermatt?
Can you travel from Geneva to Zermatt without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Zermatt from Geneva?
What time is the first train from Geneva to Zermatt?
What time is the last train from Geneva to Zermatt?
How often do trains go from Geneva to Zermatt?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Geneva to Zermatt?
Is there a return trip from Geneva to Zermatt?
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
What Intercity and Eurocity classes are there 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
What are the onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Geneva to Zermatt.
Intercity
Eurocity
What luggage limits are there? | You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | 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. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are plug sockets 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 pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family carriage. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | 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. |
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. |
What luggage limits are there? | You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | 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. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | 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. |
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? | There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet onboard, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility. |
What else do I need to know? | There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Geneva 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 discounts
6. Take a night train
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, 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.