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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?
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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).
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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.