Are you looking at how to travel from Zurich to Zermatt? There are many options to consider, but it depends on your needs and situation and what will be the best option for you. This post will clarify all possible routes, and I will pick the best one overall.

To start, Zurich and Zermatt are about 100 miles apart. Because they are close, it will only take you a maximum of 4 hours to get to Zermatt. Switzerland is a mountainous country and can be a snowy country, so do take precautions if you decide to drive.

It is known that trains are king in Switzerland, so this will usually be your first option when deciding. From Zurich, the train travels through the relatively flat northern part of Switzerland until about Bern. In Bern, the train turns south into the mountains passing Thun and Interlaken reaching Visp. From Visp, it’s a short ride until you reach the end of the line at Zermatt.

All train travel in Switzerland is comfortable and usually punctual. There are so many trains throughout the day, making this a convenient option. Have your camera ready as this route is gorgeous!

All train travel is done through the Swiss train line SBB. From the airport, you can take the train to Zurich Hauptbahnhof and then take a train to the city of Visp. From Visp, you then connect to a new train for Zermatt. You may need to connect in Bern before Visp as well.

Train tickets are expensive in Switzerland, and this trip will cost about $60 for a one-way ticket. However, compared to the other options below, taking the train is the cheapest one. It’s safe, relatively quick, comfortable, and as you’ll see pretty well priced.

SBB

There are two classes on the SBB, 1st and 2nd class. Tickets will be cheaper if you book in advance and more expensive if you need to book last minute. Always book through SBB and not through RailEurope.

Price: Range from $45 to $100 on average (can be higher if short notice)

The train is by far the best option to get to Zermatt. Trains are just so well established in Switzerland that not using them is just more difficult. On top of that, SBB train service has all your needs right on board. The fact that you also don’t need to lift a finger while enjoying the Swiss countryside makes this a natural choice.

1st Recommended

A list of things that will make your train travels better if you decide to go!

Renting a car would be my second choice as it takes about the same time compared to taking the train. Roads are also well maintained in Switzerland, and driving, in general, is safe even in winter. However, there is the liability that you will carry from driving a car, plus gas prices, tolls, and the fact that you’ll need to find and pay for parking everywhere you go. Also, cars are not allowed in Zermatt itself. You’ll need to park your car at Tasch, and here you’ll park a car and then take a train into Zermatt. From Zurich to Zermatt, the drive time is about 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

There are the usual prominent big-name rental car companies in Zurich. You can rent a car from Zurich International Airport or in downtown Zurich. You will, of course, need a credit card and a valid driver’s license.

From Zurich, you should head south on the A4 towards Lucern. From the A4, you’ll need to merge onto the A2 south, and you’ll be entering into the Alps. After A2, you’ll then get on Route 19 heading in Realp. From here, you’ll need to take a train that moves your car through the Furka-Basistunnel train. You will need to buy a ticket! Once in Obergoms, you then continue southwest until Talstrasse and then head south towards Zermatt. Note there are other routes, and all require a car tunnel to get through. There are also tolls throughout this route.

It’s safe to say that having a car is significantly more expensive than just taking the train. First off you’re going to have to rent the car which starts at around $45. You’re going to need to add on for the parking, tolls, tunnel, and gas, which are steep in Switzerland. Expect to pay at least a $100 one way for a trip to Zermatt.

Alamo

Enterprise

Hertz

Avis

Europcar

All the big rental names have rental cars in Zurich. I’m choosing the most prominent names for this list. Prices will vary a lot depending on car size and length of your car rental.

Price: About $45 – $100 per day on average (can be much higher if short notice)

Although driving is the second-best option and technically, it will get you to Zermatt in the same amount of time as a train; it’s going to cost you more than just taking a train. And from a logistical point taking a car seems like more of a hassle. Switzerland is a safe country to drive; however, you’re still driving in the mountains, and if it’s during the winter, it’s maybe more dangerous. Also, parking is an issue, and you technically can’t get into Zermatt instead of having to stop at Tasch. To me, this would not be my first option by a long shot, and I think you’re better off relaxing on the train.

2nd Recommended

A list of things that will make your car travels better!

It is possible to take a helicopter from Zurich to Zermatt! It is not something that most people will ever get to do though, as it’s costly. Air Zermatt is the only one I could find that offers service from Zurich to Zermatt with a travel time of about an hour. It’s gorgeous and well worth it if you can afford it.

On the Air Zermatt website, you can look up prices and get in contact with the company to make your arrangements. The weather may play a part in your travels as mountains are known for quickly changing weather.

The minimum starting price is around $6,150, and that’s in US dollars. So yes, extremely expensive and not an option for most people.

Air Zermatt

Price: Starts around $6,150 for one way

The helicopter is the quickest way to get from Zurich to Zermatt. However, that depends on if the weather is cooperating and if you can afford this option. I think it would be amazing to take a helicopter, but this is not for the average traveler, and I still recommend taking the train or the car.

3rd Recommended

A list of things that will make your flight travels better!

Getting from Zurich to Zermatt is relatively easy, given that Switzerland has such a great train network for a mountainous country. Your best bet is to book a train service with more than 25 plus trains per day going to Zermatt.

Feel free to check out my other ‘How to Travel’ posts below. I also write about ‘What to Wear in for Men.‘ Check back for more posts and feel free to check out my Twitter and Facebook.

Perhaps you’re interested in more about Switzerland.

Or you need to know how to get from Paris to Zurich.