Zurich to Zermatt train with SBB

How to Travel from Zurich to Zermatt by Train

Introduction

Planning a trip from the Swiss city of Zurich to the car-free town of Zermatt? There’s no better way than Switzerland’s iconic Alpine train experience, and the Swiss rail system makes it smooth, scenic, and unforgettable.

In February, I finally checked off something I’d been meaning to do for years: see the legendary Matterhorn with my own eyes — and a camera, of course. I didn’t plan to stay overnight in Zermatt—I just wanted to experience the mountain, the scenery, and the unique vibe of the car-free village, then return to Zurich the same day.

Taking the Zurich to Zermatt train made it all possible. It was efficient and surprisingly easy to do as a day trip. I booked my train ticket on Omio and had my mobile ticket ready before even leaving my hotel.

If you're heading to Zermatt for hiking, Alpine scenery, or just to see the Matterhorn, here’s everything you need to know, plus some helpful tips to make your ride even better.

Route Overview

The Zurich to Zermatt train route is one of the most scenic rail journeys in Switzerland. You’ll travel approximately 235 kilometers (146 miles) through lakes, alpine valleys, and snow-covered peaks.

The journey takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes each way, with one connection—usually in Visp (sometimes in Bern). This isn’t a single train but rather a perfectly timed combination of two services:

Zurich HB to Visp – A comfortable InterCity (IC) or EuroCity (EC) train operated by SBB. Visp to Zermatt – A narrow-gauge mountain train operated by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB).

Transportation Experience

On my recent journey, I took a comfortable IC train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Visp, where I transferred to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) for the final leg. I booked all tickets via Omio — it’s user-friendly and reliable. From Zurich’s city center to the Matterhorn-viewing terraces, everything ran smoothly — clean trains, punctual service, and incredible scenery.

Route Details

Arrival Station: Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB)

Zurich HB is Switzerland’s largest and busiest train station. It’s extremely well-organized with:

• Multiple underground levels (trains to Visp usually depart from platforms 6 to 18—check signs!)
• Digital boards and frequent platform updates
• A massive SBB travel center, luggage lockers, Coop supermarket, cafés, and restrooms
• Free Wi-Fi (you’ll need to register your phone)

I recommend arriving 15–20 minutes early, especially to find the correct escalator or lift down to your platform. Look for red InterCity trains.

Departure Station: Visp Station

Visp is a small, clean, easy-to-navigate transit station. When you exit your IC train, simply walk across to the adjacent Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn platform—usually Platform 3 or 4. You’ll have about 6–15 minutes to transfer. All signage is clear, and the Zermatt train is unmistakable: smaller, red, and built for the mountains.

Zermatt Station

Zermatt’s Station sits at the end of the Gornergrat Valley. It’s tiny, charming, and car-free. You'll find:

• Ticket counters for the Gornergrat Railway
• A Coop grocery store and souvenir shops
• Lockers and toilets
• Horse-drawn sleighs, electric taxis, and hotel shuttles outside From here, you can walk to the Matterhorn viewpoint, take the Gornergratbahn cogwheel train, or simply explore the snowy village.

Schedule & Frequency

There are multiple departures every hour starting early in the morning (from around 6:00 a.m.), making it easy to go and return on the same day. I took the 07:02 train and was walking in snowy Zermatt by 10:20 a.m.

• InterCity trains run hourly between Zurich and Visp/Bern.
• From Visp, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn departs every 30 minutes to Zermatt.

Onboard Experience and Services

The first part of the trip, from Zurich to Visp, is on an SBB InterCity (IC) or EuroCity (EC) train. These modern and comfortable trains are often double-deckers. I chose the upper deck in Second Class for better views, and it didn’t disappoint.

There are power outlets at most seats, generous luggage racks at the end of each wagon, and clean toilets. On longer IC routes, there’s either a restaurant wagon or a trolley service offering drinks, such as coffee, tea, and water, as well as snacks, like croissants and chips. If you prefer more quiet, First Class coaches offer extra legroom and usually fewer passengers.

The second part—from Visp to Zermatt—is where the real Alpine charm begins. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn uses narrow-gauge, regional mountain trains designed to navigate steep inclines and tight curves. These smaller trains have large panoramic windows and operate on a cogwheel-assisted route. The wagons are usually two to four cars long with open seating, meaning you can sit where you like (unless you’ve booked a reserved seat on a premium service).

There's no café, but the heating is good, and the windows are ideal for photography. I recommend sitting on the right-hand side when going up to Zermatt to enjoy the best valley views.

Mainline (IC / RE)

• Reserved seating with quiet cars
• Power outlets and clean toilets
• Reliable ticket inspection onboard
• Small café or trolley service on long IC trains

Mountain Train (MGB)

• Scenic panoramic carriages—perfect windows for Matterhorn views
• Narrow-gauge route with tunnels and alpine switchbacks
• Luggage space near doors; no onboard catering

Ticketing Advice and Budget Breakdown

I booked my entire Zurich to Zermatt train journey via Omio, which I highly recommend. A standard one-way ticket costs around €75–€90 in Second Class. With the Swiss Half Fare Card, that drops to around 50 euros. You can also check for Saver Day Passes, starting from 55 euros. They sell out quickly, so book early if you can.

No seat reservation is required on either train, though you can optionally reserve seats in First Class or during peak tourist periods. Digital tickets on your phone are scanned onboard, so no physical printout is needed.

If you’re planning other train journeys during your Switzerland trip, consider the Swiss Travel Pass, which includes unlimited rail travel (and boats, buses, etc.) for a fixed daily rate.

Top Tips and Personal Recommendations

• Book early morning for clearer skies on arrival in Zermatt, which is ideal for photos.
• Keep your phone charged—viewing the Matterhorn is best as you approach the station.
• Pack layers—Zermatt can be much cooler, even in summer.
• Use the 1-minute transfer in Visp or take a slower option with a longer wait—same fare, different pace.
• Choose a window seat on the right-hand side after Visp to capture full mountain views.

Conclusion

Taking the train from Zurich to Zermatt is an unforgettable journey through serene valleys, alpine tunnels, and spectacular mountain vistas. Comfortable, reliable, and remarkably efficient, this scenic rail route showcases some of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes. From train station to summit, it’s the kind of trip that proves the journey can be just as memorable as the destination.

About the Author: Maria Kofou

• Job Title: Travel Journalist

• Bio: Travel journalist based in Athens, rail enthusiast, and travel content creator. She has written for major travel outlets and leads curated group trips for solo women. When she's not riding high-speed trains or scenic routes, she’s podcasting, storytelling, or planning her next rail adventure.