Switzerland itself lies at the very heart of Europe. This page contains information for visitors arriving in Switzerland by
air, a map of Switzerland, and specific information for getting to
Zermatt by rail and by road.
To
Switzerland by Air
|
International flights into Switzerland normally arrive at either
Geneva
or Zürich
airports - with Geneva being slightly closer to Zermatt.
Both airports are
superbly organised and fully integrated into the Swiss rail
network. Arriving at either airport, one can simply check
luggage and skis directly through to Zermatt, and board a train
(under the airport terminal) within the hour... |
A Swiss jet over the Alps.
Tip - Because
Zermatt is car-free, arriving by train is often very convenient
for international visitors. |
Then just relax and watch the
world go by, riding through Switzerland's sparkling landscape in the
cosy comfort of a swift train...
Basel, Bern (and now Sion)
airports also service some intra-European flights. Milan in Italy is
also relatively convenient to Zermatt (4 hrs).
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]
^ For a larger version of this Swiss map,
please click here.
To
Zermatt by Rail
|
The Swiss Rail network is world famous for its efficiency and is
an extremely popular and convenient way to travel within Switzerland.
Trains are clean, fast, reliable and frequent. The journey to
Zermatt is also beautiful and memorable in itself. |
 |
Hourly rail connections run to
Zermatt from all major gateways, including directly from Geneva and
Zürich airports. From either direction, one straight forward change of
trains at Brig or Visp is normally required. At Brig (or Visp) one
changes to the romantic little BVZ (Brig-Visp-Zermatt) cog-wheel train
for the 80 minute journey up the valley.
Train
travel time to Zermatt is
4 hours from Geneva, 5 from Zürich.
Visit
the Swiss Rail
online
train timetable, where you can easily create a customised train
timetable to Zermatt - from any point in Switzerland, or elsewhere in
Europe.
To
Zermatt by Road
Getting to Switzerland by road is simple, since there are fast,
well-maintained motorways through all surrounding countries. Within
Switzerland roads are well-maintained, well sign posted and generally
uncongested.
Zermatt is in southern Switzerland, at the end of the remote and
beautiful Zermatt/Visp valley. Motorists can drive as far as Täsch. The
last 7 kilometres must be travelled by train (sFr 7.40 per person one
way) or by taxi (sFr 8.- per person one way, minimum charge sFr 30.-).
The advantage of travelling by taxi is that you can unload your luggage
directly from your car into the taxi. We recommend Taxi Alphubel. In
winter it is necessary to reserve your parking space well in advance:
call. ++41 -(0)27 - 967 15 50 (5.- per day outside, 10.- per day under
cover). Some free parking places
are available in Visp for motorists wishing to continue by rail.
Driving
time to Zermatt is
3 ½ hours from Geneva, 4 ½ from Zürich,
4 hours from Milan in Italy.
Walk-up car
rental in Switzerland is expensive. You can save up to half
by reserving online in advance. You can make a start and book
online here.
N.b. A motorway permit is
required for Swiss motorways ( rental cars hired in Switzerland will
have them). If you get stopped on a Motorway without one, you'll have to
buy one on the spot, plus pay a fine. The 'vignette' costs only sFr.30;
the fine is sFr.100.)
Once
in Zermatt
Most guests arrive at the railway station in Zermatt. If you have booked
a hotel in advance, normally they will provide a free little electric
taxi or horse-drawn sleigh to your accommodation. Please
confirm the arrangement when you make your reservation.
If you arrive without any reservation whatsoever and wish to stay, there
is a free phone service at the end of the platforms which can help you
to find hotel vacancies. Remember however that Zermatt is a very
popular place - to arrive in high season
without a reservation is to risk disappointment, and perhaps to face the
prospect of having to return to Visp or Brig.
For casual visitors electric taxis and sleighs are always available,
although most places in the village are no more than a ten minute walk
from the station. Zermatt is sufficiently small that street names are
rarely used, except for the 'Bahnhofstrasse' - the main street. [
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Switzerland
- Facts for the Traveller
Visas: Citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland,
New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and the USA (and many other countries)
do not require visas for visits of up to three months.
Currency: Swiss Francs (sFr. or CHF)
