Where to stop between Zurich and Zermatt?

Bern, Thun or Spiez would be good options for a stop-over, and are on the direct route from Zurich Airport to Zermatt. Alternatively, you could spend the first night in Luzern (1 hr 10 mins from Zurich Airport). From Luzern it's 3 hrs 14 minutes (or more, depending on route and train) to Zermatt.



The most rewarding stop on the train journey from Zurich to Zermatt in 2026 is undoubtedly Bern, the capital of Switzerland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is directly on the main rail line. You can easily store your luggage in station lockers and spend 3–4 hours walking through the medieval Old Town, visiting the Bear Park, or seeing the Zytglogge (Clock Tower). Another excellent option is Thun, which offers stunning lakeside views and a historic castle without the massive crowds of Interlaken. If you prefer a mountain-gateway vibe, Visp is the final transfer point where you board the narrow-gauge Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn; while primarily a transit hub, it has a charming small-town center perfect for a quick Swiss lunch. Stopping in Bern or Thun adds a rich layer of cultural history to your trip before you head into the high-altitude wilderness of Zermatt.

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One of the world's most scenic train journeys; the whole route is UNESCO ... The Glacier Express is a Swiss train with large panoramic windows that runs between Zermatt and St Moritz.

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If you are travelling to Zermatt by train: fly to Zurich or Geneva and take the train to Visp, where you change to the mountain train direct to Zermatt. The whole journey is very scenic, going alongside lakes, vineyards and mountains with typically Swiss efficiency.

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The one we recommend is a full 12 hour trip that takes in Zermatt, the Matterhorn and Gornergrat. During the day you'll travel by train from Zurich, accompanied by an expert guide, and even take a trip to the top of Gornergrat for those panoramic Alpine views.

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The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise can be reached from Zermatt in a journey time of around 40 minutes, including changes. Here you can find the return ticket to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. At an airy 3'883 metres of altitude you will find Europe's highest mountain station.

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I would recommend Zermatt - if you like mountains and hiking and quiet, Lucerne if you like cities and nightlife. Lucerne is a city, you will find the same kinds of things in Lucerne that you will find in Geneva - Lucerne does have Mt. Pilatus, you can take a great round trip tour, boat, cog rail, tram, gondola, bus...

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Zermatt – the Mountain Village of Records Zermatt lies at the foot of the highest mountains in the entire Alpine mountain range. With the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, Monte Rosa. A single visit to the Matterhorn village is not enough to experience all of the attractions and records. An excursion to Gornergrat is a must.

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From there, you can take a train to Zermatt, which is three and a half hours from Geneva and four and a half hours from Zurich by road.

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No, there are no direct train services from Zurich Hb to Zermatt. Travelling from Zurich Hb to Zermatt by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

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They can take you from Zurich to Lucerne, Interlaken to Zermatt, Geneva to Bern, and many more popular train routes are covered as well.

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Good to Know about Transfers to Zermatt TRASERBAS offers the private transfer from Zurich airport (city) to Täsch (Zermatt) at a highly affordable rate Chf 580 per car and max 7 people.

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As Zermatt is a mostly pedestrianised town, you can walk pretty much anywhere from your accomodation. There are several gondola and mountain railway stations, so make sure that you know which one you need for the hiking route you choose.

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The best time to visit Zermatt is during summers, between June and September. The temperature ranges from 12 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. September is generally excellent for hiking and biking, with daytime highs averaging 15 degrees Celsius.

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Zermatt is known throughout the world for its skiing, especially Triftji for its moguls. The high altitude results in consistent skiing continuously throughout the summer. Skiing in Zermatt is split up into four areas: Sunnegga, Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee.

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