Geneva to Zermatt by Train: All You Need To Know 2024 (2024)

ByReanna Dockrell

Are you planning a trip from Geneva to Zermatt by train? This journey is one of the most scenic train journeys in the whole of Europe and is well worth a trip purely for the journey. Here’s how to travel from Geneva to Zermatt by train.

Remember the saying “It’s not about the destination but the journey.” Well, this journey is the depiction of that saying.

Uncover the enchanting route that unfolds between the shores of Lake Geneva and the majestic peaks of Zermatt. All aboard the Geneva to Zermatt train where every turn reveals a new landscape of Switzerland’s captivating landscapes.

Read on for everything that you need to know to travel from Geneva to Zermatt by train.

Geneva to Zermatt by Train: All You Need To Know 2024 (1)

Table of Contents

What are the trains like between Geneva to Zermatt?

The trains in Switzerland are very comfortable and have plenty of legroom and luggage compartments. The trains running from Geneva to Zermatt offer some scenic views through the large windows as well. We recommend travelling through Switzerland via train to see the best views.

Is the Geneva to Zermatt train a scenic journey?

Yes! The journey is absolutely beautiful and one of the most stunning journeys in Europe. Be prepared to be glued to your window for the whole journey.

Travel along the shores of Lake Geneva around to Montreux (which, if you’re visiting at Christmas is worth a stop to see the Christmas market) until you enter into the Rhone Valley where you’ll be greeted with mountains on either side of the train until you reach the little town of Zermatt.

You can book your train from Geneva to Zermatt with the Trainline.

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Geneva to Zermatt by Train: All You Need To Know 2024 (3)

Is there a direct train from Geneva to Zermatt?

No, there are no direct trains between Geneva to Zermatt. The most common route to travel between the two spots is to hop on an SBB train and travel on the following trains:

1. Geneva station to Visp station
2. Visp station to get to Zermatt station

The travel time from Geneva to Zermatt is between 3 hours 37 minutes to 3 hours and 54 minutes.

How much is the train fare from Geneva to Zermatt?

The average Geneva to Zermatt train cost is £75. However, depending on the time and day that you travel you can find it slightly cheaper. If you book far enough in advance then you can pay as little as £50 each way. When we visited Geneva and Zermatt we paid £125 for a return trip.

How long does the train from Geneva to Zermatt take?

The average travel time is 3 hours and 45 minutes between the two Swiss spots if you’re travelling from Geneva to Zermatt by train.

Is there a direct route from Geneva Airport to Zermatt by train?

No, there is no direct route by train from Geneva Airport to Zermatt. You can take a train from Geneva Airport (GVA) to Zermatt via Visp. This requires one change at Visp.

To travel from Geneva airport to Zermatt you need to take the following route:

1. Take the train from Geneva airport to Visp
2. In Visp take the train to Zermatt

The travel time from Geneva airport to Zermatt takes between 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 4 minutes.

Do you need a seat reservation?

No, you do not need to reserve a seat on the train. However, you can reserve a seat if you want to.

Zermatt and Geneva are both wonderful spots to visit in Switzerland and make for an incredible long weekend away or longer!

Geneva to Zermatt by Train: All You Need To Know 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Geneva to Zermatt by Train: All You Need To Know 2024? ›

No, there is no direct route by train from Geneva Airport

Geneva Airport
Geneva Airport (French: Aéroport de Genève) (IATA: GVA, ICAO: LSGG), formerly and still unofficially known as Cointrin Airport (Aéroport de Cointrin), is an international airport of Geneva, the second most populous city in Switzerland. It is located 4 km (2.5 mi) northwest of the city centre.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Geneva_Airport
to Zermatt. You can take a train from Geneva Airport (GVA) to Zermatt via Visp. This requires one change at Visp. The travel time from Geneva airport to Zermatt takes between 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 4 minutes.

Is the train from Geneva to Zermatt scenic? ›

This north to south route through Switzerland tends to be eclipsed by other routes through the Alps, but the scenery is very pleasant for virtually the entire trip!

What is the best way to get from Geneva to Zermatt? ›

The best way to get from Geneva to Zermatt is to train which takes 3h 51m and costs $90 - $180. Alternatively, you can bus and line 381 bus, which costs $50 - $95 and takes 6h 5m.

How long is the train from Geneva to Zermatt? ›

The fastest trains from Geneva Airport to Zermatt take around 3 hours and 38 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 128 kilometres. On weekdays, the first train leaving Geneva Airport is scheduled to depart at around 05:18. The last departure is usually at around 00:36.

What is the most scenic part of the Glacier Express? ›

The Oberalp Pass is the highest point of the Glacier Express. At a height of 2,033m above sea level, you get possibly the most breathtaking view of the journey. If you're travelling in the winter months, expect the landscape to be topped with stunning snow. It's glorious in any season!

What is the most scenic train ride to Zermatt? ›

The Glacier Express - known as the 'Slowest Express Train in the World' (and arguably the most scenic) - connects the mountain resort towns of Matterhorn adjacent to Zermatt and St Moritz in the Swiss Alps.

Which side of the Glacier Express is best to sit on to Zermatt? ›

A: If you're traveling from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the right side of the train provides the most stunning views. Of course, if you're going in the opposite direction, the views flip. We estimate about 85% of the most picturesque sights are on the right side.

How much time do you need in Zermatt? ›

You should aim to spend at least 2-3 days/ 3-4 nights in Zermatt. This will give you enough time to explore the town of Zermatt itself. It is a lovely town that is car-free and filled with old-fashioned brown chalets and winding alleys.

How much is a train ticket from Zermatt to Geneva? ›

On average, there are about 28 trains per day travelling between the two cities. They leave approximately every 34 minutes. Prices for a single ticket between the two cities start from US$60.00.

Can I hop on hop off Glacier Express? ›

You can board the Glacier Express at either end. There are stops en route at Brig, Andermatt, Disentis, Chur, Tiefencastel, Filisur and Samedan, and you can hop off or on at any of them.

Can I take luggage on Glacier Express? ›

We also recommend that you do not bring more than 1 additional piece of baggage in addition to your hand luggage. Group travellers: SBB group baggage “Door to door” offer (for groups of 10 or more): For groups, we recommend the SBB Service, which is available for groups of 10 or more.

What is special about Glacier Express train? ›

The slowest express train in the world

Faster railway traction vehicles resulted in shorter travel times for the “slowest express train in the world”. Comfortable coaches and the addition of a dining car all the way to Andermatt further enhanced the attractiveness of the Glacier Express.

Is the train ride from Geneva to Zurich pretty? ›

A train ride is a great way to travel from Geneva to Zurich, providing a fantastic opportunity to admire the spectacular sceneries of Switzerland. The Geneva - Zurich railway route is very scenic and goes along dozens of picturesque lakes and scenic national parks.

How to do the Glacier Express from Geneva? ›

Is there a direct train between Geneva and Glacier Express? No, there is no direct train from Geneva to Glacier Express. However, there are services departing from Genève and arriving at Preda via Zürich Hb and Chur. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6h 51m.

Can you see the Matterhorn from Zermatt train station? ›

You will see the Matterhorn as soon as you arrive at Zermatt station. You can see it from different places around the village depending on what houses, hotels, flats etc are in the way or not, and how high up you go. Also, you need to be on the west side of the village to see the whole mountain.

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