The otherworldly mountain scenes of Switzerland excite and mesmerize. Historic perspective and outdoor adventure meet with breathtaking trains in this Telly Award winning series.
Take a cog train to the top of Europe’s highest open railway station to arrive at awe-inspiring panoramic Alpine views including the iconic Matterhorn.
Whether you choose to fly directly to Zurich or connect via airport, the 12 hour train trip to Zermatt is easy and enjoyable.
Train Travel
A journey from Zurich to Zermatt by train is one of the most picturesque ways to travel through Switzerland. The train ride takes you from the bustle of Zurich to the car-free village of Zermatt, where you can explore the charming Alpine town with ease.
Zermatt is a world-famous skiing destination, but the village itself has plenty to offer year-round. It’s home to numerous restaurants and bars, the renowned Matterhorn Museum, and several scenic hikes. It also has a funicular railway that lifts you up to the summit of Gornergrat for sweeping views over the snow-capped mountains.
Many travelers choose to take a direct train from Zurich to Zermatt for convenience, but there are also connecting services available. These trains may make fewer stops along the way and offer better deals than direct services, so it’s worth exploring the options before booking.
You can use Omio to easily compare Zermatt to Zurich train prices and schedules, and book tickets in just a few clicks. Omio’s platform allows you to filter your search by service type, price, and departure time. You can also select whether you want to include a connection in your trip and choose between a standard or first class ticket.
First-class tickets include more amenities than standard, including a dedicated dining car and more space for luggage. You can also take advantage of onboard services such as free WiFi and individual power outlets. If you have kids with you, they’ll enjoy the designated Family Zone with a dedicated play area.
A Zermatt to Zurich train trip will usually last about 4 to 5 hours depending on the route you take. The exact number of journeys a day can vary from day to day, and some services are only available on specific days of the week. You can also opt to extend your trip and add other destinations like Bern or Geneva to your itinerary using Omio’s simple interface. With just a few clicks, you can find the best possible journey for your trip to fairytale Switzerland.
Day Trips
For travelers who want to get to Zermatt without the need to drive, booking onto a day trip from Zurich is an excellent option. In a full 12 hour experience, your tour will travel by train from Zurich to Interlaken and onwards to Zermatt and Gornergrat, where you’ll take one of the most scenic trains in Switzerland to ogle at stunning Alpine views. An expert guide will be on hand to liven up the experience.
From Zermatt, you can explore a literal Glacier Paradise and dine in restaurants that boast astounding mountain vistas. Alternatively, you can opt for a more adventurous experience by taking the Gornergrat railway to see the Matterhorn, an iconic peak that you’ll feel as though you can touch.
Another option is to visit Alpstein, an area of rolling green hills and rugged peaks, on hikes where you’ll encounter charming Alpine huts and grazing cows. The trails here offer an incredible range of scenic vantage points, and you can also enjoy the scenery from cable cars.
You can even fly above the mountains on a helicopter flight. This is an exhilarating way to appreciate the beauty of the Swiss Alps and is often offered as an add-on to other experiences. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need good weather conditions for this option and it may be more expensive than taking the train and gondola up Gornergrat.
Accommodations
Whether you’re staying in a traditional hotel, an elegant chalet or a modern boutique property, each accommodation on our Switzerland tour packages is carefully chosen. You’ll find the perfect balance between comfort and convenience.
You’ll discover the natural beauty of Switzerland by train. Start in cosmopolitan Zurich, explore the scenery of Lucerne, board the GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Interlaken to Montreux and then catch the Glacier Express railway to luxurious St. Moritz. Then, live the “Dolce Vita” in Italy as you navigate the waterways of Venice and soak up the cultural treasure of Florence and Rome. Our escorted rail vacations are accompanied by expert Tauck guides.
Real Rail Adventures takes you aboard the world’s most legendary Alpine railways to explore breathtaking vistas, engineering marvels and centuries-old culture. Stunning scenic grandeur, historic perspective and Jeff Wilson’s concise travel advice seamlessly merge in this award-winning and Emmy nominated series.
Our escorted rail journeys include accommodations in Charm and Superior Category hotels, as well as free transport on the Oberengadiner mountain railways during your stay. Our hotels are located in the heart of each city and region that you visit. The rooms are well appointed with modern amenities and comfortable beds, and many offer balconies or terraces for you to relax outdoors with your morning coffee or evening glass of wine.
During the daytime, casual, comfortable cotton clothing is recommended, and light layers are important for cooler weather or higher elevations. If you will be taking an optional mountain excursion, it is recommended that you bring sturdy hiking shoes that have been broken in prior to the trip.
On our 2-week Swiss Alpine Dream rail package, you’ll travel on some of the world’s most incredible panoramic trains, marveling at the spectacular landscape that unfolds around you. From cosmopolitan Zurich to historic Lucerne and the Swiss lakes, you’ll experience the cultural differences that make Switzerland so unique. In addition, you’ll be able to embark on a mountain excursion on Mount Rigi and take the Bernina Express railway to Zermatt. A once-in-a-lifetime journey!
Activities
Travel through Switzerland by train and explore quaint Alpine towns on this epic rail adventure. Learn about alpine rescue missions at Air Zermatt; discover local traditions at the renowned Museum der Kulturen in Zurich; and ascend to glacial paradise on a mountain railway excursion. You’ll also experience transit on beloved scenic railways, including the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express.
The itinerary begins with a guided stroll through Zürich’s historic center, where you uncover the city’s concealed alleyways and charming squares. Then, enjoy lunch at the Kunsthaus Art Museum and gain insightful knowledge about the exhibitions from an expert guide. Next, meander through the lush gardens and lakeside vistas of Zurich, taking in the enchanting China Garden and Botanical Gardens. During your time in the Swiss capital, you will also visit the illustrious Belvoirpark.
Next, you will board a morning departure on the famous Glacier Express to Zermatt, traveling over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels along the way. During the 7-hour visual feast, you’ll be awed by the unspoiled mountain forests, rugged peaks, and idyllic Alpine pastures of Switzerland.
Throughout your journey, you will enjoy an onboard service from your personal train concierge, who is available to provide you with culinary delights, answer questions, and share interesting anecdotes about the Alps and its culture. In addition, you will have the option to upgrade to First Class on select segments of your journey.
Your rail tour will culminate in the car-free village of Zermatt, whose mighty Matterhorn pierces the sky at its summit. Then, explore the town at your own pace and take part in a variety of optional excursions, such as an exploration of Aletsch Arena punctuated by sweeping glacier and mountain views or a guided introduction to yodeling high on a rocky summit.
This trip has an activity rating of moderate; travelers should be in good health and comfortable with walking and standing for extended periods of time. Hikes will include steep ascents and descents on uneven terrain with stairs without handrails, and some excursions to a glacial paradise involve climbing up onto a rocky mountaintop.
