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Geneva to Zermatt by Train: All You Need To Know To Travel

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.

Travelling from Geneva to Zermatt by train

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.

Travelling from a different city or haven’t made up your mind yet? Discover each of the ways that you can travel to Zermatt in our post here.

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 and Santa flying) 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 Geneva to Zermatt train with the Trainline. Prices average around £75 for a return journey train to Zermatt from Geneva. However, if you are travelling during peak season (the winter months) be aware that this price is usually higher and don’t forget to pack warm clothes as temperatures can drop very low.

Geneva, Switzerland city centre with the boats in front and the mountains behind it.
A train in Zermatt travelling through the snowy mountains

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.

You can find the train’s Geneva Zermatt schedule here.

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 is the train from Geneva to Zermatt?

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. Worry you’ll get bored? Don’t worry the journey (especially the second half is absolutely spectacular and you’ll wish that it lasted even longer!) If you’re wondering how long to spend in Zermatt once you have arrived, we’ve got you covered in this post.

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!

Is Zermatt free with a Swiss pass?

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass covers travel between Zermatt and Geneva, as both destinations are on the Swiss rail network. Here’s what you need to know:

Zermatt to Geneva by Train – The entire journey from Zermatt to Geneva via the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is fully included in the Swiss Travel Pass. You can take the train from Zermatt to Visp and then connect to Geneva, at no additional cost (other than purchasing your pass).

While this route is not part of the premium scenic trains such as the Glacier Express, it still offers stunning Alpine landscapes, especially on the Zermatt to Visp segment – we were glued to the windows! However, if you do wish to take the Glacier Express then this is also included in your Swiss travel pass, you just have to take a different route. Head to the next section to find out your route from Geneva to Zermatt.

In Geneva, the Swiss Travel Pass also gives you free access to public transport within the city, including buses, trams, and boats. However, The Swiss Travel Pass does not fully cover most mountain railways and cable cars within Zermatt or any other Swiss towns, such as the Gornergrat Railway or Klein Matterhorn cable car. However, pass holders often receive a discount on these services and all of the other incredible things to see and do in Zermatt.

Can I take the Glacier Express from Geneva to Zermatt?

Yes, you can take the Glacier Express to Zermatt from Geneva, but the journey requires some planning as the Glacier Express does not directly connect Geneva and Zermatt. Here’s how it works:

Travel from Geneva to Chur or St. Moritz:
To board the Glacier Express, you’ll need to travel from Geneva to Chur (or St. Moritz, depending on your starting point for the Glacier Express). This part of the journey can be done on the Swiss Travel Pass, using regular trains via the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).

Ride the Glacier Express:
The Glacier Express runs between Chur/St. Moritz and Zermatt, and offers one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Whilst we didn’t ride it, it’s certainly high on our bucket lists and we have heard incredible things about the journey! The Swiss Travel Pass covers the basic fare for this route, but you’ll need to pay an additional seat reservation fee to secure your spot on the Glacier Express.

Key Details:

The Glacier Express is a full-day journey, so ensure your connections from Geneva align with the train’s schedule. While the Swiss Travel Pass covers the standard fare for this scenic route, seat reservations are mandatory and typically cost CHF 39–CHF 49, depending on the season.


Reanna Dockrell is a worldwide traveller from Dorset, UK, having visited almost 90 countries to date. From a young age, she’s had a passion for exploring lesser-known spots and getting out into nature. Reanna is on a mission to showcase how beautiful the world is through her content and to prove that travelling doesn’t have to be 'stressful' or 'scary'. She also works as a freelance Social Media Manager and Copywriter, combining her love of exploring with creating captivating content.