Zermatt is car-free, so the train to Zermatt is the easiest way to reach the village and the Matterhorn. Search the live SBB timetable below for your connection – then plan your flight: our paragliding base is at Bahnhofplatz 7, a one-minute walk from Zermatt train station.
Arriving by train? Fly over the Matterhorn the same day
Step off the train, walk one minute to our office and take off with a professional pilot. Tandem paragliding flights in Zermatt from CHF 190, rated 5.0 from 1,400+ reviews. No experience needed.
How to get to Zermatt by train
Every rail route to Zermatt goes through Visp (some connections use Brig). From Visp, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn climbs up the valley to Zermatt in about 1 hour, with trains roughly every 20–30 minutes from early morning until late evening. Most journeys from Swiss cities need just one change, in Visp.
When you arrive, choose the station called “Zermatt” (the main Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn station). “Zermatt GGB” is the Gornergrat Railway station across the square. FLYBYPARA is right next to the main station.
Train travel times to Zermatt
| From | Approx. journey time | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich HB | 3 h 15 min | Visp |
| Zurich Airport | 3 h 30 min | Visp |
| Geneva | 3 h 45 min | Visp |
| Geneva Airport | 4 h | Visp |
| Bern | 2 h 15 min | Visp |
| Milan | 3 h 15 min | Visp |
| Täsch (car park) | 12 min | Direct shuttle |
Times are typical and can change with the season or engineering works (replacement buses sometimes run between Visp and Täsch). Always check your exact connection in the timetable above.
Zurich to Zermatt by train
Fast trains leave Zurich HB for Visp regularly, where you change to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. Plan about 3 h 15 min door to door – an early train gets you to Zermatt by mid-morning, with plenty of time for a flight.
Zurich Airport to Zermatt
From the airport station, take a train towards Bern/Brig and change in Visp. Allow around 3 h 30 min, plus a comfortable margin after landing.
Geneva and Geneva Airport to Zermatt
Trains run along Lake Geneva and up the Rhône valley to Visp. Count on about 3 h 45 min from Geneva city and around 4 hours from the airport.
Bern and Milan to Zermatt
Bern is the quickest big-city start (about 2 h 15 min via the Lötschberg base tunnel). From Milan, direct trains reach Visp in around 2 hours, so Zermatt is roughly 3 h 15 min away.
Driving? Park in Täsch and take the Zermatt Shuttle
Private cars can only drive as far as Täsch. The Matterhorn Terminal Täsch has around 2,100 parking spaces, and the Zermatt Shuttle train takes 12 minutes to Zermatt, every 20 minutes from about 06:00 to 22:00 and hourly later in the evening. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the shuttle.
Zermatt day trip by train: add a paragliding flight
A day trip to Zermatt from Zurich, Bern or Geneva is easy by train – and a tandem flight fits perfectly between arrival and your return train:
- Morning: take an early train and arrive in Zermatt mid-morning.
- Walk 1 minute from the station to FLYBYPARA at Bahnhofplatz 7.
- Fly: the Basic Fly takes about 1 hour in total (summer), the Standard Fly about 1 h 30 min, and the Fly Matterhorn VIP takes you right in front of the Matterhorn.
- Afternoon: lunch in the village, a ride up the Gornergrat, then the train home.
Book your flight in advance to match your train times – or contact us and we will help you plan the timing.
Swiss Travel Pass and Saver Day Pass
With a Swiss Travel Pass, the train to Zermatt (and the Täsch shuttle) is included – only panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express need an extra seat reservation. Visiting for one day? A Saver Day Pass gives you unlimited travel on public transport across most of Switzerland for a full day. You will find both offers in the timetable box above.
FAQ: Getting to Zermatt by train
How long is the train from Zurich to Zermatt?
About 3 hours 15 minutes, with one change in Visp.
Can you drive to Zermatt?
No. Zermatt is car-free. Drive to Täsch, park at the Matterhorn Terminal and take the 12-minute Zermatt Shuttle train.
Which station should I choose: Zermatt or Zermatt GGB?
Choose “Zermatt” for normal arrivals by train. Zermatt GGB is the Gornergrat Railway station, a short walk across the square.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid to Zermatt?
Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the train to Zermatt and the Täsch–Zermatt shuttle. Panoramic trains like the Glacier Express need a separate seat reservation.
How far is FLYBYPARA from Zermatt train station?
One minute on foot. We are at Bahnhofplatz 7, next to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn station and a 1-minute walk from the Gornergrat Railway.
Can I go paragliding on a day trip to Zermatt?
Yes. Our flights take from about 1 to 2 hours in total, so they fit easily into a day trip by train. Compare all flights and prices.
