Private car transfer from Zurich to Zermatt

Zermatt is a Swiss resort town well known for its ski slopes and stunning natural landscapes. The town is car-free, so getting to Zermatt can be tricky, so you should consider driving with Daytrip. Our professional door-to-door service will drop you off in Tasch just before Zermatt in a pre-determined allowable drop-off zone, and you can begin your adventure in the mountains.

However, before you get to Zermatt, you should explore a few places along the way. There is Zug, a medieval market town and tax haven; Lucerne, a natural beauty with its frescoed buildings, lakeside setting, and impressive mountain views; and Mount Rigi, Europe's oldest alpine railroad, promises adventure and panoramic views. These are just a taste of what can be found along Daytrip's route. So book ahead and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime when driving from Zurich to Zermatt in Switzerland.

Those who visit will notice that the town has more to see than simply the mountain landscapes. There are also winding alleys, old-fashioned brown chalets, and many restaurants and hotels where you can enjoy a meal and stay warm in the winter.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors drive from Zurich to Zermatt every year because its location at the foot of the Matterhorn and in the middle of a huge ski and hiking region make it one of the most popular resort towns in the world—especially during the winter. The ski region known as "Matterhorn glacier paradise' features 54 railways and lifts and 224 miles (360 km) of pistes. With so much snow to traverse, you might see many professional ski teams training in the summer.

Besides the snow and unrivaled winter sports opportunities, Zermatt offers travelers a bustling and charming village to explore. From gourmet mountain restaurants, sophisticated live music, and old churches to charming shops, little cafes, and an enlightening museum that tells travelers much about the region's history.

So those seeking a unique holiday destination with high mountain scenery, incredible winter hiking trails through snowy landscapes, and a charming village welcoming of strangers will want to add Zermatt to their travel bucket lists.

Make sure you prioritize what you want to see along the way

When you decide that a Zurich to Zermatt transfer is on the horizon for your next travel trip, you must prioritize what you want to see along the way. Even though Switzerland is a country that can be crossed in only a few hours, its smallness doesn't mean there is less to see and do. In fact, the country has many cultural and historical landmarks worth exploring, especially when traveling from Zurich to Zermatt.

If you plan on driving with Daytrip, you should stop and explore places like Stockalper Palace, a stunning 17th-century palace built as a private home, and the Goms Suspension Bridge, which allows you to walk far above the Rhone before you reach the award-winning mountain village. But don't forget to speak with your driver about other places along the way worth visiting. They might not be tour guides, but they know the region.

Book your hotel in advance

The distance between Zurich and Zermatt by car is about 143 miles (230 km) and by train about 130 miles (210 km). Both options take three to four hours if traveling directly, which can be a big stretch for some.

Since Switzerland and its cities are so popular, accommodation is filled quickly, so plan ahead by booking in advance. Not only will you likely save money—which is good for budget travelers—but you will also be guaranteed a place to stay between your travels.

In addition, if you think you'll simply rent a bed in a dormitory or a rustic cabin, think again. These accommodations fill just as quickly as the more high-end hotels, so don't count on it.

Make sure you budget properly

It's no secret that Switzerland is much more expensive than other travel destinations. Everything from the country's food and accommodations to public transportation and attractions—including its ski passes—is expensive.

It's more expensive than you might be used to or prepared for, so it's imperative to budget properly and budget extra. Yet, the light at the end of the tunnel is that although it's expensive, it's worth it, as a drive from Zurich to Zermatt is one of the most beautiful adventures you'll partake in in your lifetime.

Zurich to Zermatt by bus

The bus is often much cheaper than the train or a private door-to-door car service. However, it is the slowest method of transportation and is far less comfortable than traveling with a car service like Daytrip.

If you're on a budget, you should consider booking a bus with ALSA or Flixbus. Both buses offer ticket prices between $33 and $56 (€31-€52). A trip from Zurich to Zermatt will take about four and a half to six hours by bus, and direct routes are often available during peak seasons.

However, buses don't depart for this route very often, and you might encounter multiple transfers outside of peak season travel, which can increase your travel time.

Zurich to Zermatt by train

Those who want to enjoy scenic views while traveling sustainably often choose to travel from Zurich to Zermatt by train. If you want to travel by train, you must book with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). The price of a ticket is usually between $56 and $111 (€52-€103), depending on whether you book a standard-class ticket or a first-class ticket.

Unfortunately, the trip can be complex since you must change trains in Visp. It can take between three and a half and four hours. You will also have to contend with train schedules and timetables that could change, and there is limited luggage space.

Zurich to Zermatt by private car transfer service

When you travel with a private car service like Daytrip from Zurich to Zermatt, you won't need to worry about whether or not your trip will be direct and if a timetable change will impact your trip. Daytrip offers reliable travel between the Swiss cities, and you can pick when, where, and what time you will travel.

Driving with Daytrip is also far more comfortable, with luxury cars and private English-speaking drivers navigating the winding roads. Daytrip is also just as fast as the train, with a trip taking between three and a half and four hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and whether you travel directly or sightsee.

On average, a seat with Daytrip costs about $117 (€109), which is quite affordable. You will also have plenty of room for your luggage, which your driver will handle, and you can sit back and relax as you watch the Swiss countryside pass you by.

Gornergrat

Everyone should consider visiting Gornergrat at least once during their lifetime. This 3,089 m high mountain range offers unforgettably glorious views of Matterhorn. These panoramic views cannot be seen elsewhere and will leave a mark on your memory.

While visiting the Gornergrat summit, you can also enjoy some fine dining at Europe's highest-altitude hotel. The Kulmhotel Gornergrat offers delicious cuisine at its restaurant, and you can choose to visit the hotel's attractive shops or astronomical observatory. We also recommend spending the night if you have the budget and can book far enough in advance.

5 Lakes Walk

If you love hiking, you should consider participating in the Five Lakes Walk. This walk takes place in the Zermatt mountains and offers hikers a variety of experiences and glimpses of the Matterhorn. The path of the Five Lakes Walk will lead you past Grindjisee, Stellisee, Moosjisee, Grunsee, and Leisee. Each of these lakes is very different from the others, with varying characters, shapes, sizes, and colors. Also, each lake has its own special attraction.

For example, the Leisee is one of the best for swimming, while the Grunsee is a lake overlooking a rugged landscape perfect for pictures. Then there is the Grindjisee, which is home to rare flowers that you shouldn't pick but that you can admire. The other lakes offer their own treasures, which you can learn more about when visiting.

Matterhorn Museum

The Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt is an imaginative contemporary designthat draws the eye and invites visitors to enter its doors. This museum was founded in 2006 and, ever since, has been teaching travelers more about the history of the village of Zermatt.

If you choose to visit the museum, you can expect to explore a multimedia room that showcases imagery of the first ascent of the Matterhorn. This expedition tragically ended, but it helped make the village a place avid explorers sought out. You'll also get to see the real-life rope that snapped during the first expedition and learn what the region's original houses looked like.

The Matterhorn Museum also honors record-breakers who have climbed the Matterhorn with photos and facts about them and shows the different mountain routes one can traverse.

If you want to visit during the cold, snowy season and enjoy the dramatic mountain landscapes dominated by white peaks, you should visit between December and March. During these months, the average temperature consistently falls below 45°F (7°C).

However, Zermatt is an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination regardless of when you decide to visit, whether at the height of summer or the lows of winter. There is plenty to do out on the slopes and in the town, with food, culture, and shopping to enjoy just as much as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and swimming.