Zermatt Tickets
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Zurich to Matterhorn Day Trips

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Glacier Express train traveling through snowy Swiss Alps.
























































Top things to do in Zermatt

From happy customers

Loved by 45 million+
Manish Dhanetwal

Manish

Oct 2025
5/5

review-image

review-image
Zermatt the alpine village. I am betting its best viewed in winters season. My October trip wasn't that awesome after having been to titlis and interlaken where snowy mountains with greens looked better to eyes. But matterhorn is still a beauty so yes if winters it will.be special where everything is covered. Otherwise this mountain is high as it gets. Great altitude coverage . Must visit if times allows. For skiing its a dreamland. Will visit again in winters.
Natalie Ryan

Natalie

Oct 2025
4/5
Hi Ticket experience was great. They didn't expect anything extra just the ID number given. Other ticket providers are very challenging as tickets seem to double up. They provide you with a voucher code then they email tickets at the last minute. One was morning of a tour. Internet can be inconsistent so emails may not come through for tickets.
Michael Berce

Michael

Oct 2025
5/5

review-image
The passes were easy to use. Scenery was absolutely magnificent. Perfect way to experience and explore.
Terrence Poehlmann

Terrence

Oct 2025
5/5
Everything was easy and no crowds. We enjoyed our trip to the Matterhorn.
Kerry Terminello

Kerry

Sep 2025
5/5
Views were spectacular. Very smooth and safe ride despite the high winds.
Mario Arturo Perez Xacur

Mario

Sep 2025
5/5
It was very easy to redeem tickets to access the activities.
RICARDO MOTTA DITTMER

Ricardo

Sep 2025
5/5
Superb and fantastic, we love the cable cars
David Wills

David

Sep 2025
5/5
It was hassle free and worked well

Zurich to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at a glance

Travel from Zurich to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise on a full-day trip combining comfortable Swiss train travel with a cable car ride to Europe’s highest mountain station.

Overview

  • Distance from Zurich: ~380km
  • Travel time: 3.5–4 hours each way (train + cable cars)
  • Trip duration: 12–14 hours
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Zurich HB (main station)
  • Cost range: CHF 160–320+ depending on package
  • Best season: Year-round, with clearest views in late summer and winter

What to expect on a Zurich to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise day-trip

Glacier Express train crossing a stone viaduct in the Swiss Alps.
Gornergrat Railway train ascending Swiss Alps with Matterhorn in background.
Traditional houses in Zermatt, Switzerland
Cable car ascending to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in the Swiss Alps.
Visitors exploring ice sculptures inside Glacier Paradise.
Matterhorn peak reflected in Stellisee Lake in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Train traveling through Swiss countryside with mountains and chalets in view.
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Early departure from Zurich HB

Board a comfortable, panoramic train bound for the Bernese Alps and Valais region. Enjoy views of lakes, forests, and alpine villages as you journey south.

Transfer at Visp railway station

Switch trains in Visp for the mountain cogwheel railway climbing up the valley to car-free Zermatt, the gateway to the Matterhorn.

Free time in Zermatt

Wander this charming alpine village, grab a coffee or snack, and soak in Matterhorn’s first glimpses.

Cable car ascent to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Take a series of cable cars to 3,883 meters, Europe’s highest cable car station, passing glaciers and snowy peaks.

Explore the Ice Palace and summit viewpoints

Enter the world’s highest Ice Palace, with glittering ice sculptures and tunnels. Step onto the panoramic platform for sweeping views across 38 peaks and 14 glaciers spanning Switzerland, Italy, and France.

Optional lunch or shopping in Zermatt

Sample Swiss delicacies or browse local shops before boarding your return train.

Comfortable journey back to Zurich

Relax on the scenic train ride back, arriving in Zurich by late evening.

How to get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zurich

Train on Lucerne-Interlaken Express route by Lake Sarnen, Central Switzerland, with mountain backdrop.

Train + cable car 

  • Time: 3.5–4 hours each way
  • Cost: CHF 160–220+
  • Pros: Stunning alpine views, smooth connections, no driving stress
  • Cons: Multiple train changes, longer than driving directly to Täsch
Eurail and Interrail trains crossing scenic European landscapes.

Shuttle train from Täsch to Zermatt + cable car

  • Time: ~3 hours each way
  • Cost: CHF 120–180 + fuel and parking
  • Pros: Flexible schedule
  • Cons: Must park at Täsch (Zermatt is car-free), shuttle train required to travel to Zermatt

Must-see highlights of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Viewing platform at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with mountain views.

Summit viewing platform

Enjoy sweeping views from 3,883 m over 38 alpine peaks and 14 glaciers across Switzerland, Italy, and France.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car with snow-covered peaks in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Gornergrat Mountain Restaurant serving traditional alpine food with scenic mountain views.
Visitors enjoying a film at the Cinema Lounge in Zermatt's Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Snow tubing experience at Antalya Aquarium with people enjoying the snowy slopes.

Visitor tips

  • Best time: Early mornings and late summer offer clearest views.
  • Essentials: Sunglasses, sunscreen, layered clothing, gloves, sturdy shoes.
  • Accessibility: Cable cars and Ice Palace are accessible to wheelchair users; trains have ramps.
  • Rules: No smoking in cable cars; drones need permits.
  • Budget: Summit food is pricier—consider bringing snacks.

Plan ahead with visitor tips →

Frequent asked questions about day-trips to Matterhorn from Zurich

How long is the day trip from Zurich?

The whole trip usually takes about 12 to 14 hours, including travel and time to explore.

What’s included in the package?

Most packages cover your train tickets, cable car rides, entry to the Ice Palace, and sometimes a guide or meals.

Do I need to book in advance?

It’s a good idea to book 2 to 4 weeks ahead during peak season to make sure you get your spot.

Can I visit other attractions nearby?

Absolutely! Gornergrat and Sunnegga Paradise are popular nearby stops you can add to your trip.

Can I do this trip on my own?

You definitely can, but guided tours make transfers and timing easier to manage.

What if the weather is bad?

If cable cars close due to weather, most tickets are refundable or can be exchanged, so you won’t lose out.