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Zermatt to Gornergrat Railway station by public transport
By train
By bus
The Zermatt Gornergrat Bahn is the starting point for Gornergrat railways. It's a short walk away from Zermatt train station (Zermatt GGB), which is fortunately well-connected to Europe via rail. To get to Zermatt GGB, catch a direct train from Visp.
Best for: Convenient and scenic travel to Gornergrat Railways.
Train lines: Matterhorn Gotthard railway line passing through the town of Visp.
Closest station: Zermatt train station.
Duration: 1 hour.
Zermatt is a car-free zone, meaning that if you plan to travel by bus or drive, you'll need to park your vehicles in Tasch, located approximately 7 kilometers away from Zermatt. From Tasch, you can conveniently take a train to reach Zermatt. For local travel, the town operates a fleet of solar and electric-powered buses, offering efficient transportation from one end of the town to the other.
Best for: Affordable and flexible transportation to Zermatt Gornergrat Bahn.
Train lines: There are two distinct bus lines: the green line and the red line. The green line connects several lift stations, including Klein, Matterhorn, and Sunnegga, to the train station, while the red line runs from Winkelmatten to the resort.
Closest station: Elektrobusbetriebe Zermatt, Zen Steckenstrasse 14, 3920 Zermatt, 400 m
Duration: 10 minutes
Zermatt to Gornergrat Railway station by car
Car-free Zermatt
Parking facilities
Zermatt is a car-free zone, and bringing your car directly into the town is not permitted. However, you can park your car in the nearby village of Täsch, which is about 5 kilometers from Zermatt, and continue your journey to Zermatt by shuttle. The Shuttle Service operates with departures to Zermatt every 20 minutes, ensuring a smooth and frequent connection between the two locations. To get to Täsch from Visp, drive south on A9 from Visp, take exit 27-Täsch/Zermatt, and follow the signs to Täsch.
Note: Please note that driving to Zermatt without permission can result in significant fines. However, for those who prefer to travel to Zermatt by taxi, there is an extensive taxi service provided by various private companies.
Parking Facilities
- Matterhorn Terminal Täsch: The Matterhorn Terminal in Täsch provides a generous capacity of 2,100 covered parking spaces for visitors. It serves as a combined parking and train station facility, conveniently located under one roof. It operates from 7:30 AM to 6 PM.
- Ante Portas Parking & Taxiservice Täsch: Park your car affordably and enjoy comfortable transportation to Zermatt at Ante Portas. Located on the main street, it's conveniently accessible by turning left just before the BP petrol station. It operates from 8 AM to 9 PM.
- Parkhaus Bahnhof/Täscherhof: Conveniently located next to Matterhorn Terminal Täsch, the Bahnhof / Täscherhof Car Park offers 24-hour availability and is just a short 100-meter walk to the shuttle train connecting to Zermatt. Payment can be made at the vending machine or Hotel Täscherhof reception.
Journey from Zermatt to Gornergrat Summit
To reach the top of Gornergrat, just hop on the Gornergrat railway from the station in Zermatt.
Boarding the train
- If you've opted for priority access, you can enter the train before everyone else and choose the best seats. Be sure to choose a right-hand seat in a carriage with windows that can be opened.
- The trains run every 24 to 48 minutes.
- If you have a Swiss travel pass, make sure you're carrying it with you at every stop.
- Tickets are only valid for the date of purchase.
The experience
- The train reaches the summit in approximately 33 minutes.
- On your way, keep an eye out for fantastic views of the Matterhorn, particularly at Riffelberg stop. If you're up for a hike, this station is also the perfect starting point to trek either up to Gornergrat (2km) or down to Riffelberg (2.8km).
- Towards Gornergrat station, catch some great views of Monte Rosa massif and its Dufourspitze.
Alternative routes to Gornergratt
Hiking
Hiking is a fantastic way to summit Gornergrat! With its stunning views, fresh mountain breeze, and plenty of chances to unwind, it’s both a physical challenge and a great way to de-stress.
Difficulty levels: Easy, moderate, difficult
Trails: Challenge trail, Rotenboden - Riffelberg, Wolli and the climate detectives, Alpine garden/flower trail, 360° Loop hike on Gornergrat, Panorama trail, Nature trail, Riffelalp trail, Scenic trail, Matterhorn view trail, hike with a glacier view from the Gornergrat to Riffelberg, Winter hike from Riffelalp to Findelbach, Winter Wonder Trail snowshoe tour from Sunnegga to Riffelalp, Discovery Trail snowshoe tour from Sunnegga to Riffelalp, Mark Twain Trail from the Riffelberg to Riffelalp, Riffelsee lake trail from Rotenboden to the Riffelberg, Sunshine Trail from the Gornergrat to the Riffelberg, Path of Silence from the Gornergrat to Riffelalp, Easy round-trip hike on Riffelalp, 4 lakes hike from Sunnegga to Riffelalp, Face to face with the Matterhorn from Rotenboden to the Riffelalp, Glacier trek to the Monte Rosa hut, Swiss topwalk, Glacier garden trail
Time needed: 30 minutes - 3 hours (based on the trail)
Detailed Gornergrat hiking routes
Biking
The bike trails at Gornergrat offer some of the prettiest views! Whether you're cruising the easy paths or tackling the tough ones, Gornergrat is the perfect place to kick off your biking adventures at any skill level. You have to book mountain bikes in advance. Each train allows up to 12 bikes per trip, and it costs CHF 10.00 per bike to reserve a spot.
Note: Because of the snow conditions on the mountain, the beginning of the bike season has been postponed indefinitely.
Riffelberg-Trail
This biking trail is perfect for everyone, from families to avid bikers, it's the ideal route back from Gornergrat, linking seamlessly to the Moos Trail.
Distance: 7.2 km
Duration: 15 min
Gornergrat Classic Bike Tour
If you're looking for the perfect sunset ride, the classic bike tour is your best bet!
Distance: 11.7 km
Duration: 40 min
Kelle-Lauberen Bike Tour
Ride this bike trail for its mix of smooth and rugged terrain, ideal from late summer onward (starting from late July).
Distance: 8.9 km
Duration: 35 min
Frequently asked questions about getting to Gornergrat Railways
Can you bring bicycles on the Gornergrat Railway?
Yes, the Gornergrat Railway allows bicycles on board, but reservations are required as there are limited spaces available per train.
Should I take the train or hike to gornergrat
Whether to take the train or hike to Gornergrat depends on your preferences and fitness level. The train offers a convenient and scenic journey with great views along the way, making it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed experience. On the other hand, hiking allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings, though it requires a moderate to strenuous effort and takes several hours. Consider your fitness, time available, and desire for adventure when making your choice!
What is the nearest airport to Gornergrat?
The nearest major airport to Gornergrat is Geneva Airport (GVA), located approximately 230 kilometers (about 143 miles) away.
Are there any specific viewpoints or stops along the way to Gornergrat Railway Station that are recommended for sightseeing?
Yes, along the Gornergrat Railway route from Zermatt, some recommended viewpoints and stops for sightseeing include Riffelalp, Riffelberg, and Rotenboden. These stops offer stunning views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks, making them perfect for photography and enjoying the Alpine scenery.
Is it recommended to book tickets in advance?
It is generally recommended to book your tickets for the Gornergrat Railway in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred timings and avoid long queues.
