A Car-Free Paradise
Arriving in Zermatt for the first time feels very different from most other ski resorts. The town’s car-free environment creates a peaceful alpine atmosphere where the sound of snow crunching underfoot replaces the usual traffic noise. From electric taxis to horse-drawn carriages, Zermatt offers unique transportation options that are both charming and environmentally friendly.
Understanding Zermatt's Geography
Before exploring transportation options, it helps to understand the basic layout of Zermatt:
- The Matter Vispa River runs south to north through town
- The main street (Bahnhofstrasse) runs parallel to the river
- The town stretches approximately 1.5 km from end to end
- The three main lift stations are strategically positioned:
- Gornergrat Railway Station: Located opposite the main Zermatt train station
- Sunnegga Funicular: Located on the river, about a 7-minute walk from the train station
- Matterhorn Express Gondola: Located at the southern end of town, about a 15-minute walk from the train station
Map
Walking Around Zermatt
You can walk from one end of the town to the other in about 20 minutes. It can seem like a long way in ski boots so a bus or taxi can be a good option.
Cost – Free!
Key Points:
- Zermatt’s streets can be slippery in winter – wear proper footwear with good traction
- The town is generally flat along the main street, with gentle inclines toward the lift stations
- Most hotels and restaurants are within a 10-minute walk of the town center
- All streets are well-lit and safe at night
- Yellow pedestrian signposts throughout town indicate walking times to major destinations
- Zermatt Train Station to Gornergrat Railway: 1 minute
- Zermatt Train Station to Church/Town Center: 5 minutes
- Zermatt Train Station to Sunnegga Funicular: 7 minutes
- Zermatt Train Station to Matterhorn Express: 15 minutes
- North end of town to South end: 25-30 minutes
Getting a bus around town
There are two bus routes. The green bumpered buses run between the lift stations and run every 8-10 minutes. The red bumpered buses do a loop around Winkelmatten.
Cost – Included in your lift pass
When do they go – Check the bus timetable
Getting a taxi
You can call a taxi to pick you up from your hotel or chalet.
Usually they arrive pretty quick but it might be worth booking in advance if it’s peak season.
Cost – The taxis recently updated their pricing structure to being on a meter.
Hotel taxis can't take you to the lifts
You may have been picked up by a hotel taxi when you arrived, but they are not allowed to take you to the ski lifts.