If you’ve just finished exploring Lucerne and are looking to visit another Swiss highlight, the Matterhorn in Zermatt, you might be wondering how best to get there. In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to travel to Zermatt.
We’ve visited Zermatt several times using various modes of transportation and can share the pros and cons of each. From quick and direct routes to the slower, scenic journey on the Glacier Express train, we unravel the nuances of each option.
This article will give you all the information you need about traveling from Lucerne to Zermatt, including costs, available discounts, and travel pass options.
How far is Zermatt from Lucerne
The alpine village of Zermatt, a destination that draws in visitors from all around Europe. But how does one reach this remote mountain town, located a mere 122 kilometers (76 miles) air distance away from the scenic city of lucerne? The journey can take anywhere between three to 6 hours, depending on the mode of transport chosen.
| Mode of Transport & Route | Duration |
| Train fastest route – Lucerne via Bern to Zermatt | 3h 21min |
| Train Glacier Express – Lucerne to Andermatt to Zermatt | 5h 59min |
| Car – Lucerne via. Kandersteg | 3h 35min |
| Car – Lucerne via. Andermatt | 3h 26min |
For those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the mountains, taking the scenic route on the Glacier Express train may be the best option. This historic train winds its way through the Swiss Alps, offering unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows.
Alternatively, for those looking for a quicker and more direct journey, traveling by intercity trains or car may be the best choice. Regardless of the mode of transport, below you will find detailed information about each of the options available, allowing you to select the one that best suits your plans and travel style.
Fastest Train from Lucerne to Zermatt
Usually you start your journey at the main station in Lucerne. The final destination, Zermatt Bahnhof, is the main station in Zermatt.
The quickest way to get to Zermatt is to go through Bern, take the Lötschberg tunnel in Frutigen to Visp, and then catch the Regio Express train to Zermatt. You’ll usually need to change trains in Bern and Visp. This fast route runs every hour. But, there are other services where you might have to change trains more often. So, it’s a good idea to check the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) timetable to find the most convenient connection.
Luzern to Zermatt
- Lucerne to Bern: 1 hour
- Bern to Visp: 55min
- Visp to Zermatt: 1 hour 6 minutes
- Total travel time: 3 hours 21 minutes
Train Tickets
When it comes to traveling by train in Switzerland, one of the most important things to consider is the cost of your ticket. Standard adult ticket prices for the journey to Zermatt from Zurich start at around CHF 55 (Swiss francs). If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, first class tickets are also available at a higher cost. It’s always a good idea to check current ticket prices before you book your journey.
| Options | Price |
| 2. Class Ticket – Full Price | CHF 122.- |
| 2. Class – Half Fare Card | CHF 55.- |
| Swiss Travel Pass | CHF 0.- |
One option to keep in mind is the Swiss Travel Pass, which covers all public transport in Switzerland. If you’re planning to take other train journeys during your trip, this pass can be a great value. Another option is the Half Fare card, which allows you to get half price on all your train and public transport tickets in Switzerland.
Traveling with children? Children under the age of 6 travel for free on Swiss trains, and older children can also travel for free if they have a Junior Card. This card costs around CHF 30 per child, and applies to children aged 6 and 15 years 11 months. If the adults in the group hold a Swiss Travel Pass or a Half Fare card, children aged 6 to 15 also travel for free.
Schedule
This website is a one-stop-shop for all your train travel needs in Switzerland. You can easily search for train schedules, purchase tickets, and plan your journey.
If you’re traveling by train in Switzerland, the SBB app is your indispensable companion: easy to use, find the right connections in a flash and buy your tickets straight away.
To use the website or app, simply enter your arrival and departure destinations, and it will guide you through the journey. It will show you the available train schedules, the cost of the tickets, the duration of the journey, and even the seating arrangements. It’s a great way to make sure your journey is smooth and stress-free.
Is this Train Route From Lucerne to Zermatt Scenic?
The Intercity trains running from Lucerne to Bern are not designed for sightseeing; they’re made for quick and efficient travel between these cities. They move fast, especially on the Olten to Bern stretch, so while you can see the scenery, it’s not the leisurely view you get on a scenic train.
But after Bern, the route takes you to the Bernese Highlands, where the views get more beautiful. From Visp, the train goes through the Valais valleys and up into the mountains to Zermatt, slowing down for a better look at the landscape. If you want a train ride that’s really focused on scenic views, there are other options to consider.
Scenic Train – Glacier Express to Zermatt
When it comes to traveling from Lucerne-Zermatt, the Glacier Express is an option that is worth considering, even though it may not be the most direct route. First you take the normal Regio Express from Lucerne to Andermatt and then change there to the Glacier Express.
It should also be noted that the section from Andermatt to Zermatt described in this article here does not include the two, in our opinion, most scenic parts over the Oberalp Pass and the Albula Pass. These two would be on the stretch between Andermatt and St. Moritz. Nevertheless, the ride through the Goms in Valais and up into the Matterntal is very picturesque.
Luzern to Zermatt with the Glacier Express
- Lucerne to Göschenen: 32min
- Göschenen to Andermatt: 10min
- Andermatt to Zermatt (Glacier Express): 3 hour 15 minutes
- Total travel time with changeovers: 5 hours 59 minutes
Route via Andermatt with Regio Express trains
Please note that this connection with the Glacier Express only runs twice a day. However, it is also possible to take the route via Andermatt and travel for the most part on various Region Express trains. These are not specifically designed as scenic trains, but the route you travel is exactly the same as with the Glacier Express. It should be noted that this route usually means having to change trains more often and the journey takes around 6 hours.
Zermatt from Lucerne by Car
However, as a car-free resort, travelers may wonder how to reach it by car. Renting a car and driving to Zermatt is still possible, but you cannot drive directly into village itself.
You’ll need to park in the nearby village of Täsch and take a shuttle train to Zermatt. Parking in Tasch costs around CHF 16.- for 24 hours and the return shuttle train tickets costs about CHF 17.- for a standard adult fare. In the village itself are electric taxi and bus services available.
The trip from Lucerne to Täsch by car typically takes between 3 and 4 hours. Then you have to factor in the time for parking, waiting for a shuttle train (which runs regularly every 20 minutes) and the 14-minute ride to the train station in Zermatt.
2 different routes from Lucerne to Zermatt by car.
One is via Andermatt, where the Furka Pass is often closed in winter, which means that you have to load your car onto a train in Realp and travel through the Furka base tunnel to Oberalp. From there, the journey continues to Täsch, where you park your car.
The second route leads over the Brünig Pass via Interlaken to Kandersteg. There you also have to load the car onto a car train and then drive through the Lötschberg tunnel and from there on to Täsch.
- Lucerne via. Andermatt to Täsch: 3 hours 12 minutes, 176km
- Lucerne via. Kandersteg to Täsch: 3 hours 21 minutes, 178km
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FAQ
Is there a direct train from Lucerne to Zermatt?
There are no direct train services. While traveling from Lucerne to Zermatt by train, a transfer at Bern and Visp is required, with all intercity connections involving this change.
