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How to get from Annecy to Zermatt
By train it is about 4 h 30–5 h 30: Annecy to Geneva, a Swiss train along Lake Geneva to Visp, then the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn up to Zermatt. Driving takes about 3 h 30–4 h to Täsch, where you must leave the car because Zermatt is car-free, then a 12-minute shuttle train.
Best option: Train. Zermatt is car-free anyway, and the Swiss part of the train journey is frequent and scenic.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Train or bus from Annecy to Geneva, Swiss train (SBB) from Geneva to Visp, then the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn from Visp to Zermatt | about 4 h 30–5 h 30 with changes | Visp–Zermatt about every 20–30 minutes; Geneva–Visp roughly hourly | about €80–150 depending on tickets and passes | Swiss Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass reduces costs; book the French leg separately. |
| car Annecy to Chamonix, Col de la Forclaz to Martigny, then the Rhône valley to Visp and Täsch | about 3 h 30–4 h | fuel plus French tolls if you use motorways, and a Swiss motorway vignette (about CHF 40) | Park at Täsch (Matterhorn Terminal) and take the shuttle train; private cars are not allowed in Zermatt. | |
| bus Bus or coach from Annecy to Geneva, then the train as above | adds about 1 h to the train journey | several a day | about €10–20 to Geneva | Useful if the French train connections do not fit. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Geneva Airport also has trains to Visp, useful if you are flying in.
- Sit on the left between Geneva and Lausanne for views over Lake Geneva.
- Bring your passport or ID: Switzerland is in Schengen but not in the EU customs union, and checks can happen.
- The Col de la Forclaz road is a mountain pass; in winter check conditions or use the motorway via Geneva and Lausanne.
Common questions
Can I drive into Zermatt?
No. Zermatt is car-free for private vehicles. Drivers park at Täsch, about 5 km before Zermatt, in the large Matterhorn Terminal car park or private car parks, and take the shuttle train, which runs every 20 minutes and takes about 12 minutes. Electric taxis then take you around Zermatt.
Is there a direct train from Annecy to Zermatt?
No. You usually travel Annecy to Geneva, Geneva to Visp on a Swiss intercity train, and Visp to Zermatt on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. Some routes also change at Brig. Allow about 4 h 30–5 h 30 in total. The Swiss trains are frequent and connect well; check current timetables for the French section.
Do I need a Swiss motorway vignette?
Yes, if you drive on Swiss motorways, which most routes to Visp use. The annual vignette costs about CHF 40 and is now mostly sold as an e-vignette online. You can avoid some motorway sections on the Forclaz route, but the Rhône valley motorway is the practical way to Visp and Täsch.
What is the best time to travel?
The trains run all year. In winter the Col de la Forclaz route can be affected by snow, so drivers often go via Geneva and the motorway around Lake Geneva instead. Ski season weekends and the summer peak bring busy trains up to Zermatt, but there is no seat reservation needed on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn regional trains.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.