Home › Routes › Lucerne to Zermatt
How to get from Lucerne to Zermatt
Trains take about 3 h 15–3 h 30: SBB to Visp via Bern (or via the Lötschberg base tunnel) and then the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn up to Zermatt. Zermatt is car-free; drivers park at Täsch and take the shuttle train.
Best option: Train. Zermatt is car-free and the rail connection is seamless.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train SBB from Lucerne to Visp via Bern, then Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Zermatt | about 3 h 15–3 h 30 | roughly hourly; check current timetables | about CHF 60–120 (less with Half Fare or Saver tickets) | Swiss Travel Pass covers it. |
| car Drive to Täsch via Bern and the Lötschberg car-train or via Furka, then shuttle train to Zermatt | about 3 h 30–4 h | fuel, vignette, car-train fee if used, parking at Täsch plus shuttle | Täsch parking costs extra; Zermatt cannot be driven into. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
Open the route in Google Maps →
Book the trip
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- The Glacier Express from Andermatt is an alternative scenic leg, but slower.
- Supersaver tickets reduce fares if booked early.
- Check the Matterhorn's visibility before planning Gornergrat.
- Zermatt hotels often offer electric shuttle pickups from the station.
Common questions
How long is the train from Lucerne to Zermatt?
About 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, usually with changes at Bern and Visp. SBB trains run to Visp, and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn climbs to Zermatt. Trains run roughly hourly. Check SBB timetables for exact connections.
Can I drive to Zermatt?
Not into the village itself, which is car-free. Drivers park at Täsch, about 5 km below Zermatt, and take the frequent shuttle train. Parking at Täsch costs extra. Driving from Lucerne takes about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Can I do it as a day trip?
Not comfortably. With over 3 hours each way, you would have only a few hours in Zermatt. Most visitors stay at least one night to see the Matterhorn at sunrise and ride the Gornergrat railway. A night there also lets you see the village quietly after day visitors leave.
Is it covered by the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes, the whole route, including the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Zermatt, is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Mountain railways such as Gornergrat are discounted rather than free. Half Fare cards and Supersaver tickets also reduce costs. Check current conditions with SBB before buying.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.