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Zermatt Getting There
Geneva, Zurich and Milan all have easy rail links and even quicker road links with car-free Zermatt.
The international airports of Geneva, Zurich and Milan all have easy rail links (3.5hrs, 5hrs, 3-4hrs respectively) and even quicker road links with Zermatt. Change trains at Brig (or at Visp, from Geneva) from the mainline to the mountain cog railway which serves the Zermatt valley; it's simply a matter of crossing the road from one track to another. A new tunnel opens in 2008 which will significantly speed up transfers from Zurich and Berne. The closest airport, at Sion, has flights from Zurich and some direct international flights. Transfer from Sion is 2 hours by train, an hour and a half by car or 20 minutes by helicopter.
Zermatt is car-free: drivers must park in Täsch, one stop short of Zermatt, where you join the train for the ten minute ride into the village. Car parks (some covered) line the road into Täsch, with a vast open air option on the right, by the station. The frequent shuttle trains are roll-on/roll-off with a trolley, so you can even wheel straight to your hotel door at the other end. Alternatively, electric taxis/hotel shuttles and horse drawn carriages ferry visitors to their accommodation. Taxi drivers will be pleased to take your money, but try instead the large hotel listing board at the station, which has phones for ordering free hotel pickups.
