How To Do A Perfect Day Trip From Milan To Zermatt

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Table of Contents

How To Do A Day Trip From Milan To Zermatt
Is There A Direct Train From Milan To Zermatt?
What To Do In Zermatt In One Day
Take A Cogwheel Train To Gornergrat
Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Do 5 Lakes Hike
Go Paragliding
More Tips For Switzerland Travel

Do you have enough city vibes and are ready to experience the beautiful nature of the Swiss Alps? You’re right here. I’ll explain everything for your perfect Milan to Zermatt day trip.

It’s very simple to take a day trip from Milan to Zermatt. The best, fastest, and most comfortable way to do so is by train.

How To Do A Day Trip From Milan To Zermatt

The entire train journey from Milan to Zermatt takes 3 hours and 31 minutes. From Milan to Visp, you’ll take the EC speed train. Then change in Visp to a local Swiss train that takes you directly to the heart of Zermatt.

Download SBB App to navigate your trip. It’s an official Swiss train app that shows you all train connections with departure times and platforms.

Start your day trip early in the morning, around 7am. This way, you’ll have enough time in Zermatt to do a mountain excursion and walk around the village. Zermatt is a small village, yet its mountains offer many activities, so plan your trip accordingly.

Buy your ticket via the SBB App or directly at Milano Centrale, central station, and start your journey.

Is There A Direct Train From Milan To Zermatt?

Unfortunately, no. There isn’t a direct train from Milan to Zermatt. Yet there is only 1 change in a small Swiss town called Visp.

However, you don’t have to be afraid. Before arriving at Visp, the announcements on the train will tell you from which platform your next train to Zermatt leaves. Visp has a small train station, so there is nowhere to get lost.

What To Do In Zermatt In One Day

Once you’re in Zermatt, you can do a couple of activities. Firstly, I recommend just following the crowds and walking through the village. Get a unique atmosphere, see the stunning Matterhorn, and have some nice coffee or Fondue for lunch.

After, head up to the mountains. I recommend you choose one of the following activities:

1. Take a cogwheel train to Gornergrat
2. Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
3. Do 5 lakes hike
4. Go paragliding

1. Take A Cogwheel Train To Gornergrat

Taking a cogwheel train to Gornergrat is an unforgettable experience. The train ride itself is spectacular. From Gornergrat, you’ll get the best views of Matterhorn. In addition, you can walk to the famous lake reflecting Matterhorn and get the best photos. If you have more time, I recommend you stay one night in the hotel at Gornergrat, the highest hotel in the entire Alps.

You can buy a skip-the-line ticket with Get Your Guide. This way, you’ll avoid the crowds and save a lot of time for your day trip. So buy them online and travel.

The cogwheel train from Zermatt to Gornergrat takes 33 minutes (one way). So the excursion from Zermatt to Gornergrat and back can take about 3 hours

2. Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise doesn’t offer the best views of Matterhorn. Yet the views of the surrounding mountains are amazing. You can even see Italy and France from the top. To get there from Zermatt, you’ll take a cable car, the highest cable car station in Europe. Once on the mountain, you can eat in a restaurant, visit an ice cave and see beautiful ice sculptures.

The cable car ride to Glacier Paradise takes about 45 minutes. So again, allocate about 3 hours for the entire excursion.

3. Do 5 Lakes Hike

I did the 5 lakes hike when I visited Zermatt, and I didn’t regret it. Firstly, you’ll take an underground funicular from Zermatt to the Sunnega station. Then, from the Sunegga station, you’ll take a cable car to Blauherd station. You can buy the tickets at the funicular station in Zermatt.

Then start following a pathway surrounded by mountains. There are signs everywhere on the way, so you can’t get lost. You’ll visit 5 lakes altogether before getting back to Zermatt village. Matterhorn will constantly be in front of you. It’s a moderate hike.

The entire hike is 9.8 km long and takes about 3 hours complete. The train ride takes about 15 minutes, and the cable car ride is about 10 minutes.

4. Go Paragliding

If you fancy seeing everything from the top, go paragliding. Just imagine being above the Swiss Alps. You’ll see Switzerland, France, and Italy. This is the only activity that will enable you to see the famous Matterhorn from every angle.

After, they’ll also give you a memory card with all photos and videos from your jump.

Allocate approx. 2 hours for this activity in Zermatt.