How To Make A Perfect Day Trip From Milan To Zermatt [2024]

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 simple to make a day trip from Milan to Zermatt. The best, fastest, and most comfortable way is by train. So let’s see how to get to Zermatt from Milan in a day.

I lived in Switzerland for 3 years and visited all the beautiful places, including Zermatt. Once, I also sent a client on a travel itinerary from Milan to Zermatt. So it’s possible. Here is how.

How To Make A Day Trip From Milan To Zermatt

You have two options for a day trip to Zermatt from Milan: by train or private transfer.

The 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.

Another option, more convenient but way more expensive, is booking a private transfer from Milan to Zermatt. It takes the same time as the journey by train (3 hours & 30 minutes). Additionally, you’ll still have to take a train for the last 12 minutes. Zermatt is a car-free village, so you can’t get to the center by car. Your driver will leave you in Täsch, and you must take the train to the center of Zermatt anyway.

➡ Book your private transfer from Milan to Zermatt here.

In this article, we’ll focus on getting from Milan to Zermatt by train.

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How To Make A Day Trip From Milan To Zermatt By Train

Start your day trip early in the morning, around 7 a.m. 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.

First, you’ll take the EC Train from Milano Centrale to Visp. Then, change to a local Swiss train from Visp directly to Zermatt. The entire journey takes 3 hours and 35 minutes.

The last train you can take from Zermatt to Milano Centrale leaves at 7:08 p.m. from Zermatt and will arrive in Milan at 10:40 p.m. With this connection, you’ll have to change train twice, in Visp and in Brig.

PRO TIP: Download the SBB App to navigate your trip. It’s an official Swiss train app showing all train connections with departure times and platforms.

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.

Is The Train Ride From Milan To Zermatt Scenic?

Yes, the train ride from Milan to Zermatt is scenic. You’ll enjoy stunning scenery from the window seat, especially on the last train section from Visp to Zermatt.

Glacier Express Between Milan & Zermatt

If you want to take one of the panoramic trains in Switzerland from Milan to Zermatt, you can take the Glacier Express. It covers the section from Brig to Zermatt.

However, the train only runs once per day and arrives in Birg at 4:50 p.m. So it would no longer be a day trip to Zermatt, as you would have to stay overnight.

But if the Glacier Express ride is the purpose of your trip and you don’t mind staying overnight in Zermatt, you can take it. So get off the EC train in Birg and make a reservation for Glacier Express from Birg to Zermatt.

Bernina Express Between Milan & Zermatt

There is no Bernina Express on the route between Milan and Zermatt. You would have to go to Chur and travel to Tirano, which is further away from Milan. So the only scenic train you can take between Milan and Zermatt is the Glacier Express.

Is A Day Trip To Zermatt Worth It?

Yes, it’s worth making a day trip to Zermatt. While I think the best time to spend in Zermatt is 3 days, you can still make the most of it if you only have one day. Milan is the perfect place to make a day trip to Zermatt as it’s the closest major city. So take the earliest train in the morning, then enjoy Zermatt, and take the last train from Zermatt back to Milan.

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What To Do In Zermatt In One Day

Once you’re in Zermatt, you can do a couple of activities. Firstly, I recommend 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 Riffelsee lake reflecting Matterhorn and get the best photos. If you have more time, I recommend staying one night in the hotel at Gornergrat, the highest hotel in the Alps.

You can buy a skip-the-line ticket with Get Your Guide. This way, you’ll avoid the crowds and save time during your day trip.

➡ Get ticket for the Gornergrat Cogwheel Train here.

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, Europe’s highest cable car station. Once on the mountain, you can eat in a restaurant, visit an ice cave, and see beautiful ice sculptures.

➡ Get tickets for the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise here.

3. Do 5 Lakes Hike

I did the 5 lakes hike when I visited Zermatt and 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. Signs are 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 wonderful and 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.

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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 enabling you to see the famous Matterhorn from every angle.

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

Allocate approx. 2 hours for this activity in Zermatt.

➡ Book your Paragliding slot by clicking this link.

BONUS: 5 Best Day Trips From Milan To Switzerland

Alternatively, you can visit another part of Switzerland on a day trip from Milan. Lugano and its surroundings are closer, and it only takes 1 hour & 15 minutes to get there from Milan.

You can visit stunning mountains around and enjoy beautiful lake views. Or explore the medieval castles in Bellinzona.

Click on the image below to learn about this day trip from Milan to Switzerland:

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your day trip even more. Check them out below:

What Is The Most Beautiful Train From Milan To Switzerland?

The most beautiful train from Milan to Switzerland is the Glacier Express. It rides from Brig to Zermatt and is one of the Swiss panoramic trains with panoramic windows, commentary, and food with drinks on board.

What Is The Closest Swiss Village To Milan?

Chiasso is the closest Swiss village to Milan. It’s located 56 km/34 miles from Milan, and you can get there easily by bus in an hour (Flixbus is the best) or by train in 45 minutes.

What Is The Best City To Visit In Switzerland From Milan?

Lugano is the best city to visit in Switzerland from Milan. It’s the closest, most beautiful city. You’ll enjoy the stunning scenery of a lake, mountains, and a charming city full of delicacies. The train ride from Milan to Lugano only takes an hour, so it’s worth a day trip.

WRAP-UP: Visiting Zermatt From Milan

This is the best way to get from Milan to Zermatt. I hope this article gave you a great overview and suggestions for how to make this day trip. While I believe you should spend at least 2 to 3 days in Zermatt, it’s still worth making this journey from Milan if you only have a day.

If you have more questions or need a customized travel itinerary, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you with planning.

Happy travels!