Zermatt, the iconic car-free Swiss village nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn, attracts visitors worldwide for its breathtaking scenery and world-class skiing. However, its car-free status means reaching Zermatt requires a little more planning. This guide will help you navigate the options, focusing on the closest airports and the best ways to transfer to this magical destination.
What is the nearest airport to Zermatt?
The closest airport to Zermatt is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Italy. While not technically in Switzerland, its proximity and excellent transport links make it a popular choice for many travelers. Other options exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, which we'll explore below.
What are the other airports near Zermatt?
While Milan Malpensa is closest geographically, several other airports offer convenient access to Zermatt:
- Geneva Airport (GVA): A major international airport in Switzerland, Geneva offers numerous flight options but involves a longer journey to Zermatt.
- Zurich Airport (ZRH): Another significant Swiss airport, Zurich boasts extensive flight connections but requires a longer travel time than Geneva.
- Milan Linate Airport (LIN): A smaller Milanese airport, Linate provides fewer flight options compared to Malpensa but can be a viable alternative depending on your origin and flight availability.
- Sion Airport (SIR): A smaller regional airport closer to Zermatt than the major hubs. However, flight options are limited, primarily catering to smaller aircraft.
How far is each airport from Zermatt?
The distance to Zermatt varies significantly:
- Milan Malpensa (MXP): Approximately 160km (100 miles)
- Geneva (GVA): Approximately 190km (120 miles)
- Zurich (ZRH): Approximately 220km (140 miles)
- Milan Linate (LIN): Approximately 180km (110 miles)
- Sion (SIR): Approximately 70km (45 miles)
What's the best way to get from the airport to Zermatt?
The journey from each airport to Zermatt typically involves a combination of train and possibly a taxi. Sion is the exception, as it offers a more straightforward transfer.
- From Milan Malpensa (MXP): Take a train to Brig, then a connecting train to Zermatt. The journey can take approximately 3-4 hours.
- From Geneva (GVA): A train journey to Brig, followed by a train to Zermatt, takes around 3-4 hours.
- From Zurich (ZRH): Travel by train to Brig, and then onward to Zermatt, generally a 4-5 hour journey.
- From Milan Linate (LIN): Similar to Malpensa, you'll need a train to Brig and then a train to Zermatt (3-4 hours).
- From Sion (SIR): A taxi or private transfer is the most convenient option, taking approximately 1 hour.
Which airport should I fly into for Zermatt?
The best airport depends on several factors, including your origin, flight availability, budget, and preferred travel style:
- For the shortest travel time: Sion Airport (SIR) offers the quickest transfer, but flight options are limited.
- For more flight options: Geneva (GVA) and Zurich (ZRH) provide a wider range of airlines and flight times.
- For potentially cheaper flights: Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Milan Linate (LIN) often offer lower fares, but the travel time is longer.
Ultimately, weighing the cost of flights against the added travel time from different airports is crucial to your decision. Consider using flight comparison websites to check prices and schedules from your origin city to each airport.
Remember to factor in the cost of train tickets or transfers when making your decision. Pre-booking your train tickets, especially during peak season, is highly recommended to secure your preferred times and avoid potential delays.
Enjoy your trip to Zermatt!
