Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, is one of the most famous mountain resorts in the world, and one of the few that private cars cannot enter. That is part of its charm, but it also means the journey from Milan has two stages: a drive to the village of Täsch, a few kilometres down the valley, and a short train ride into Zermatt itself. Here is how it works, with realistic times and the details that make it easy.
Why cars stop at Täsch
Zermatt has been car-free for decades. Inside the village, transport is by electric taxis, hotel shuttles and on foot. All visitors arriving by road leave their vehicles at Täsch, where the Matterhorn Terminal combines a large covered car park with the station for the Zermatt Shuttle, a train that runs frequently up the valley. According to the official Zermatt tourism website, the ride takes about 12 minutes, with trains every 20 minutes during the day.
How long the drive takes
From Malpensa Terminal 1, Google Maps gives about 170 km and around 2 h 45 to Täsch on an ordinary weekday. From central Milan the drive is about 210 km and roughly 3 h 15, because you first have to cross the city. Malpensa is therefore the natural airport for Zermatt, and a direct transfer from the arrivals hall is the most efficient option.
The route over the Simplon
The usual route from Malpensa follows the motorway towards Lake Maggiore and Domodossola, then climbs over the Simplon Pass into Switzerland, descends to Brig and continues up the valley through Visp to Täsch. The Simplon is a major road kept open in winter, but heavy snowfall can slow it down, and our drivers check conditions before departure. In some situations, the car-carrying train through the Simplon tunnel between Iselle and Brig is an alternative, and your driver will choose the best option on the day.
At the Täsch terminal
When you arrive at Täsch, the driver unloads your luggage at the terminal, where trolleys are available and the platforms are a short walk away. Many hotels in Zermatt send electric taxis or porters to meet guests at the station on arrival, so it is worth telling your hotel which train you expect to catch. Your driver can wait until you are on the platform if you wish.
The return journey
For the return, you take the shuttle train down to Täsch, where your driver meets you at the agreed time. Because the train runs frequently, it is easy to plan, but allow a little time for luggage and for the walk to the car park. We work back from your flight time to set the meeting time, with a margin for traffic on the Simplon and around Milan.
Choosing the vehicle
For families and groups with ski equipment, the Mercedes V-Class is the most practical choice, with up to seven seats and space for skis and boots. For couples, the S-Class is comfortable on the long mountain drive. The Sprinter Luxury VIP carries up to eight passengers with luggage. All our mountain vehicles run on winter tyres in season and carry chains, and have the Swiss motorway vignette.
Zermatt and Cervinia
Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia, on the Italian side of the Matterhorn, share a linked ski area across the border, but by road they are far apart. Cervinia is about 2 h 20 from Malpensa via the Aosta Valley. If you plan to stay on the Italian side and ski into Switzerland, Cervinia may be the easier base.
Book early for the high season
Christmas, New Year and the February holiday weeks are the busiest times for transfers to Zermatt. Send us your flight details as soon as you have them. Prices are fixed in writing before you travel and include fuel, tolls and the Swiss vignette.