Zermatt 2026: Cars Stop in Täsch, Then You Take a Train

Zermatt has been car-free since the 1930s, and the road from the Rhône valley simply ends 5 km short of the village, in Täsch. Covered parking at the Matterhorn Terminal garage there runs about CHF 16.50 a day, with open-air lots slightly cheaper, before a shuttle train carries you the final stretch in about 12 minutes. Inside Zermatt itself, only electric taxis and hotel vehicles operate on the streets.

This is not a driving guide for Zermatt — it is a guide for getting your car as close as possible and dealing with everything else.

The Road Ends in Täsch

The last town you can reach by car is Täsch (population ~1,200). The drive from Visp on the A9 motorway takes about 30 minutes through the Matter valley — a narrow corridor between steep mountains with occasional avalanche galleries.

The road is two lanes, well-maintained, and straightforward in summer. In winter, expect ice and occasional closures after heavy snowfall. The Swiss do not mandate specific winter tyre models, but the law says your tyres must be adequate for conditions — meaning winter tyres are effectively required from November to March.

Fuel up before Täsch. There is one petrol station in Täsch and nothing between there and Visp.

Parking in Täsch

You have two options:

Matterhorn Terminal Parking (covered garage):

• CHF 16.50/day
• Direct access to the shuttle train platform
• EV charging available (Type 2 and CCS)
• Fills up in peak season — arrive early or book online

Open-air lots:

• CHF 13.50/day
• Short walk to the train station
• Fine in summer, less pleasant when it snows overnight

Weekly rates bring the daily cost down. If you are staying a week for skiing, the garage works out to roughly CHF 100.

The Täsch train station connects directly to the garage via a covered walkway. You can wheel your luggage straight from boot to platform.

Shuttle Train: Täsch → Zermatt

The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn shuttle runs every 20 minutes, takes 12 minutes, and costs about CHF 8.40 one way (half-price with a Swiss Half Fare Card or GA). The last train back is around 23:00 — check seasonal schedules.

Luggage is free. Ski and snowboard bags are fine. The train is the only way in unless you pay for a helicopter transfer (yes, people do this).

Inside Zermatt: No Cars, Only Elektros

Zermatt runs on small electric vehicles — taxis, hotel shuttles, and delivery carts. They are quiet and surprisingly fast on the narrow streets. Walking is the main mode of transport. The village is compact enough that you can reach most hotels in 15 minutes on foot from the station.

If your hotel is far or you have heavy luggage, electric taxis wait at the station. Agree on the price before getting in — there are no meters.

Swiss Vignette & Tolls

To reach Täsch via the motorway, you need a Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40, valid 14 months). Available at:

• Border crossings
• Petrol stations in Switzerland
• Online at e-vignette.ch

The final stretch from Visp to Täsch is a cantonal road, not a motorway, so technically you could avoid the vignette by taking back roads from Italy or France — but it would add hours.

No other tolls apply on the route. Swiss roads are funded through the vignette and fuel taxes, not per-kilometre tolls.

Getting to Täsch: Routes

The Simplon Pass from Italy is scenic but closes in heavy winter weather. The tunnel alternative stays open year-round.

Do You Even Need a Car?

Probably not. Switzerland’s rail network reaches Zermatt directly:

• Geneva → Zermatt: 3.5 hours, one change at Visp
• Zurich → Zermatt: 3.5 hours, one change at Visp
• Glacier Express from St. Moritz: 8 hours of scenic alpine railway (book months ahead in summer)

If your trip is Zermatt-only, the train is cheaper and easier than driving + parking in Täsch. A car only makes sense if you are also visiting other parts of Switzerland — Interlaken, Lucerne, Grindelwald — where a car adds flexibility.

Speed Limits in Switzerland

Swiss speed enforcement is ruthless. Exceeding the limit by 25+ km/h on a motorway can result in criminal proceedings, not just a fine. Radar traps are common on the A9.

Fuel Prices

Swiss fuel is cheaper than in neighbouring France and Italy but more expensive than Germany or Austria. Fill up before entering Switzerland if coming from the north.

Required Equipment

Swiss law requires:

• Warning triangle
• Reflective vest (recommended, not strictly mandatory for cars)
• First aid kit (recommended)

Chains are not mandatory but highly recommended for the Täsch road in winter. You can rent them at petrol stations in Visp.

Emergency Numbers

REGA is the Swiss air rescue service. In mountain emergencies, they are often faster than ground ambulances.

Related Guides

• Complete Switzerland Driving Guide — vignette, speed limits, winter tyre rules
• Switzerland Tyre Laws — seasonal requirements, tread depth, chain rules
• Driving in Interlaken — another Swiss alpine town, but one you can actually drive into
• More City Driving Guides