geneva to zermatt- train or coach?

[renaldo]

We are flying to geneva at half term and want to get the train to zermatt - has anyone done this? any swiss mums out there with advice on how to book etc?

Definitely train. You may change at Brig or Visp. If you go by coach you have to change onto the train at Taesch anyway (access to Zermatt is public motor traffic free )Check out times,connections, tickets etc here and do reserve as it can get crowded. You may be able to buy a package of train tickets and lift pass. Under 6's generally travel free or discounted. hth

oh and very . Anteater (iirc) recommended a particular skischool here . Where are you staying ?

Staying at the Hotel Schweizerhof & Résidence first time in zermatt so all suggestions gratefully received

Only been there in summer sadly but sure some Mnetters have skied there. We've done Saas Fee a little further along many times though. Have you booked independently ?

I've done geneva to zermatt - it's a lovely train ride (of course, it's switzerland!). As Lizs says you would have to train the last bit anyway.

Didn't stay at the hotel you are staying at. I did it on the cheap. Can't give much advice either - it was all just lovely really. Top snow of course with it being so high, and you definitely feel the altitude if going over to cervinia. Great food everywhere.

Have fun!

Train! Train! Train! Not least because the trolleys at the airport go on the escalators! I love the Swiss attention to detail. Zermatt is lovely. Have fun!

Lisz struggling to book the tickets on the website - any suggestions?

Try here ?

Lizs thanks it looks like I can get a transfer ticket
here
but the price seems to good to be true is there a catch?

I'm getting 124chf - about £50 - per adult and kids (aged 6-15) 1/2 price @ 62chf each. There is probably a supplement to reserve a seat each too .

I know its really cheap we were quoted 500 pounds for a minibus transfer. If we get a family railcard the kids are free but i cant see how to do that or reserve seats - does that happen after we pay?

Never had to do it online, I'm afraid, as only had to do that in person at a station but suspect if you put in dates and quantities etc it may give you the option later. You could call the Swiss Center in London and see if they can do it for you otherwise.

Switzerland Tourism
30 Bedford Street
London
WC2E 9ED

Opening hours of STC:
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
except Thursday 10am-5pm

Phone: 00800 100 200 30 (free-phone) or 020 7420 4900

Thank you, spoke to a v helpful lady there wso we are sorted!

excellent !

Hi Renaldo,
we are there for half term as well
Went last year with children..
The train transfer is wonderful, so easy!.
We get the dirt cheap easyjet flight late on Friday and stay with friends or in one of the cheap Geneva airprt hotels. Up early and catch an early train to Zermatt, around 4 hours so arrive at hotel for lunch. All afternoon for ski pass and hire shops etc. We also get one of the late trains out on Friday, again stay in Geneva and get another cheap flight back Sat morning. Home for the Footy!(7 days skiing but only 6 nights at Zermatt ££hotels!)

Your hotel is excellent, looked around last year, its on the main street. Looked very child friendly.

Behind your hotel is the outdoor ice ring. Kids have shopping trolley type things so they don?t fall over!

Next to this last year was a pair of trampolines with sprung harness's, so when the kids bounce they go up around 15 feet! Had to limit the kids due to ££ but ours had a great time.

The ski school LIZS mentioned is excellent, the best I have seen for children. They only start at 5 tho so our youngest is with Stoked, (she is only 4) They both meet at the other end of Town, so a free bus ride(interesting..) or anelectric taxi (£10) is needed. Walking is possible if you leave your skis. About 15 mins. Depends on you children..

The skiing is fantastic, the views awesome, have a graet time.

Good luck!

thanks anteater we are with stoked as well our half term is 19th onwards -will our paths cross?

Yes, thats our week as well!
I am sure we will cross tracks somwhere!
(but watch out, I am a MN dad!!)

How old are your children?

7, 7, 9
see you there!

Train

Its fab and on time.

However check if it links to your flight times OK especially on the return leg

Deffo get the train. The trip up to Zermatt is spectacular, a day out in itself. Also, motorised transport isn't allowed any further than Tasch so you would have to get the train from there anyway.

We go to Switzerland in the summer every so often and try and fit in the train ride to Zermatt every time.