Hi, we are going to Zermatt in a few weeks and I know I need a transfer train ticket from ZRH. I would like to plan ahead and buy this before my trip but I'm concerned that a train ticket with a specific time may be a challenge - e.g., what if my plane is delayed, etc. I'm arriving at 7:55am and need to clear immigration and get luggage. I would love to book a 8:40am train but wonder if I can take the next train (assuming a delay)? Can you take the next train if you are confirmed on an earlier train? Any advice would be most appreciated - thank you!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16247 posts
There is no price advantage to buying the ticket in advance. And while getting through Zurich airport is pretty quick and easy, there is no way to know if your plane will be on time. It will take you all of 2 minutes to buy the ticket at the station in the airport before you board the train. Also, depending on what you are doing after Zermatt, you migh tlook at options like a Transfer Ticket. The journey to Zermatt is pricy enough it might be worthwhile. That is one you would buy in advance---soon.
Posted by
OP
Austin, TX, USA
51 posts
Lola, thanks for the info. We are just going to Zermatt for a week and then back to Zurich. There will be no other rail tickets needed but the transfer to/from. I was under the impression that you had to buy these in advance - thanks for clearing this up for me. So, I plan to only go Zurich-Zermatt-Zurich. If this is the "transfer" ticket and needs to be purchased in advance (I leave the US in 30 days) I will find a link and buy it. But, as previously mentioned, I was worried about missing a train due to a delay, etc., hence my concerns. Thanks again.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16247 posts
I apologize; my answer was confusing. Mi thought you were asking about advance purchase of a regular ticket for " transfer" from airport to Zermatt. Now I realize you were asking about the actual Transfer Ticket, the one I mentioned. You do indeed buy it in advance, indeed you must buy it outside Switzerland. You can buy it on this website and should do so now to allow time for shipping it to you. The Transfer Ticket is good for travel on any train, so you do not need to figure that out in advance. It will be valid for a 30- day period starting the date you indicate when you purchase it. Trains within Switzerland do not require reservations. Hope that clears things up!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16247 posts
Supersavers are a good price but then they are back to predicting which train they can take, as the tickets are good only on the specific train. Or they could build in extra time as a cushion, but then might waste a lot of time in the airpport if the cushion is not needed. Plus they would have to buy the return separately, as they can only be purchased within 14 days of travel. It wouldn't be worth it to me to save 15 CHF; might be worth it to save 50 CHF, but even then I'm not sure I would try it. If I were arriving by train, then yes, but by plane, too many unknowns. To answer the original question, as efficient as Zurich aiprort is, I would not try to make an 8:40 train. Even if the plane lands on time, you need time to de-plane, take possibly bus from the tarmac to the terminal, maybe ride the train that connects terminals, go through immigration, and collect baggage (including skis?). Although we are usually through Zurich airport in les than an hour, that is with carry-on luggage and knowing our way around. (Plus a flight that has always arrived on time).
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32745 posts
CHF 135 for a Transfer Ticket. Looking at 22 January for Supersaver tickets one-way from the airport, CHF 61.60 on some trains, then CHF 49.20 on others. If you watch carefully you may find that the cheap tickets (train specific and non-changeable so leave enough time in case you run late) may be less money. Your choice - less stress and worry but more money; less money but have to hit your times.
Posted by
Easton, Pennsylvan, United States
5 posts
Jason, If you purchase the Transfer ticket, you still have to go to the window and have it validated...before you get on the train, so I am not sure how much time you will save by buying the transfer ticket in advance. I have gone to Zermatt many times from Zurich. If you really want to save time..then you might consider purchasing Fly Rail Baggage Tickets for your luggage. The bags will be checked through to Zermatt..and will arrive a day or two later, but if you carry what you immediately need on your carry on, then you don't have to wait for your luggage. Definitely do not purchase a train ticket for a specific train ahead of time. Once you are there, Zurich airport is relatively easy. Once you pass through customs there are signs in English with picture of Train which will lead you to the train station which is right under the airport. You will eventually have to go down two levels. Purchase the train ticket or validate the Transfer ticket on the level above the trains themselves.
Easy Airport! Have a wonderful time