Gornergrat Train: Everything You Need To Know
The Gornergrat Cog Railway in Zermatt, Switzerland, is one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
On the ride up the railway, you are treated to unrivalled views of the iconic Matterhorn Peak and pass by some truly breathtaking landscapes.
Make sure your camera is charged because the comfortable 33-minute train ride whisks you up to the Gornergrat Mountain summit where you will discover an astonishing 360° view of nearly 30 different 4000m peaks. It is sublime!
To help you get there, we have put together our suggestions of everything you need to know about riding the Gornergrat train.
We explain the easiest way to buy Gornergrat Train Tickets (Spoiler: the best way is to order them online here) and highlight the different stops along the line.
We also provide you with suggestions for the best hikes from Gornergrat, as well as answering all of the questions you may have about riding the Gornergrat cog train.
So, let’s dive into: Gornergrat Train: Everything You Need To Know
Disclaimer - this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission, if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).
Disclosure: we were fortunate enough to be invited to visit Zermatt by Zermatt-Matterhorn, the official tourism board. While Zermatt-Matterhorn hosted us, all of the opinions and thoughts shared in this article are genuine and our own. We only recommend activities and places that we would pay to visit… and Zermatt is definitely one of those!
What is the Gornegrat Railway?
Let’s start with the basics, shall we? The Gornergrat Railway is a 125-year old panoramic mountain train in Zermatt - found in the Valais region of Switzerland.
It was the world’s first fully electrified cog railway system and today remains the highest open-air cog railway in Europe!
Away from all the impressive facts, though, the Gornergrat Railway is simply one of the most incredible experiences in Zermatt in Winter, in summer, or any time of the year!
People often ask, is Zermatt worth visiting? Well, we think a ride on the Gornergrat Railway makes any trip to Zermatt an incredible experience!
Interesting Gornergrat Cog Railway Facts
First opened in 1898, celebrated its 125th Birthday in 2023
Europe’s highest open-air cog railway
World’s first fully electric cog railway system
5.8 miles or 9.3 km long (one-way)
The most unique Ski Lift we’ve ever taken to reach the slopes!
Gornergrat Railway with the iconic Matterhorn in the background
How to Buy Gornergrat Train Tickets
You have 3 options for buying a Gornergrat Train ticket:
Easiest way - order a Gornergrat Railway Ticket online here and then simply exchange your voucher for a physical ticket when you get to the Gornergrat station in Zermatt. This is the best option because you can skip the lines!
Traditional way - you can, of course, go via the traditional route and buy your tickets directly at the Gornergrat station in the centre of Zermatt Village. You will usually have to wait in line, though, so be aware.
Included in your ski pass - if you are visiting Zermatt in the winter and plan on skiing in Zermatt, you are granted complimentary access to the Gornergrat Railway, provided you hold a valid ski pass for Zermatt.
Gornergrat Station in Zermatt Village
Zermatt to Gornergrat Price: How much does the Gornergrat Railway cost?
The ticket prices for the Gornergrat Railway vary slightly month-by-month and season-by-season.
In general though, the Gornergrat Railway ticket from Zermatt - Gornergrat costs between 92-132 CHF per person. This is for a return, adult ticket that is eligible to visit every station on the line.
The cheapest return tickets for the Gornergrat train can be bought during the Winter months between November - April, where you will likely pay around 92 CHF per person.
In contrast, during the busy Summer months of June, July and August, you are going to pay in the region of 132 CHF per person for a return ticket from Zermatt to the Gornergrat Station. It is quite expensive, but remember it is possible to do Zermatt on a budget, so you can save money elsewhere during your trip.
Remember, if you buy a Swiss Travel Pass, you are eligible for 50% off the Gornergrat Railway ticket price. Here’s everything you should know about the Swiss Travel Pass and Zermatt in case you need extra information.
*it is worth noting that Gornergrat prices vary from month to month and change depending on what station you want to get on/off the train. For the most up-to-date pricing, visit the Gornergratbahn website.
The view of the Matterhorn from the top of Gornergrat
Where does the Gornergrat Train go?
The Gornergrat Cog Railway begins from the Zermatt Gornergrat Station in the centre of Zermatt Village (The station's address is: Bahnhofpl. 1, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland) and features 6 different stops along the line.
The 6 stops for the Gornergrat Cog Railway (from lowest to highest altitude) are:
Zermatt Gornergrat Station - 1605m - in the centre of Zermatt Village, where you collect/exchange your tickets
Findelbach Station - 1783m - access to easy walks throughout the year
Riffelalp Station - 2222m - home to the famous Ski-in Ski-out Riffealp Resort
Riffelberg Station - 2583m - popular starting point for summer hikes
Rotenboden Station - 2815m - the closest station to the Riffelsee Lake viewpoint in Summer and for the Rotenboden-Riffelberg tobogganing trail in Winter
Gornergrat Station - 3089m - home to a magnificent viewing platform, ZOOOM the Matterhorn and the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat with ski-to-door access during the Winter
Gornergrat Railway Timetable
The timetable for the Gornergrat Railway changes seasonally and can be a little confusing to wrap your head around.
With that being said, the Gornergrat Railway generally runs from around 8am, every 24 minutes throughout the day, with a final ascent from Zermatt at around 7:24pm and a final descent from Gornergrat around 8:07pm.
There are, periodically, a couple of earlier/later ascents and descents to cater for guests staying at various hotels up and down the line.
As the timetable varies by season, it is always best to keep up to date with the current Gornergrat Railway Timetable on the Gornergrat Website.
Gornergrat Station - the final station on the Gornergrat Railway
What to do at the top of Gornergrat?
Main Gornergrat Viewpoint - arguably, the best part of the Gornergrat experience is the viewpoint from the top. From the Viewing Platform, on a clear day, you can see 29 different 4000m mountain peaks! It’s an incredible view that shouldn’t be missed!
ZOOOM the Matterhorn - an interactive experience at the Gornergrat Station that includes a 3D cinema, high zooming periscopes and an immersive paragliding flight simulation. Entry to ZOOOM the Matterhorn is free with Gornergrat Train tickets, or 12 CHF per person during winter with a valid ski pass.
‘Golden Spot’ Photo - one of the very original train carriages used on the Gornergrat Railway has been painstakingly repaired, gold-plated and put in situ at the top of the Gornergrat. It’s the perfect place to grab an amazing Instagram photo!
Telescopes with mountain peak information - one cool thing we loved at the top of the Gornergrat that we weren’t expecting was the free-to-use telescopes dotted around the viewing platform. Not only can you see the mountain peaks better from the telescopes, but when you look through them, you are given the names of the peaks and their altitude. It’s quite impressive really.
‘Golden Spot’ photo opportunity at Gornergrat
Hiking from Gornergrat
Riffelsee Lake Hiking Trail from Rotenboden Station (Summer Only)
The Riffelsee Lake Trail is an easy, 1hr long hike from Rotenboden Station (5th stop on the Gornergrat Train) to the magnificent Riffelsee Lake.
Even if you don’t know it, you have probably seen photos of Riffelsee Lake - it’s the one where, on a clear day, the Matterhorn reflects in the lake. It makes for a really magical scene!
Rotenboden - Riffelberg (via Iglu Dorf - Winter Only)
It is worth mentioning that there is a dedicated Rotenboden - Riffelberg Hiking Trail (Hiking trail 113, 1 hour) or the Panorama Trail (Hiking trail 142, 1 hour 30 mins), which is a dedicated snowshoe trail. Both take you from Rotenboden Station to Riffelberg Station.
However, we wanted to put our spin on it by hiking from Rotenboden to Riffelberg via the magical Iglu Dorf - an igloo hotel complete with a bar, Aprés Ski area and even a whirlpool!
The hike itself is very short - only 15 minutes to Iglu Dorf from Rotenboden Station - and most of the time, you actually follow the ski runs (just be careful of any skiers going a little too fast).
We wanted to highlight this alternative hike because it is our favourite short walk in Zermatt and you obviously get the chance to have a relaxing drink in an igloo in the middle of your hike.
Orla hiking between Rotenboden and Riffelberg
Tips for Riding the Gornergrat Train
Try to sit on the right-hand side of the train so you can gaze at the Matterhorn on your way up the mountain
Be aware of the final ascent/descent times of the day - you don’t want to be caught out at the top of the mountain with no way down
During Winter, the first couple of hours of the day will be full of skiers using the train to get to the slopes. If you’re a non-skier, we’d recommend waiting to catch the train until after 10am for a better chance of having a seat by the window
During Summer, you can buy a special Gornergrat Hiking Ticket from Zermatt that allows you to travel from Zermatt - Gornergrat, and back down from Riffelberg - Zermatt. It means you save money on the legs you’ll miss on the way back down.
Sitting on the right-hand side of the Gornergrat Cog Railway gives you the best views of the Matterhorn as you ascend up the mountain
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gornergrat Train
Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass on Gornergrat? Is Zermatt included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
The answer, unfortunately, is no you can’t use the Swiss Travel Pass on the Gornergrat Railway.
The reason is that Gornergrat is a privately owned Railway line, and the Swiss Travel Pass only covers state-owned lines.
With that being said, however, if you have a valid Swiss Travel Pass, you are entitled to 50% off the original ticket price for the Gornergrat.
Is the Gornergrat Railway worth it?
Absolutely yes, the Gornergrat Railway is definitely worth it! We appreciate that it is a very expensive train ride. Indeed, perhaps aside from the train to Machu Picchu, we’ve never spent in excess of £100 for a 33-minute train ride, but we feel it’s worth every penny.
The panoramic views from the Gornergrat are well documented, but we think what makes the train fee worth it, is everything you get access to along the line. That’s why the Gornergrat features on our magical 4-day winter itinerary in Zermatt.
Particularly in Winter, the Iglu Dorf, Rotenboden-Riffelberg Tobogganing Trail and the Gornergrat Viewpoint are all accessed via the Gornergrat train, making the train ride just part of the overall experience of Gornergrat!
How long is the Gornergrat Railway?
From the Zermatt Gornergrat Station in Zermatt Village to the highest Gornergrat Station, the Gornergrat Railway takes 33 minutes from top to bottom.
Can you get on and off the Gornergrat train?
Provided you have the correct ticket, you can get on and off the Gornergrat train at every single station but you are only allowed to ride each leg of the journey once.
Here’s a few examples to explain what is allowed and what isn’t allowed with a regular Gornergrat Train ticket:
Allowed - Get on at Zermatt Gornergrat (Station 1), get off at Rotenboden (Station 5) to hike to Riffelsee Lake. Get back on the train at Rotenboden (Station 5) and continue up to Gornergrat (Station 6). Get out at Gornegrat, visit ZOOOM the Matterhorn, and get back on the train at Gornergrat (Station 6) to return to Zermatt (Station 1).
Not allowed - Get on at Zermatt Gornergrat Station (Station 1), get off at Rotenboden (Station 5) to do the Rotenboden-Rifellberg Toboggan. Get back on the train at Riffelberg (Station 4) after tobogganing and go up to the Gornergrat (Station 6). In this scenario, riding the train upwards between Riffelberg (Station 4) and Rotenboden (Station 5) already occurred on the original ascent, so you would have to buy a separate ticket for this leg of the journey.
*we know it sounds complicated, but hopefully that makes sense!
How often does the Gornergrat train go?
While the Gornergrat Train Timetable varies from month to month and season to season, the Gornergrat Train typically departs every 24 minutes, beginning around 8am and finishing around 8pm.
Is the Gornergrat better in Summer or Winter?
Obviously, this depends on what you want to get out of the Gornergrat. Realistically, the view from the train and at the various viewing platforms along the line is incredible during both seasons.
If you love hiking, then Summer is definitely the best time to ride the Gornergrat. But, if you’re like us and prefer a winter wonderland scene, then Winter is the perfect time to experience the famous cog railway.
Orla admiring the view through the telescope at the top of Gornergrat
There we have it, folks, everything you need to know about riding the iconic Gornergrat Cog Railway. It is one of the most memorable train journeys we have ever taken, with panoramic views over the Alps and, of course, the famous Matterhorn Peak.
We hope this article excites you to visit this incredible attraction in Zermatt for yourself. What are you waiting for? Book those Gornergrat Cog Train Tickets now!
