A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zermatt vs. Bled for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zermatt or Bled?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Bled can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zermatt or Bled?

Zermatt

Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss village best known for its skiing, climbing, and hiking opportunities. It has become a popular mountain resort town due to its location and also features a number of boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants that cater to the vacationers who come to enjoy the many winter activities of the Alps.

Bled

Bled is an incredibly scenic place, on the east side of Lake Bled. The lake is a beautiful, rich, emerald green. There's a small island in the middle of the lake where you'll find a nice white chapel. The lake is surrounded by striking green mountains, among which you'll find the Bled Castle overlooking the scene. Bled also offers access to the nearby Triglav National Park, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Within the national park you'll find countless waterfalls and the lovely Lake Bohinj. You can find plenty of opportunities for mountain climbing, rafting, and hiking. There's even a cable car if you're looking for an easy way to get some good views of the mountains and landscape.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Bled or Zermatt?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zermatt is $223, while the average daily cost in Bled is $112. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Zermatt and Bled in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zermatt $126
    Bled $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zermatt $252
    Bled $120
Compare Hotels in Zermatt and Bled

Looking for a hotel in Zermatt or Bled? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Zermatt


Hotels in Bled


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Zermatt Hotel Prices and Bled Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zermatt $53
    Bled $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:

  • Zermatt to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
  • Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $1,087
  • Cervinia, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
  • Breuil-Cervinia to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP-Departure Transfer: $118
  • 3-Hour Private Transfer from Zermatt and Saa to Geneva Airport: $235

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bled

Also for Bled, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Bohinj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $165
  • Private transfer from Tolmin to Ljubljana city: $206

Is it cheaper to fly into Zermatt or Bled?

Prices for flights to both Bled and Zermatt change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Zermatt $57
    Bled $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zermatt

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zermatt.

  • Evening Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $119

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bled

For Bled, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Food Tour Bled - Explore Slovenia Through Its Tastes: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zermatt $56
    Bled $13

Tours and Activities in Zermatt

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:

  • Basel Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $885
  • Basel: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $1,067
  • Bern Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $856
  • Bern Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
  • Bern: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $984
  • From Basel: Zermatt and Mt. Gornergrat Small Group Tour: $530
  • From Bern: Zermatt Guided Tour with Matterhorn Railway Pass: $530
  • From Zurich: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise Private Tour: $885
  • Interlaken Private Tour to Gornergrat & Matterhorn Paradise: $1,026
  • Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $843
  • Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
  • Majestic Hiking Private Tour in Zermatt with pick up: $1,692

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bled

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bled's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Rafting
    $99

Tours and Activities in Bled

For Bled, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • From Self-Guided E-Bike Tour to Vintgar Gorge: $42
  • From Self-Guided E-Bike Tour to Vintgar Gorge: $53
  • Motorcycle Tours in Slovenia: $55
  • Bled Slovenia: 3–Hour Rafting Experience: $59
  • Lake Sava River Rafting Experience with Hotel Pickup: $59
  • 3-Hour Family-Friendly Rafting Adventure: $59
  • Lake Bled Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour: $63
  • From Ljubljana: Lake Bled and Bled Castle Tour: $65
  • Winter Triglav National Park Adventure - Half day trip from Bled: $71
  • Guided Kayaking Tour in a Transparent Kayak: $74
  • Guided Clear Kayak Tour in Bled: $75
  • Lake Bled Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Lesson and Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zermatt $28
    Bled $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Zermatt

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zermatt:

  • Wine Tasting in Valais: $84

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bled

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bled are as follows:


  • Bottle of Champagne
    $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Bled

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bled:

  • Slovenian wine tasting at Hotel Triglav Bled's wine cellar: $43
  • Wine Tasting Bled: $62
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Bled: $63
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Bled: $64


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zermatt and Bled, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. And not only is Bled much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bled would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bled and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt than you might in Bled.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zermatt Expensive? and Is Bled Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Bled?

Zermatt has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Bled. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Bled, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Zermatt or Bled?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zermatt or Bled in the Summer?

Both Bled and Zermatt during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Zermatt is around the same temperature as Bled in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bled fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bled, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zermatt. In the summer, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Bled. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bled receives 288 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Bled. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bled receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zermatt 23°C (73°F) 
    Bled 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Zermatt or Bled in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Bled. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zermatt is around the same temperature as Bled. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Bled averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Zermatt usually receives less sunshine than Bled during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bled receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Bled. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bled receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zermatt 15°C (58°F) 
    Bled 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Zermatt or Bled in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Bled. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zermatt can be very cold during winter. In January, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Bled. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Bled fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Bled. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bled receives 96 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bled. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bled receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zermatt 5°C (41°F) 
    Bled 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Zermatt or Bled in the Spring?

Both Bled and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Zermatt is around the same temperature as Bled in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bled fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bled during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bled receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Bled. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Bled receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zermatt 13°C (55°F) 
    Bled 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Bled and Zermatt

Zermatt Bled
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)