With this Zermatt travel cost guide, you can explore average prices and plan a trip that fits your budget. The Zermatt trip cost calculator uses travel expense data from thousands of previous visitors, including typical hotel costs, food and dining prices, entertainment and sightseeing expenses, and transportation information. Zermatt is a stunning town known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn, so don't make a budget mistake that causes you to miss out on something important. Whether you're skiing on the slopes, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Zermatt, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Zermatt?
Our data from real travelers indicates that visitors to Zermatt spend approximately $293 (Sfr242) per person, per day, on average.
This travel cost data was last updated on . The daily average cost includes spending on accommodation, meals, local transportation, entry tickets, and sightseeing activities.
Since we know that the typical traveler spends about $293 (Sfr242) per day on a trip to Zermatt, this amount can be used to help plan your overall trip budget, as well as compare Zermatt to other destinations.
Past travelers here have spent, on average for one day:
$109 (Sfr90) on meals
$59 (Sfr49) on local transportation
$279 (Sfr230) on hotels
A one-week trip to Zermatt for two people costs, on average, $4,106 (Sfr3,388). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Below, we go into even more details about typical prices for accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing activities in Zermatt.
Costs by category are below, keep reading for more information.
Is Zermatt expensive to visit?
In Zermatt, budget travelers spend $128 (Sfr106) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $292 (Sfr242) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $558 (Sfr462) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Zermatt.
Zermatt is a popular town that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You may find Zermatt to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Zermatt is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Milos or Positano.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Zermatt Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Zermatt?
The average Zermatt trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Zermatt travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Zermatt cost?
Zermatt on a Budget
Category
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
Accommodation1 For 1 person in double occupancy
$61 (Sfr50)
$139 (Sfr115)
$266 (Sfr219)
Local Transportation1
$26 (Sfr21)
$59 (Sfr49)
$112 (Sfr93)
Food2
$48 (Sfr39)
$109 (Sfr90)
$209 (Sfr172)
Entertainment1
$27 (Sfr23)
$62 (Sfr51)
$119 (Sfr98)
Alcohol2
$7-20 (Sfr6-17)
$16-47 (Sfr13-39)
$30-89 (Sfr25-74)
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Zermatt cost?
A one week trip to Zermatt usually costs around $2,053 (Sfr1,694) for one person and $4,106 (Sfr3,388) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Zermatt on average costs around $4,106 (Sfr3,388) for one person and $8,213 (Sfr6,776) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Zermatt will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Zermatt on average costs around $8,799 (Sfr7,260) for one person and $17,598 (Sfr14,520) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Accommodation Budget in Zermatt
In Zermatt, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer or winter season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $395, but during peak season they jump to an average of $737. You can find budget options starting at $216 up to luxury rates at $1,719. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Zermatt for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $279 (Sfr230). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $139 (Sfr115) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Accommodation1
Hotel or hostel for one person
$139
Sfr115
Accommodation1
Typical double-occupancy room
$279
Sfr230
Hotels in Zermatt
Looking for a hotel in Zermatt? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Find the best hotel for your travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.
Actual Hotel Prices in Zermatt
The average hotel room price in Zermatt based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $395 in the low season and $737 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Zermatt include:
Hotel Metropol & Spa Zermatt starting at $294
Hotel Bristol starting at $261
Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt starting at $297
Hotel Tannenhof starting at $230
Hotel Garni Testa Grigia starting at $227
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Zermatt
While Zermatt has a good public transit system, staying outside the town to save on accommodation could mean higher transportation costs and less convenience if you're short on time.
Zermatt is known for being family friendly, so when traveling with kids, look for accommodations that offer more space.
There are multiple resorts available in this town. You might be able to find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many have onsite restaurants.
Planning to spend a week in Zermatt? A vacation rental with a kitchen could be ideal for cooking your meals if you're staying for a while.
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in summer or winter) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Many enjoy discovering Zermatt by walking, so it's beneficial to stay in a central spot. However, this convenience could lead to increased costs.
Prices can rise during ski season, so it's important to make reservations early. Many accommodations with easy access to the slopes often fill up fast and can be on the expensive side.
Recommended Properties
Transportation Budget in Zermatt
Zermatt offers a decent public transit system that reaches many must-see spots. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option. For a cheaper and quicker way to explore, public transit is a solid option when it's nearby. Taxis and rideshares are also plentiful in the city.
Visitors who prefer to discover the area by walking will find it enjoyable. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.
Public Transit:(good) Walkability:(excellent)
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, past travelers have spent $59 (Sfr49) per person, per day, on local transportation in Zermatt. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Zermatt is significantly more than public transportation.
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$59
Sfr49
When traveling to Zermatt, most tourists fly into Geneva, Zurich, or Milan Malpensa airports. Though Sion is the nearest airport, the flight schedule is very limited and so most visitors choose one of the other options. From the airports, Zermatt can be reached by hired car or by train.
Trains are probably the best way to reach the village, which run approximately every hour to Visp and then on to Brig. From Visp you can connect to the main Swiss Rail system with trains to Geneva (airport), Zurich (airport), and Basel. For more details on the schedule, see the Swiss Rail website.
Private cars can only drive as far as Tasch, and are not allowed in the village of Zermatt. The last 7 kilometers must be traveled by train or by taxi.
Transportation Tips
If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
Breuil-Cervinia to Turin Caselle Airport TRN - Departure Transfer for $223 details
Recommended Services
Flights to Zermatt
How much does it cost to go to Zermatt? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
Rental Cars in Zermatt
The price of renting a car in Zermatt will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Zermatt
The food in Zermatt is terrific, and you should make sure to take time to taste all of the local flavors. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
While restaurant and meal prices in Zermatt can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Zermatt is $109 (Sfr90) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
Food2
Meals for one day
$109
Sfr90
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Zermatt is around $109 (Sfr90) per person, with previous travelers spending from $48 to $208. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Zermatt are as follows:
Breakfast: $11 to $33
Lunch: $16 to $44
Dinner: $33 to $76
Coffee: $9
Fast Food or Street Food: $16
While Zermatt is known for its skiing, it is also known for its high-standard cuisine. The Swiss resort town has one of the highest concentrations of gourmet restaurants than any other. With just about 100 restaurants (and over 50 in the mountains), the choices are endless. You might wish to dine at one of the elegant hotels with mountain views, or cozy up to a fireplace in one of the village restaurants. Zermatt has plenty of options for sampling authentic Alpine food. Any place is sure to have a selection of dishes featuring local meats and cheeses as well as wines-all amidst gorgeous mountain views.
Food & Dining Tips
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
You can save money and appreciate the scenery by enjoying a picnic. Stop by a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and find a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Zermatt
Travelers flock to Zermatt because it is well-known for its skiing, hiking, romance, and food.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Zermatt typically cost an average of $62 (Sfr51) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$62
Sfr51
The Matterhorn of course steals the spotlight, its snow-covered peak towering above the little village. One of the tallest mountains in the Alps, it straddles the border of Italy and Switzerland and can be visited from either side. On the Swiss side, Zermatt is the main access point. Experienced mountaineers are permitted to climb to its peak for a fee of about 1200 CHF with a guide provided from Zermatt.
Monte Rosa and Breithorn are two other well-known peaks to climb. Breithorn is probably the easiest. Using the lifts "Furri" (1700 m), "Trockener Steg" (2800 m), and "kleines Matterhorn" (3883 m) you can reach the top of the little Matterhorn. From here there is a walking trail that leads to the top of Breithorn in approximately two hours.
Other highlights include a railway called the Gornergrat which climbs the mountain for a spectacular panorama, as well as the Matterhorn Museum which features equipment from the first climbing expedition. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest place in Europe and can be reached by cable car, while Gorner Gorge features a footpath across narrow bridges and steps as well as a fixed rope route guide visitors through the gorge.
other than skiing and snowboarding, winter sports like curling and ice skating are popular in Zermatt. The ski area of Zermatt reaches from the Rothorn over Gornergrad and the Theodulpass to the Italian villages of Breuil-Cervinia and Valtourneche. The village also has a number of ski schools with multi-lingual instructors and mountain guides for those seeking a chaperone for their winter sports. The best known of these schools is Zermatt Ski School - European Snowsport.
In warmer months, cycling through town is also common, as is mountain biking on the surrounding slopes. Most of the ski lifts allow visitors to carry on mountain bikes, though usually for an extra fee.
As many of Zermatt's hotels are on the pricier end of things, camping is also common for visitors looking to enjoy Switzerland's great outdoors. There is a camping area open in Zermatt during the summer months, as well as one in Tasch.
Sightseeing Tips
Skiing: Skiing and snowboarding are two of the biggest reasons to visit Zermatt. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.
Hiking: Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking near Zermatt. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.
Shopping: Shopping here is an experience not to be missed. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.
A nice way to explore destinations in Zermatt is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
Zermatt Village Essentials 2h Small Group Tour &Alpine Adventures for $155 details
Attraction Ticket: Zermatt to Mt. Gornergrat Railway for $262 details
The nightlife in Zermatt is fun and active, and visitors enjoy spending nights out at the local bars, clubs, and parties. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $31 (Sfr26) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Zermatt per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$31
Sfr26
Nightlife Tips
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Zermatt. A few favorites from other travelers include:
Activity in private minibus, wine tasting in Valais for $85 details
Recommended
Budgeting and Travel Tips for Zermatt
During peak summer or winter season, prices are generally much higher and the town is more crowded. You can save money and avoid the crowds by visiting during the shoulder seasons or low season instead.
As Zermatt is large, you can usually find a variety of price ranges for everything including hotels, food, and activities. You can save money by shopping around, booking ahead, and taking advantage of free things to do.
Traveling slower can help save you money while letting you enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you pack your days with activities, the costs can add up. However, taking it easy often results in a more enjoyable trip with lower expenses.
Budgeting Challenges
During the winter, many visitors come to enjoy the skiing and snowboarding available in the area. However, these activities can be expensive, leaving little room for budget flexibility. Lift tickets, ski gear rentals, and peak-season lodging will significantly affect your trip's overall budget. Make sure to check your travel insurance for complete coverage.
If you're traveling with young children, it's likely that you'll want a private vehicle or taxi. Sometimes it's just easier to skip the hassle of public transit, but you'll need to pay more.
If you're thinking Zermatt will have plenty of hostel options, you might be in for a surprise. Instead of relying on cheap dorms, it's better to seek out an inexpensive hotel or an apartment rental.
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.
Neighborhoods & Around
The village of Zermatt, though densely fashioned, is geographically very small. There are three main streets which run along the banks of the river Vispa, and a number of cross-streets, especially around the station and the church which form the center of the village. Just about anywhere in the village is within a twenty minute walk. The main street is called Bahnhofstrasse and is lined with boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants, and also has a lively ski-related scene. The shops are mostly upscale luxury brands selling goods from outdoor equipment to Swiss watches, jewelry, and chocolate. While shopping and dining are the main activities in town, there are also public outdoor rinks for ice-skating and curling.
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Zermatt cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $128 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Zermatt offers plenty of hostels such as Zermatt Youth Hostel. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities. Food is also a highlight for all types of visitors to Zermatt, but budget travelers often dine on street food or cook meals in their hostel, so they may not always experience the delicious cuisine.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Many visitors to Zermatt are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $292 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $558 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the town will demand a higher price range. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Activity in private minibus, wine tasting in Valais - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Bryan & Laurie | Budget Your Trip
Bryan and Laurie started Budget Your Trip so that everyone could find out the real costs of traveling to destinations around the world. Bryan has visited 61 countries, which is exactly one more than Laurie, and she won't let him forget it! Also avid photographers, they enjoy entrenching themselves within the local culture to learn more about the people of a place. Otherwise, they can be found enjoying an exotic meal or a passionate conversation about global events... and also finding out how much everything costs.
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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.
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