As of 2024, there are three ways to get from Zermatt to Venice. Which is best depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. A train is best if you're traveling on a budget; a flight is an option if you plan to visit Geneva; and Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest, most convenient, and most comfortable method.
Is there a high-speed train from Switzerland to Venice?
On average, one direct high-speed train runs from Switzerland to Venice daily. Trenitalia travels between Zurich HBF and Venice Santa Lucia Station in 6 hours and 55 minutes. You can also catch a regular service from Switzerland to Milan before switching to the faster Frecciabianca train to Venice.
Does Venice have a tourist tax?
In 2024, Venice will introduce a tourist tax for day-trippers. From the end of April to mid-July, travelers must pay $6 (тВм5.50) to enter the floating city. If you're staying at a hotel on an island, you'll be exempt from paying the fee as it's included in the pay-per-night tax. Otherwise, you must register here for a QR code for when officials carry out inspections.
In what months does it flood in Venice?
From early October to the beginning of February, Venice can experience flooding, known as acqua alta by the locals. October is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of almost three inches. Since St. Mark's Square is the lowest point in the city, this is usually the most affected area.
Is Venice an expensive city?
Studies show that Venice is Italy's most expensive city and Europe's fourth-most costly destination. High accommodation and nightlife costs are the most significant expenditures for travelers. However, if you travel in the off-season and attend restaurants outside San Marco and San Polo, you can find pasta dishes for under $12 (тВм11) and an Aperol spritz for under $5 (тВм4.50).
How far is it from Zermatt Tasch to Venice?
The shortest road distance from Zermatt Tasch to Venice is around 219 miles (352 km), which can take as little as 5 hours and 30 minutes when driving safely. However, the unpredictable and harsh conditions in the European Alps could increase the journey to over six hours when traveling during the winter.
A car trip from Zermatt Tasch to Venice is a tale of Italian flair sprinkled with Swiss rustic touches. Views of alpine woodlands transform into lavish metropolises and half-wooden villages before finally turning into the pristine lake district. You can't help but have the soundtrack of Volare on your mind as you speed through neatly stacked vineyards and slowly wind along mounting passes.
The 219-mile (352-km) road trip is packed with surprises, even before you set off. Although Venice lies to the southeast, you'll head north along the narrow road wedged between snow-capped cliffs to loop around the Pennine Alps. As you approach the Italian frontier, the road twists and turns like a plate of spaghetti, only more enjoyable as colorful towns nestled in gaping valleys ignite your taste for adventure.
At the midway point, Lombardy's flat plain encourages you to relax while cruising along the smooth roads flanked by lush greenery and medieval castles. Once you reach the lake district, a stop to dip in Lake Maggiore's warm waters will reignite your wanderlust for the final leg of the voyage.
You'll know you have reached the unique island of Venice when you run out of tarmac, and emerald waters flow beneath your feet. If you've selected the best mode of transportation, like a journey with Daytrip, you'll arrive firmly in the La Dolce Vita spirit. To uncover which is best for your needs and preferences, continue reading our comprehensive Zermatt to Venice travel guide.
About Venice
After a scenic cruise from Zermatt to Venice, you'll arrive in Italy's most iconic city. Despite its popularity, it's only the nation's 12th-largest town, home to under 260,000 residents. On a map, Venice sits northeast of the boot-shaped peninsula, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and bordered by the Dolomite Mountain Range.
Early Venice
Venice's rich past began in the 5th century when locals in surrounding villages fled the incoming Germanic tribe invasions. These refugees built rafts and landed in the marshlands, 2.5 miles (4 km) from the Italian mainland. On the stroke of midday on Friday, March 25, AD 421, settlers officially declared the island a city.
Venice's strategic location along the Adriatic Sea allowed it to flourish as a port city, trading goods between Europe and the Arabic world. Eventually, it formed an empire stretching from northern Italy, along the Balkans, and down to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus from the 8th to almost the 19th century.
The Golden Age of Venice
Like most of Italy, the Renaissance was Venice's golden age. Its continued success along trade routes exchanging silk, spices, wines, and precious metals funded the construction of Europe's most elegant building even today.
Its style and sophistication attracted royalty, wealthy aristocrats, and world-renowned artists. Architects designed masterpieces such as Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Cathedral, and the Rialto Bridge, while Titian, Giovanni Bellini, and even Leonardo de Vinci assembled the world's most impressive art scene. From the 14th to the 17th centuries, Venice was the world's cultural capital.
Modern Venice
Today, nothing feels тАЬmodernтАЭ about Venice. Around 435 bridges link the 121 islands of its historical quarters, carved open by picturesque canals. Exquisite Renaissance and Byzantine-style buildings cluster together to create a labyrinth of walkways housing anything from traditional Venetian mask painting stores to rainbow-colored Venetian glasswork shops from the nearby island of Murano.
You can feel the city's financial and cultural wealth, especially when bobbling on the island's main artery, the Grand Canal. However, Venice also has a laidback and carefree spirit. Endless bacaris lining the maze of streets create a buzzing atmosphere where locals and tourists gather to indulge in a refreshing Aperol spritz and mouth-watering cicchetti!
Language: Italian
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Climate: humid subtropical
Time zone: GMT+1
Plug types: C, F, and L
Fun fact: As of 2024, only four bridges span the 2-mile Grand Canal!
From Zermatt to Venice: travel tips
The road trip from Zermatt to Venice is one of Europe's most stunning ventures. However, spending around six hours in a vehicle can take its toll. So, use our insider travel tips to ensure you overcome any hurdles en route!
Plan a pit stop
Whether to explore breathtaking sights, refuel with Italian cuisine, or combat deep vein thrombosis, making a pitstop en route from Zermatt to Venice is essential.
Borghetto sul Mincio is a charming village so small that it rarely appears on a map of Italy, never mind a tourist map. You can sample the regional flavors or take a peaceful walk along its gushing river. If you want something more majestic, stop at the seaside resort of Stresa, with sprawling views of Lake Maggiore!
Book tickets in advance
There isn't a vast transportation network from Zermatt to Venice due to the distance and mountainous terrain sandwiched between the cities. Therefore, seats are limited, and if you want the best deals, you must book at least 30 days in advance.
You should also book museums, tours, and other attractions in Venice before arriving in town. Spaces for in-demand sights sell out during the summer. Book your free 15 minutes at the T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace today as tourists pack out this sought-after lookout spot months in advance!
Be smart when packing
The most vital tip when traveling from Zermatt to Venice is to pack light!
Firstly, you'll likely take an indirect service between the cities. So you'll need to hurdle bags in and out of carriages. But the main problem arises when you arrive in Venice. Dragging a 20-kg suitcase in crowded lanes, over cobbled paths, and across footbridges will instantly dampen your first impressions of Venice.
It's also an extensive 219-mile (352-km) voyage. So, even if you plan to stop en route, remember to pack snacks, entertainment outlets, and plenty of water.
How to get from Zermatt to Venice
Getting from Zermatt to Venice can feel tricky, as there's only one direct mode of transportation. However, it is possible, and you can discover which travel method is best for your needs and budget below!
Trains from Zermatt to Venice
The train is the most popular way people transfer from Zermatt to Venice. Although it's the cheapest way to travel, it's not a budget-friendly service. So reserve a seat between 4 and 6 weeks before departing for the lowest fare.
Although one daily service requiring only one change is available, you'll likely swap carriages twice. You'll travel with Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, Trenitalia, and, depending on your selected route, possibly Italo Treno.
To travel by train, you'll board a service from Zermatt HBF to Brig HBF before swapping carriages. From Brig, you'll transfer to Milan Central Station and arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia Station around 2.5 hours later.
A flight from Zermatt to Venice is possible. However, it's not recommended due to the cost and hassle.
Geneva Airport is the closest terminal that flies directly to Venice. You can book a 4-hour indirect train through Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to get there. Then, you'll travel to Venice Marco Polo Airport with budget airline EasyJet. Finally, you can catch the Airport Express to the island of Venice in 25 minutes.
Including time for security checks at the airport, the overall journey will take around 7-8 hours and cost anywhere between $90-$210 (тВм83-тВм193).
Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the only direct transportation from Zermatt to Venice. As a result, it's the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient way to travel through northern Italy.
Like a regular shuttle, you'll have the convenience of having your professional driver collect you directly at your hotel at whatever time suits your schedule. After helping with your bags, you'll cruise along the jaw-dropping scenery in a quiet, sanitized vehicle with modern conveniences such as reclining seats and air conditioning.
Unlike a regular shuttle service, we allow you to stop and experience the breathtaking attractions on the road from Zermatt to Venice. You can feel like a modern-day Marco Polo exploring the little-known city of Domodossola, home to a gorgeous old town, and Sacred Mount Calvary, a UNESCO-listed site. Or why not get into the artistic spirit before arriving in Venice by visiting the extensive art collection at the Maga Museum?
Seats from: $180 (тВм166)
English-speaking driver
Complimentary bottled water
Equipped for pets, groups, children, or those with limited mobility
24/7 customer support
Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!
Things to do when you get to Venice
The Floating City is the 9th-most visited city in continental Europe. Around 20 million people flock here to appreciate the magical setting and plethora of museums. So, prepare for a packed schedule after your Zermatt to Venice transfer!
Adore Saint Mark's Square
St. Mark's Square was the heart of European culture during the Renaissance. Today, you can still feel its significance, surrounded by magnificent buildings like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
The square is a bustling hub of activity, where you can marvel at the basilica's intricate mosaics, explore the affluent rooms of the Doge's Palace, and enjoy a coffee at one of the historic cafes. The basilica's bell tower also offers panoramic vistas of the cityscape and the lagoon.
Cross the Rialto Bridge and visit the Rialto Market
To reach the Rialto Market, you first must cross the beautiful Rialto Bridge. Believe it or not, this was the only one to span the Grand Canal for over 1,000 years. Remember to stop to admire the mesmerizing views looking down the canal, flanked by colorful buildings!
When you reach the other side, you'll arrive at souvenir stalls where you can pick up some famous Murano glass as a gift or memory. Continue walking to uncover the local market that has been here since 1067. Here, you can sample the fresh flavors and see why Venetian cuisine is a cut above the rest. Or you can gather some products and enjoy a picnic in a nearby park.
Unwind in Parco delle Rimembranze
Once you've grabbed some local produce, it's time to wander the tranquil streets of the Castello district and make your way to Parco delle Rimembranze. Although you're still blessed with scenic surroundings, the open green space with a fresh sea breeze makes you feel out of reach from Venice's narrow lanes.
The vibrant greenery, the smell of the pine trees, and the noise of water splashing against the shores turn the area into an urban oasis. Many tourists overlook this setting, so you'll have enough space to relax. This is ideal if you need to recharge while traveling as a family.
Experience a gondola ride
Gondolas were the primary mode of transport in Venice for around eight centuries. Now, they're a symbol of tourism, and no trip to the city is complete without embarking on a romantic voyage.
As you glide along the narrow waterways, you'll pass by historic buildings and under quaint bridges while witnessing the hidden gems of Venice that are only accessible by water. Gondoliers often share fascinating tales and sing traditional songs, adding to the enchanting ambiance.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
Most of the floating city's 20 million visitors travel to the region in the summer. In the winter, it's no surprise that this town, built on 435 islands, is prone to flooding. Therefore, spring is the best time to book your Zermatt to Venice transfer!
The average daily high temperature of 74┬░ Fahrenheit (23┬░C) is just right for taking walking tours, going on cultural excursions, or getting lost in its 160 square miles (257 square km) of maze-like streets. With the sun high in the sky, it's also the first time since the beginning of last fall that tables and chairs fill the outside terraces.
Since Venice is also one of Europe's most expensive cities, traveling in the spring can keep some of your hard-earned cash in your pocket. Hotels are significantly cheaper than during the peak season, and you can also find plenty of discounts on tours, bars, and restaurants. And since fewer people will be on the streets, you'll travel more sustainably!
With its UNESCO listed church and medieval town center, this frontier town is overrun with history instead of tumbleweeds.┬аPassion on the Frontier┬а
Stresa
The town of Stresa lies on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the Piedmont region in northern Italy. Stresa blends culture and relaxation, making it one of them most popular tourist attractions in Italy.┬аPearl of Lake Maggiore┬а
Museum Maga
Not even a fire could put a dampener on the contemporary art magic happening at this well-curated hub.┬аModern Magic┬а
Alfa Romeo Museum
This historic car makerтАЩs museum in its former factory is a delight for car lovers, and those who appreciate a slice of Italian culture.┬аFirst Love┬а
Caves of Catullus
The Caves of Catullus have a winding history, but the pieces that remain today are breathtaking nonetheless.┬аThe captivating Caves of Catullus┬а
Borghetto sul Mincio
The quaint, medieval village of Borghetto sul Mincio remains hidden from mainstream tourism and evokes a feeling of Italian rural peace and serenity.┬аOne of ItalyтАЩs most beautiful villages┬а
