Getting Around Valais 2025
Navigate Valais like a local with our transportation guide.
Valais is Switzerland's third-largest and most dramatically alpine canton, home to 40 of the Alps' 52 four-thousand-metre peaks including the iconic Matterhorn. With the driest climate in Switzerland, over 300 sunny days a year, and the country's largest wine-growing region, it offers an extraordinary blend of high-altitude adventure, luxury resorts, and centuries-old culture.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Valais.
Public Transit
Switzerland has one of the world's best public transport systems. Trains, PostBus, and cable cars are clean, punctual, and frequent — genuinely the best way to get around Valais.
Taxis
Taxis are available in all towns but expensive (CHF 3.50/km base rate). Use for short hops or airport transfers; apps like TaxiBeat and local operators serve resort areas.
Car Rental
Car rental is valuable for accessing Val d'Anniviers, Obergoms, and the Simplon Pass. Remember to leave your car in Täsch or Stalden before Zermatt and Saas-Fee.
Walking
Sion's old town and Zermatt village are very walkable. Resort villages are compact and generally navigable on foot.
Getting There
How to arrive in Valais.
✈️ By Air
Sion Airport
Valais' own regional airport, primarily used for charter and seasonal flights (ski season). Limited scheduled routes to the UK and Netherlands in winter.
Geneva Airport
The main international gateway for visitors to western Valais. Direct trains from Geneva Airport to Sion run approximately every 30 minutes.
Zurich Airport
Switzerland's main international hub, accessible to eastern Valais travellers. Take the train via Bern or Basel.
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Valais.
Within Valais, the combination of SBB trains, PostBus, and local cable cars covers almost all tourist destinations. A Swiss Travel Pass or half-fare card dramatically reduces costs.
SBB trains (Rhône Valley main line)
PostBus (mountain villages)
Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Zermatt)
Cable cars and gondolas (ski areas)
Bicycle/e-bike (Rhône Valley path)
Rental car (remote valleys)
🚌 Buses
PostBus routes cover all Valais communities; fare from CHF 3; free with Swiss Travel Pass or guest cards
🛺 Local Alternatives
Electric shuttle buses in Zermatt and Saas-Fee (car-free villages); e-bike hire along the Rhône Valley; funiculars in Sion (future project)
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Trains connect all major Valais towns. Sion is the central hub with services west to Martigny and Geneva, east to Visp and Brig. PostBus connects resort towns from the rail stations.
Long-Distance Buses
PostBus long-distance services from CHF 6–20; combined with SBB rail for longer journeys
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Shared taxis (Sammelfahrten) operate in some mountain areas; ask at tourist office
Domestic Flights
No domestic air services within Valais; Sion Airport serves seasonal charter routes
Private Car/Driver
Private car hire from CHF 60/day from major rental companies at Sion and Martigny
Driving in Valais
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
right
License Required
EU/EEA licenses valid; other nationalities should carry an international driving permit
Road Conditions
Mountain roads can be steep and narrow; many passes closed November–May. Zermatt and Saas-Fee are strictly car-free. Winter tyres mandatory November–April in mountain areas.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Buy a Swiss Travel Pass for the best value — unlimited trains, PostBus, and 50% off cable cars and mountain railways
The SBB mobile app (SBB Mobile) is essential for timetables, tickets, and real-time disruptions — works offline
Zermatt is car-free: park in Täsch (CHF 15–20/day) and take the shuttle train (CHF 9 return, 12 minutes)
Saas-Fee is car-free: park in the village entrance car parks (CHF 10–18/day)
Buy a half-fare card (CHF 120 for one month) if staying 2+ weeks — it halves all SBB and PostBus fares
The Glacier Express must be reserved in advance; check-in at Zermatt station with bags
Cable cars often require separate tickets from the ski pass — verify inclusions before purchasing
Useful Apps
SBB Mobile
Official Swiss Railways app — best for timetables, tickets, and real-time train tracking throughout Valais
Alpybus
Shuttle service booking app for transfers from Geneva and Zurich airports to Valais ski resorts
PostAuto (PostBus)
App for PostBus routes and timetables serving mountain villages not on the rail network
Navigate Valais Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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