The cable car between Italy and Switzerland allows for a superb alpine crossing without the need for skis or hiking boots. Here is all the information you need to know about the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Jump to Comments
The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing between Switzerland and Italy opened in July 2023. The cable car journey links 9 different stations on the 90-minute trip.
Beginning at 1,620m in Zermatt, it climbs to the incredible views of Klein Matterhorn at 3,883m. From the peak, it descends to Breuil-Cervinia at 2,050m.
With over 4,000m of ascent and descent, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing has the largest elevation change of any cable car link in the Alps.
The journey became possible in July 2023 when a new cable car connected Plateau Rosa and Klein Matterhorn.
The new cable car is not cheap, but it brings together two iconic ski resorts, a host of wonderful things to do, and some of the best views of the Matterhorn.
Here’s all you need to know about the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing and whether the tickets are worth the hefty price.
WHAT IS THE MATTERHORN ALPINE CROSSING?
The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is the highest cross-country cable car in the world. It connects Zermatt in Switzerland with Breuil-Cervinia in Italy.
The crossing takes about 90 minutes. This involves 8 cable car journeys connecting 9 different cable car stations – 5 in Switzerland and 4 in Italy.
The entire return journey (3 hours return) covers 4,000 meters of ascent and descent. As a result, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is the cable car link with the greatest altitude difference in Europe.
The highlight is the views from Klein Matterhorn, the highest cable car station on the course, at 3,883m. From here, you can see the pyramidal Matterhorn and climbers ascending snow-covered Breithorn.
Each cable car station has its attractions, and there are opportunities to get out and explore.
MAP: MATTERHORN ALPINE CROSSING
The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing connects Zermatt in Switzerland with Breuil-Cervinia in Italy. Our map below includes all the stops between Switzerland and Italy.
USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
WHEN DOES THE MATTERHORN ALPINE CROSSING OPERATE?
Zermatt to Klein Matterhorn (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) is open all year.
Klein Matterhorn to Testa Grigia (Plateau Rosa) was originally only open from July to October. However, they are steadily increasing the months they operate. For the 2024 winter season, it was open all months except February to the end of April.
Other sections of the cable car link operate at different times throughout the year. Check online before your trip:
WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION?
The first car leaves from both Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia at 6.30 am. The last car returns to Italy from Zermatt at 2.45 pm, and the last cable car returns to Switzerland from Breuil-Cervinia at 3 pm.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is not cheap.
SWITZERLAND TO ITALY CABLE CAR COSTS (2023)
A return ticket from Zermatt to Breuil-Cervinia costs CHF 250 between July and August; CHF 228 in May, June, September and October; and CHF 190 from November to April.
However, there are a few discounts available:
- Free for children up to 8 years old.
- Children 9 to 16 travel at half price.
- Swiss Half Card reduces the return ticket from Zermatt to Breuil-Cervinia to CHF147.50
Find all the latest prices on the Matterhorn Paradise website.
ITALY TO SWITZERLAND CABLE CAR COSTS
A return ticket from Breuil-Cervinia to Zermatt and back costs €240 between July and August and €218 between September and October.
The discounts from Italy to Switzerland are:
- Free for children up to 8 years old.
- Children 9 to 16 travel at half price.
IS THE MATTERHORN ALPINE CROSSING WORTH IT?
In our opinion, the return journey to Klein Matterhorn from Breuil-Cervinia (€120) and from Zermatt (CHF 120), is worth it for the unique panoramas.
The Klein Matterhorn is one of the best viewpoints in the Alps and one of the most stunning panoramas in the world.
The triangular peak of the Matterhorn rises above snow and ice and the snowy peak of Breithorn is in front of you. The mountains of Castor and Lyskamm pierce the sweeping snow and the Gornergrat train is visible on the Gornergrat glacier.
Having said that, the entire crossing from Italy to Switzerland is double the price of getting to Klein Matterhorn. This is the highlight of the journey.
The full crossing also takes 3 hours. This leaves little time to explore the attractions around each cable car station.
In our opinion, the full crossing is not worth the cost.
To help you make the decision we have included below a list of attractions at each station with a breakdown of the ticket prices to get there.
ZERMATT TO CERVINIA CABLE CAR STATIONS (SWISS STATIONS)
The journey from Zermatt to Cervinia includes 9 cable car stops. We have listed them in order from Zermatt, but you can complete the journey in either direction.
1 – ZERMATT (1,620 METRES)
Opening Hours – 6:30 am to 6 pm | Last ride to Italy – 2:45 pm
Zermatt is a charming Swiss town tucked into a tight valley. The town is cute with wonderful chalets perched over pedestrianised streets.
It’s a cool place to grab lunch, a coffee, or stroll lanes lined with alpine chalets.
Positioned under a wall of rock, the views from Zermatt are not particularly wonderful. But the tip of the Matterhorn flickers above the valley wall.
WHAT TO DO IN ZERMATT
- Read our guide to the best things to do in Zermatt.
- Ride the Gornergrat Train for magnificent views over Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn.
- Hike the 5 lakes from the top of the Sunnegga Funicular.
- Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about mountaineering, skiing, and the history of the town.
2 – FURI (1,867 METRES)
Opening Hours – 6:30 am to 6 pm | Last ride to Italy – 2:50 pm
The first stop on the Alpine Matterhorn Crossing is Furi.
It’s in a lovely position, set amongst the trees and meadows. Cattle graze beside charming wooden barns. There are several atmospheric restaurants overlooking the meadows.
WHAT TO DO AT FURI
- Cross the 100 m-long suspension bridge that hangs 90m above the Gornerschlucht gorge.
- Explore the Gorner Gorge from the wooden walkways above the river.
- Grab lunch at Bergrestaurant Blatten between Furi and Zermatt.
3 – SCHWARZSEE (2,583 METRES) – OPTIONAL
Opening Hours – 8 am to 5 pm | Last ride to Italy – 3 pm
It’s possible to skip the Schwarszee cable car station and go straight from Furi to Trockener Steg.
But in our opinion, it’s worth visiting.
Schwarzsee is the closest cable car station to the Matterhorn with excellent views of the north and east faces. The landscape is beginning to get bleak and barren, and the hut is a great spot for a warm coffee and grand views.
WHAT TO DO AT SCHWARZSEE
- Peer up at the Matterhorn rising above you.
- Take photos of the chapel on Schwarszee lake.
- Hike to Hörnlihütte – Matterhorn’s base camp (3-4 hours round trip).
4 – TROCKENER STEG (2,939 METRES)
Opening Hours – 6:45 am to 4:30 pm | Last ride to Italy – 3:15 pm
Trockener Steg is on the edge of the ski slopes and the highest point at which you can start summer hiking without walking on snow. It’s a barren, rocky landscape left behind by the retreat of the glacier.
WHAT TO DO AT TROCKENER STEG
- Learn about the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing in the Info Cube.
- Hike the remnants of a glacier on the Matterhorn Glacier Trail.
- Join a guided Winter Snowshoe Tour.
5 – KLEIN MATTERHORN / MATTERHORN GLACIER PARADISE (3,883 METRES)
Opening Hours – 7 am to 4:30 pm | Last ride to Italy – 3:30 pm
Klein Matterhorn is the highest mountain station in Europe. It has the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise which is an unmissable experience on the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing.
Surrounded by 38 four-thousand-foot peaks and 14 glaciers Klein Matterhorn is a captivating world of snow and ice.
WHAT TO DO AT KLEIN MATTERHORN
- Absorb breathtaking vistas from the Panoramic Viewing platform.
- See sparkling crystals of ice in the Glacier Palace.
- Get a guide and climb 4,164 meter-high Breithorn Mountain.
- Catch the film about the cable car construction in the cinema lounge.
ZERMATT TO CERVINIA CABLE CAR STATIONS (ITALIAN STATIONS)
There are 4 cable car stops on the Italian side: Testa Grigia/Plateau Rosa, Cime Bianche Laghi, Plan Maison and Breuil-Cervinia. For more information on the area, read our guide to the Italian Alps.
6 – TESTA GRIGIA / PLATEAU ROSÁ (3,480 METRES)
Opening Hours – 7 am to 4:15 pm | Last Ride to Zermatt – 3:45 pm
Testa Grigia (Plateau Rosá in Italian) is the location of the Swiss / Italian border. There’s a small restaurant with excellent views and a brand-new adventure park, SnowXperience, which is due to open in August 2023.
The adventure park will have year-round snow-based activities.
WHAT TO DO AT TESTA GRIGIA / PLATEAU ROSÁ
- Stand on the border with one foot in Switzerland and one in Italy.
- Go snow tubing, snowboarding, and skiing at the brand-new SnowXperience.
- Grab a coffee and cake at the atmospheric Rifugio Guide del Cervino.
7 – CIME BIANCHE LAGHI (2,812 METRES)
Opening Hours – 6:45 am to 3:55 pm | Last Ride to Zermatt – 3:30 pm
Cime Bianche is set in nice landscapes but there’s not so much to do at this station.
You can walk to the nearby lakes for excellent views of the Matterhorn or if you’re feeling more active, try the Breuil-Cervinia Bike Park.
WHAT TO DO AT CIME BIANCHE LAGHI
- Take in views of the Matterhorn and Les Grande Murailles reflecting in pretty lakes.
- Enjoy one of the over 100 kilometers of downhill biking trails that leave from Cime Bianche.
- Try some hearty Italian food at the Bar Ristorante Cime Bianche Laghi.
8 – PLAN MAISON (2,565 METRES)
Opening Hours – 6:45 am to 3:55 pm | Last ride to Zermatt – 3:15 pm
Plan Maison is at the heart of the ski slopes at Breuil-Cervinia. There’s a wide range of activities for both summer and winter from skiing to biking, boarding to hiking.
WHAT TO DO A PLAN MAISON
- Hike to Lago Goillet a picturesque reservoir in a glacier basin.
- Take one of the four mountain bike trails between Plan Maison and Cervinia.
- Enjoy wonderful food in an excellent setting at Rocce Nere.
9 – BREUIL-CERVINIA (2,050 METRES)
Opening Hours – 6:30 am to 4:20 pm | Last ride to Zermatt – 3 pm
Breuil-Cervinia is an Italian town nestled in the Aosta Valley. It’s known for its ski slopes and stunning views of the Matterhorn.
While it’s not as pretty as Zermatt, it’s more dramatically set. Towering mountains seem to rise straight out of the top of the roofs of the town.
WHAT TO DO AT BREUIL-CERVINIA
- Hike to Lago Blu for perfect reflections of the Matterhorn.
- Play a round of golf at Cervino Golf Club.
- Enjoy Italian Aperitivo at one of the many cool hotels dwarfed by mountains.
ITALY TO SWITZERLAND CABLE CAR – OUR SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
The Italy to Switzerland cable car opens up a whole world of mountain experiences.
While you may not want to do the entire crossing, you can use parts of the infrastructure to put together a great itinerary.
Suggested itineraries on the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing –
- Go from Zermatt to Klein Matterhorn and then over to the new SnowXperience at Plateaus Rosa before returning.
- Go from Breuil-Cervinia to Klein Matterhorn and then over to Schwarzsee to hike to Hornlihütte base camp before returning.
- Go from Breuil-Cervinia to Klein Matterhorn and then over to Trockener Steg. Hike the Matterhorn Glacier Trail to Scwarzsee and then return.
FAQs
DO YOU NEED A PASSPORT?
Switzerland and Italy are both in the Schengen Area, so passports are not checked anywhere on the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing.
CAN I TAKE MY LUGGAGE WITH ME?
Currently, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing does not allow for luggage transfer. There are plans for this service to be available in 2024.
MORE SWITZERLAND GUIDES
- Plan your trip using our 3-day Jungfrau Itinerary.
- Try one of these amazing hikes near Lauterbrunnen.
- See the beautiful Oeschinen Lake on the most scenic hike in the area.
- These hikes near Interlaken range from Easy to Challenging.
- Ready for a city break? We loved medieval Bern.
- Here are the best things to do in Lucerne.
- Looking for more? Read about our favourite places to visit in Switzerland.
- These are our 12 favourite hikes in Switzerland.
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Thanks for your support. Paul & Mark
Thank you so much this is super helpful info. Heading to Zermatt tomorrow and there are so many sites offering tours at exhorbitant prices its good to get some real neutral advice
Glad to hear you found it useful.
Switzerland is in the Schengen area together with the European Union and there are no document checks at the borders.
Correct.
Thank u for the wonderful information provided.
You hv mentioned about Swiss half price pass applicable for purchase of tickets for this wonderful Alpine crossing, then how about the Swiss passes? We will be using a 14days Swiss pass for our trip. Is this whole crossing covered under Swiss pass?
Pls advice. Thank you.
Hi Kelly, The Swiss Travel Pass offers a 50% discount for the Swiss side of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing but not the Italian side. You may want to consider only going to Klein Matterhorn from Zermatt and not down the other side into Italy. Hope that helps. Mark
Thanks for the great information. If I’m reading correctly, the full trip is not possible in December? How far could we go?
You can usually get to Testa Grigia all year because they have year-round skiing. However, closures can happen from time to time so check online to make sure it’s running before you set off.
Thanks for the comprehensive information! Great resource for my upcoming trip!
Hi Frank, Hope you have a fun time. It’s an amazing part of the world. Cheers, Mark
Hi, great reading …. Question, if i have a light backpack (say 10kg) can i go one way swiss side and then get a bus or train to milan?
Hi Tony, We had decent sized trekking backpacks on, so I don’t see any reason you could not take a 10kg pack over. You can then get a bus from Cervinia to Milan (changing at Chatillon). Hope that helps and sorry for slow reply, but we have been away. All the best, Mark.
So it is possible to get down from cable car and ride next cable car in between of your journey between Zermatt & Cervinia?
And the Swiss half fare card applies for ticket from Zermatt to Cervinia(one way ticket)?
Thanks in advance
Yes, you can get off the cable car at any of the stations, have a look around then get back on anytime you like. Just make sure you leave enough time to complete the whole journey within the opening times.
The Swiss half car applies from Zermatt to Testa Grigia. You may need to buy the tickets in person though. I’ve just had a look online it there doesn’t seem to be a way to add your Swiss halfcard to the online booking form. I’d be interested to find out if this has change so we can update this guide.
Thanks,
Paul.
Hi –
I have a few questions and need clarification:
1. We are staying in Cervenia and want to see Zermatt then we’d like to go from Zermatt to the Matterhorn Alpine journey trip and back to Cervenia. Is this possible to do this in one day and which tickets do I order? We want to go in early August. Thank you for your help! 🙂
Hi Katie,
Yes, you can go from Cervinia to Zermatt on the cable car in one day. However, it’s quite expensive to do the whole return trip – around €240 per person. You need the Breuil-Cervinia to Zermatt ticket which you can purchase on this page.
Paul.
Hi. It would be really helpful to know the travel times between each of the 9 stations so that you can calculate the time it would take to get from, say, Zermatt to Plateau Rosa. Please can you add this information? Great article, really helpful, thank you!
Thanks for your comment Sarah.
It’s difficult to keep the information up to date but we’ll see what we can do.
Paul.
Thanks for all the information! Do you happen to know how often the cable cars leave Zermatt, or where to find this info? We definitely won’t make the first 7am cable car, so we’re trying to figure out what time we’d catch the second (or tenth?) one.
Hi Dawn,
The cable cars run very regularly so you don’t really need to time it to arrive for a particular one. Some of the connections are small gondalas where you queue up and jump on the next one as it moves through the station. Others are point to point with around 15 minutes between each departure.
Paul.
Hi, Thank you for all the useful information! I have a question…is there an exact address for the Breuil-Cervinia gondola station? Or can you tell me how far it is from the Cervinia city centre? Thank you!
Hi Desiree,
The town is fairly small and the Gondola Station is on its eastern edge, about a 10-minute walk from the centre.
The address is Piazzale Funivie, 11021 Valtournenche AO, Italy
Hope you have a great trip.
Mark
Ciao a tutti. Is the funivie from Breuil-Cervinia to Klein Matterhorn open the entire months of September and October or are the closed when the ski slopes are closed between 7 September and 25 October?
Grazie,
Giovanni
Hello! It changes each year, but generally the Breuil Cervinia to Klein Matterhorn section is closed during the off season. For 2025, the cable car will be closed from 7 September.